Particulate matters pollution in selected areas of Nigeria: Spatial analysis and risk assessment

Abstract

The increasing rate of unregulated emissions of particulate matters from different sources in Nigeria is of great concern. This study therefore focused on monitoring particulate matters (PM2.5 and PM10) level in some municipal areas in Nigeria. The study also simulated the dispersion pattern of the particulate matters and assessed the health risk of particulate matter exposure. PM2.5 and PM10 level in the selected areas were quantified for 8 months using Centre for Atmospheric Research (CAR) satellite-based sensors. Hybrid single-particle Lagrangian integrated trajectory (HYSPLIT) model was used to simulate the dispersion pattern and the dispered particulate matter position. The risk assesment was estimated by air quality index (AQI) using World Health Organization (WHO) guideline for PM2.5 and PM10 as the standard. The result showed that the levels of PM2.5 and PM10 on monthly average basis for the selected areas were all above the WHO guideline. The dispersion model and potential particulate matter position revealed that it takes almost 12 hours for any released particulate matter to be fully dispersed and that majority of the dispersed particles were found within 100 m. The AQI level of PM2.5 ranged from 65.13 to 927.07 while PM10 AQI ranged from 73.51 to 256.65 for the selected regions, which showed poor and unhealthy air quality. Also, the inhabitants of the studied areas are at high risk of particulate matters exposure which may lead to a reduced life expectancy over a long period of exposure. This study however concluded that a more robust measure should be put in place to ensure an improved air quality.