EVALUATION OF PARTICULATE MATTER (PM2.5 AND PM10) CONCENTRATIONS IN THE DRY AND WET SEASONS AS INDICES OF AIR QUALITY IN ENUGU URBAN, ENUGU STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The particulate matter (PM) is one of the major air pollutants emitted from various sources, having adverse effect on human health and environment. The study evaluates the concentrations of PM2.5 and PM10 pollution in Enugu Urban. The PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations were collected from April 2018 to March 2019 using CASELLA CEL - 712 (Dust Detective). The study area was categorized under, industrial, commercial, high density residential, low density residential areas and control location in a rural area. The annual average concentration were in the ranges 23.06 ± 1.53 to 153.23 ± 28.73 µg/m3 for PM2.5 while the average concentration for PM10 ranged from 37.49 ± 3.75 to 336.49 ± 47.05 µg/m3. The average annual PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations in almost all the areas studied are above the WHO limits of PM2.5-25 µg/m3 and PM10 - 50µ/m3. Therefore, the residents of study areas are exposed to inhalable particulate which may have adverse health risk and environmental deterioration. This enrichment may be attributed mostly to human activities. Adequate attention should be given; periodic monitoring and pollution abatement measures must be strictly adhered to.