TITLE:
Assessment of Daytime Air Quality with Respect to NOx, COx and SOx in Template Urban and Sub-Urban Settlements in Central Nigeria
AUTHORS:
Terna David Nyiatagher, Rufus Sha’Ato, Chukwuma Obiajulu Benedict Okoye
KEYWORDS:
Air Quality, Carbon Dioxide, Nigeria, Sulphur Dioxide, Nitrogen Dioxide, Urban Area
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Geoscience and Environment Protection,
Vol.13 No.5,
May
15,
2025
ABSTRACT: Clean air is critical, not only to human health but also to a wholesome and sustainable environment. It is now understood that climate change can affect air quality at the local and regional levels, just as the concentrations of some air pollutants contribute to climate change. In Nigeria, the effects of climate change are becoming increasingly obvious. Considering that climate change action requires a conscious and continual monitoring of the environmental elements critical to the phenomenon, we investigated the daytime levels of CO and CO2, SO2 and NO2 in parts of Central Nigeria known for its extensive and intensive agriculture and yearly bush burning practices; these areas represent template settlements in Nigeria’s Savannah belt. Data were subjected to Statistical Analysis using Pearson Moment Correlation Coefficient and compared to regulatory standards. The mean concentrations of these air pollutants were in the following ranges: CO (0.37 - 39.4 ppm) and CO2 (37.0 - 380 ppm) with the highest concentrations at major road intersections with heavy vehicular traffic, during the rainy season. However, the SO2 levels were generally lower, ranging from below detection limit (BDL) to 0.14 ppm. Again, the highest concentrations were recorded at major road junctions in the cities and more so during dry season. Similarly, the NO2 concentrations were lower than the CO and CO2 levels but comparable to the SO2 levels (BDL-0.13 ppm) with the highest concentrations also at road junctions during the dry season. The study revealed that the levels of these air pollutants measured are obviously due more to vehicular traffic emissions than any other source. Except for CO2, these levels are of no immediate threat to the human population or the environment in the study area, as they are generally below regulatory permissible levels for the protection of human health, flora and fauna (WHO, NESREA and, DPR). Still, if unregulated, the levels could rise to concentrations that might be of concern in the long term, especially for residents where traffic congestion is common in the daytime. This requires green transportation initiatives and public health campaigns on the importance of sustainable air quality management.