Spatial and diurnal distribution of carbon monoxide (CO) and its health and environmental implications in selected locations in the Niger Delta Area of Nigeria

Abstract

Emission of carbon monoxide (CO) poses unprecedented risks in urban environments. Moreover, there has been a growing concern about the incidences of deaths arising from suffocation by CO fumes in Nigeria. Hence, this study attempts to evaluate the spatial and diurnal distribution of CO and its health and environmental implications in selected Niger Delta areas of Port Harcourt (Rivers State), Yenagoa (Bayelsa State) and Effurun-Warri (Delta State). MultiRAE PLUS and PCMM05 Pyle® Carbon Monoxide Meter were used for in situ measurement. Spatial distribution amongst all the sampling locations shows that Rumuola Junction in Port Harcourt (Rivers State) ranked the highest in CO concentration with a mean value of 120.6 ppm while DSC Roundabout in Effurun/Warri (Delta State) ranked the lowest with a mean value of 6.1 ppm. Diurnal variations in CO distribution were statistically significant (P < 0.05) only in Airport Road and PTI Junction (Effurun-Warri, Delta State), Berger Junction and Swali Market (Yenagoa, Bayelsa State) sampling locations. The observed concentrations were largely higher than the 10 ppm Federal Ministry of Environment limit for ambient air. The high emissions, accumulation and dispersion of CO were attributed to frequent traffic congestion and high vehicular traffic density, among others. It is recommended that road design and maintenance should be greatly improved across the Niger Delta to mitigate traffic emissions. In addition, the public transport system should be improved so as to encourage more patronage and reduce the number of private vehicles on roadways.