International Journal of Research and Innovation in Applied Science (IJRIAS) |Volume VIII, Issue I, January 2023|ISSN 2454-6194
Alilonu E.C.1, Obafemi A.A.1,2 and Eludoyin O.S.1,2
1Institute of Natural Resources, Environment and Sustainable Development, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
2Department of Geography and Environmental Management, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Abstract: – The study assessed the air quality and meteorological parameters of the surrounding area of active dumpsites in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State, Nigeria. The air quality and meteorological parameters were sampled based on the distance of 0m, 100m, 200m, 300m, 400, and 500m from the dumpsite using standard instrument. The WHO standard was compared with the values of the air quality parameters obtained in the study area. Similarly, meteorological parameters such as temperature, relative humidity, wind speed and direction were recorded using weather tracker at the same distance. Readings were taken in the morning (7-9am), afternoon (12-2pm) and evening (4-6pm) once in a week for a year. Dust Track DRX aerosol monitor was used to measure PM2.5, PM10 and TSP while aeroqual multigas monitor 500 Series was used to measure NO2, SO2, CO, H2S, VOC, O3, and NH3. Descriptive statistics were used for the data analysis. Results showed that In Mile 3 Market dumpsite, it was observed that the wind speed was 0.98 m/s while temperature was 32.65 °C and relative humidity was 85.67%. However, findings revealed that the concentration of SO2 was higher in the dumpsite around Mile 3 Market and Rumuomasi than other dumpsites whereas the relative humidity was highest around Eneka/Igwuruta dumpsite. The study concluded that the air quality and meteorological parameters varied from place to place. Also, distance from the dumpsite was highly influential in determining the level of air quality in the study area.. It is thus recommended among others that environmental education about air quality pollution is required so that residents can understand the effects of landfill sites in the neighbourhood empirically.
Keywords: Air quality, Meteorological parameter, Active dumpsite, Port Harcourt
I. Introduction
Air pollution is becoming a major factor in the quality of life of urban and rural dwellers, posing a risk both to human health and to the environment (Ideriah and Stanley, 2008 & Gobo et al 2012). Over the last three decades there has been increasing global concern over the public health impact attributed to environmental pollution, in particular the global burden of disease. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that about a quarter of the disease facing mankind today occur due to prolonged exposure of environmental pollution. Most of these environmentally-related diseases are not easily detected and may be acquired during childhood and manifested later in adulthood (www.undp.org/urbanenvironment). Improper management of solid waste is one of the main causes of environmental pollution and degradation in many cities, especially in developing countries. Many of these cities lack solid waste regulation and proper disposal facilities for harmful waste and thus people’s lives are subjected to risk because of the release of the harmful pollutants. Ogbonna et al (2009) agreed that a wide range of inorganic and organic compounds cause contamination especially when they are exposed to rain, its decomposition produces noxious odour, thereby, constituting a health hazard and in addition, Adriano (2001), Kinuthia et al (2020) and Ahmad et al (2021) submitted that major components of these compounds include heavy metals, combustible and putriscible substances, hazardous wastes, explosives and petroleum products. Such waste may be infectious, toxic or radioactive.
Municipal waste dumping sites are designated places set aside for waste disposal depending on a city level of waste management. Such waste may be dumped in an uncontrolled manner segregated from cycling purposes, or simply burnt. Poor waste management posed a great challenge to the well-being of city residents particularly those living adjacent the dump site due to the potential of the waste to pollute water, food source, land, air, and vegetation. The poor disposal and handling of waste thus leads to environmental degradation, destruction of the ecosystem and poses great risk to public health. The state of poor solid waste management in Port-Harcourt, Rivers State capital is poor and has reached an alarming proportion as Port-Harcourt city environmental officials/waste contractors appear unable to combat unlawful and haphazard dumping of solid wastes on the streets and drainages, which are a clear violation of the Rivers state clean Air and Health Edict of 1990 (Agwu, 2012). Wastes are frequently dumped along the streets, in the gutters and informal waste dumps. These dumpsites may contain a mixture of general waste and toxic, infections or radioactive waste and are susceptible to burning and exposure to scavengers.