Impact of quarry activities on the air quality around neighbouring localities in Ogun State, Nigeria

Abstract

Quarry industry and its products play an important role in any economy in the world. This study examined the impact of quarry activities on air quality around the neighbouring localities in Ogun State. Eight locations were selected; Isara, Idode, Iwaye, Ogbere, Ilagbe, Adelokun, Baaki Ake, and Igodo. Air quality was assessed for the concentration of CO2, PM2.5 and PM10 using standard procedures. Samplings were carried out in dry and wet seasons. Data were subjected to descriptive and inferential statistics using SAS package (9.4 version), compared with World Health Organisation (WHO) and the probability of particulate matters causing health hazard was also calculated using Air Quality Index (AQI). PM2.5 and PM10 (dry season) of the surrounding locations were higher than the WHO Limits of 15 and 45 µg/m3 respectively; except the PM10 at Iwaye (32.20±4.18 µg/m3), Isara (35.60±4.38 µg/m3) and Adelokun (42.58±2.74). In wet season, the PM2.5 (all locations) and only PM10 of Ilagbe ((45.99±3.15), Baaki Ake (50.97±3.13) and Igodo (49.68±2.17) were higher than their corresponding WHO Limits. The AQI of PM2.5 (both seasons) at various locations were in the range of 51 – 100 (moderate). AQI of PM10 dry and wet seasons across locations range 0 – 50 (good); except the PM2.5 of Baaki Ake (51.16) hence, moderate. CO2 concentration at Adelokun (421.73±2.75), Baaki Ake (415.62±5.82) and Igodo (411.85±1.95) (dry season) and Adelokun (405.98±2.60) and Baaki Ake (403.26±1.63) (wet season) surpassed WHO limit (400 µg/m3). The surrounding localities were polluted with CO2 and particulate matters (PM2.5 and PM10) with no health hazard.