Analysis of Spatial Distribution of Air Pollution Level in Enugu Urban, Enugu State, Nigeria.

Abstract

Air pollution is generally defined as the presence in the outdoor atmosphere of one or more contaminants such as fumes, dust, gases, mist, odour, smoke, smog, or vapors in considerable quantities and duration of which is injurious to human, animal and plant life. There has been increasing negative consequences of air pollution on public health, biotic and abiotic components of the environment. The study analyzed the spatial distribution of air pollution level in Enugu State, Nigeria using pollution data obtained from field work through the use of a gas analyzer. The student’s t-test was the statistical tool employed for the study while remote sensing and Geographic information system (GIS) were further used. It was observed that Trans-Ekulu, Abakpa and Emene are the most polluted areas in Enugu while Asata, Coal Camp and Independence layout are the best least polluted areas. CO is the major pollutant in the area whereas pollution was found to be more severe in the evening than morning period in the area. It was concluded that although pollution increased generally as the evening period approaches, the concentration of pollutants appears to decrease more significantly as progression is made towards the southern part of Enugu urban.