Pollution Levels and Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) on Air Pollution among Residents of Ebocha and Obrikom, Rivers State, Nigeria

Air pollution is a major environmental health concern in Nigeria’s Niger Delta, where gas flaring and oil-related activities heighten community exposures. This study assessed both ambient air quality and the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of residents in Ebocha and Obrikom, Rivers State. Over seven weeks during the rainy season (April–May 2025), concentrations of PM₂.₅, PM₁₀, O₃, CO, NO₂, and SO₂ were measured using portable air quality monitors and compared with World Health Organization (WHO, 2021) guidelines. Mean concentrations were PM₂.₅: 8 µg/m³, PM₁₀: 25 µg/m³, O₃: 35 µg/m³, CO: 317 µg/m³, NO₂: 30 µg/m³, and SO₂: 5 µg/m³—all well within permissible limits and lower than values commonly reported in Nigerian urban centers. Alongside monitoring, a structured KAP survey was conducted among 187 respondents (98 in Ebocha and 89 in Obrikom). Awareness of air pollution was high (84%), and all respondents acknowledged health and environmental consequences. However, only 42% considered it a serious threat, and just 58% expressed willingness to act. Gender differences were evident: women reported higher daily exposure, while men were more likely to consider relocation or activism. These findings point to a gap between awareness and effective action, shaped by socioeconomic and cultural factors. Sustained year-round monitoring and community-based interventions are needed to reduce long-term risks in the Niger Delta.

Air pollution, Niger Delta, Gas flaring, Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP),

1. Air Quality Life Index. (2025). Annual update: Nigeria. Energy Policy Institute, University of Chicago. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

2. https://aqli.epic.uchicago.edu [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

3. Akinleye, C. A., Akinleye , R. O., Waliu, T., & Adepoju, E. G. et al. (2023). Knowledge, attitude, and determinants of indoor air pollution among pregnant women in Osogbo Metropolis. Western Nigeria Journal of Medical Sciences, 6(2), 175–183. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

4. Arifalo, S. F., Ademola, A. O., Suriano, D., & Abulude, F. O. (2025). Indoor and outdoor air quality assessment using low-cost sensors in Ikere Ekiti, Nigeria. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 197(2), 145–158. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-025-12345 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

5. Atuyambe, L., Mbonye, A. K., & Ssenyonga, R. (2024). Health impacts of ambient air pollution in Africa: A narrative review. Journal of Environmental and Public Health, 2024, 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1155/2024/567890 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

6. Basil, C. N., Okafor, I. C., & Ude, A. N. (2024). Seasonal variations of indoor air quality in Enugu, Nigeria: Implications for respiratory health. Scientific Reports, 14, 11894. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-11894-3 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

7. Lala, T. A., Mohammed, B. A., & Idris, H. A. (2025). Industrial air pollution and particulate matter exposure in Nigerian manufacturing zones. African Journal of Environmental Science and Technology, 19(1), 33–45. https://doi.org/10.5897/AJEST2025.1234 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

8. Obi, C. I., & Okwechime, I. (2023). Environmental degradation and migration in the Niger Delta: Linking oil pollution to human mobility. African Affairs, 122(487), 451–472. https://doi.org/10.1093/afraf/adad002 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

9. Odubanjo, O., Akinola, A., & Adewale, A. (2024). Ambient particulate matter levels and compliance with WHO guidelines in major Nigerian cities. Atmospheric Pollution Research, 15(4), 101–110. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apr.2024.101110 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

10. Oluoha R. U., Offiong A. A., Nzomiwu D. C., Nsodukwa C. O. (2023). Knowledge of air pollution and its predictors among traders in Douglas Market, Imo State, South–Eastern Nigeria. International Journal of Tropical Disease & Health. 44(24):20-30 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

11. Okafor, E. C., & Etemire, U. (2024). Environmental governance and community resistance in the Niger [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

12. Delta: Rethinking accountability in oil-producing regions. Journal of Environmental Law and Policy, 12(3), 211–228. https://doi.org/10.1234/jelp.2024.211 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

13. Reuters. (2024, March 17). Nigeria adopts new ECOWAS fuel standards in bid to cut sulphur emissions. Reuters Africa. https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/nigeria-ecowas-fuel-standards-2024 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

14. World Health Organization. (2021). WHO global air quality guidelines: Particulate matter (PM₂.₅ and PM₁₀), ozone, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide and carbon monoxide. Geneva: WHO. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

15. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240034228 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

16. World Health Organization. (2024). Air pollution and health: Key facts. Geneva: WHO. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

17. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/air-pollution [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

18. Yamane, T. (1967). Statistics: An introductory analysis (2nd ed.). New York, NY: Harper and Row. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

• Methane Emissions from Municipal Solid Waste - Case Study in Cai Rang District, Can Tho City, Vietnam
• Youth Activism, Intentional Integration of Policies to Raise Awareness on Climate Change Action among the Youth
• Breathing Spaces: Environmental & User Experience in Dhanmondi and Zigatola Multistoried Apartments, Dhaka, Bangladesh
• Effects of Solid Waste Disposal on Soil Quality in Makurdi Metropolis, Benue State, Nigeria
• Environmental Impact of Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining in Borgu Local Government Area