Understanding NO2 Concentration Dynamics within Tema Metropolitan Area of Ghana Using Generalized Linear Model

Smart Asomaning Sarpong,Racheal Fosu Donkoh,Youngjo Lee

doi:10.3390/atmos13010091

Smart Asomaning Sarpong, Racheal Fosu Donkoh + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos13010091

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Abstract

The concentration of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is worsening across the globe alongside growth in industrial and general anthropogenic activities. Due to its serious health implications with long-term exposure, studies on NO2 concentration have gained space in the academic literature. In this study, awareness is created on the levels of NO2 across four (4) locations within the Tema Metropolitan area, with specific interest in selecting locations and periods significantly saturated with NO2 within the study area. NO2 was measured using RKI Eagle, an instrument with a built-in sensor for a specific gas measurement. Measurements were taken day and night at sampling points around 100 meters apart in each location. Data collection was performed over a nine (9)-month period. The Generalized Linear model is explored for selecting locations and periods significantly affected by NO2. From the results, the fourth week (26th–31st) of July 2020, the fourth week (27th–31st) of December 2020, the first week (1st–7th) of January 2021, and the fourth week (24th–31st) of January 2021 recorded severe concentrations of NO2. Additionally, the lives of residents in the Oil Jetty and the VALVO hospital areas were found to be the most endangered, as they recorded significantly high concentrations of NO2. In a developing country such as Ghana, this study is useful for monitoring NO2 concentrations in similar areas to inform decision making and environmental policy formulation.

Highlights

Academic Editor: Meelis ZidikheriHigh levels of NO2 concentration are largely associated with industrialization and urbanization [1,2], and the corresponding increase in road vehicles [3]
Tema is a host to many heavy industrial firms, including Ghana’s main seaport, Tema Oil Refinery (TOR), Volta Aluminium Company (VALCO), and Volta River Authority (VRA) Header Station
Values of NO2 concentration above the threshold were classified as pollution, while those below were classified as no pollution

Summary

Introduction

High levels of NO2 concentration are largely associated with industrialization and urbanization [1,2], and the corresponding increase in road vehicles [3]. NO2 is not a carcinogen, there are several studies linking long exposures to NO2 to high risk of acquiring lung cancer. The danger of long exposure to high concentrations of NO2 to human health ranges from bronchial and lung cancer [5,6], to deterioration in the management of severe asthmatic conditions in patients [7]. The consensus is reached among public health professionals on the fact that air pollution increases morbidity for respiratory and cardiovascular conditions and usually results in premature death [8,9,10,11,12,13]. Many studies pay serious attention to NO2 concentration levels by way of putting forth policies that attempt to reduce NO2

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