Air quality assessment

Description

ABSTRACT

Ambient air quality assessment of University of Africa in Toru-Orua, Bayelsa was carried out with reference to four criteria air pollutants which include particulate matter (PM₁₀), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂ ), sulfur (iv) oxide (SO₂ ) and carbon monoxide (CO). The objective of the study was to determine the atmospheric concentration and to further assess the air quality level of Toru-Orua, Bayelsa. Three locations were studied mobile air quality monitoring devices. The sampling was carried out once a week in each of the five air monitoring locations, 3 times/day (morning, afternoon and evening) and 4 times a month for a period of 3 months. The measured air quality data were analyzed using one way ANOVA (p<0.05) while its spatial distribution was studied using the Box and Whiskers plots. Similarly, the influence of wind speed and wind direction on atmospheric dynamics was assessed with the aid of wind rose diagrams while air quality condition was determined by using air quality index technique (AQI). The result of the study showed that the mean concentration of the air pollutants ranged as follows: PM₁₀ (3.40-11.53) mg m^–3, NO₂ (0.20-0.70) ppm, SO₂ (0.17-0.75) ppm and CO (26.00-51.00) ppm. The mean level of PM₁₀, NO₂ and CO in all the air quality monitoring locations exceeded the Nigerian National ambient Air Quality Standards except the NO₂ concentration at a certain place. ANOVA (p<0.05) analysis revealed no significant difference in the mean concentrations of the measured air pollutants. The wind rose diagrams revealed that the wind speed and wind direction contributed significantly to the dispersion and transportation of the atmospheric pollutants. The findings of the present study suggests that anthropogenic activities in the area and environs are responsible for the observed air quality levels. Strict monitoring of the atmospheric conditions of the study area is, therefore, recommended in view of the adverse health implications.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

COVER PAGE

TITLE PAGE

APPROVAL PAGE

DEDICATION

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

ABSTRACT

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1      BACKGROUND OF THE PROJECT

• PROBLEM STATEMENT
• OBJECTIVES OF THE PROJECT
• SCOPE OF THE STUDY
• SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
• DEFINITION OF TERMS

CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW

• OVERVIEW OF POLLUTION
• COLLABORATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (EPA)
• AIR POLLUTION
• AIR QUALITY ON PUBLIC HEALTH
• AIR POLLUTANTS

CHAPTER THREE

• MATERIALS AND METHODS
• STUDY AREA
• AIR QUALITY SAMPLING PROCEDURE
• METHOD OF DATA INTERPRETATION

CHAPTER FOUR

4.1      RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

CHAPTER FIVE

5.0      SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION

• SUMMARY
• CONCLUSION

REFERENCES

 

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1   BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

One of the major challenging environmental problems that has bedeviled both the developed and developing countries of the world today is air pollution which has recently been linked to increased morbidity and mortality rates (Burnett et al., 2012). Human exposure to air pollutants is unavoidable in today’s perspective especially in the urban areas of most developing countries (Barman et al., 2012). Though, air pollution could be due to natural sources, a major anthropogenic source of air pollution is due to man’s quest for a better standard of living and the utilization of natural resources for rapid industrialization, urbanization and consequently causing excessive air pollution (Tawari et al, 2012). Therefore, air pollution problems have continued to receive a great deal of interest worldwide due to its negative impacts on human health and welfare(Tawari et al, 2012). Among the reported cases of extreme air pollution conditions that affects humanity include the issues of high blood pressure and other cardiovascular problems (Sanjay et al., 2018).

Air pollution, therefore, is a serious threat to environmental health in many cities of the world today. It is very pertinent to note that this condition is not unconnected to the fact that one of the basic requirements of human health and existence is clean air(Sanjay et al., 2018).

The level of air pollutant concentration depend not only on the quantities that are emitted from air pollution sources but also on the ability of the atmosphere to either absorb or disperse these emissions (Sengupta et al., 2013) . This is hinged on space variation of sources as well as atmospheric gradients which most often results in the diffusion and transportation of the pollutants to areas outside the source of the air pollution(Sengupta et al., 2013). Atmospheric dynamics which are generally controlled by meteorological factors (including temperature, humidity, wind speed and direction, etc) remarkably influence the tendency for the release of atmospheric toxins to the environment(Sengupta et al., 2013). In view of this, therefore, atmospheric pollutant conditions most often are subjected to spatio-temporal variations causing the air pollution pattern to change with space and time due to changes in meteorological and topographical conditions (Ogba et al., 2019).

Air quality assessment and monitoring is, therefore, very important in determining the nature of population exposure to atmospheric pollutants which may result in a variety of health effects. These health effects generally depend on the type of pollutant, its magnitude, duration and frequency of exposure and of course the toxicity of the pollutant (Ibe et al., 2017). The way people live and breathe could be affected by the air quality of a particular locality and air quality like weather normally changes from time to time. Report of the air quality index of a locality is therefore important in ambient air quality assessment and monitoring. Air quality index (AQI) rating therefore, may be useful in understanding the atmospheric concentration levels of a locality since it helps in the classification of the health conditions inherent in human exposure to air pollution (Ibe et al., 2017). There is, therefore, the urgent need of assessing the air quality condition within University of Africa environment owing to increase in population, industrialization and urbanization levels of the area.

The objective of this study was to assess the air pollution level of University of Africa and environs in Beyelsa State, Southsouth Nigeria. The acquisition of ambient air quality data in the study area has become necessary due to the paucity of data on atmospheric pollutant concentrations. Nigeria like most developing countries lack the capacity for continuous air pollution monitoring. Therefore, there is need for acquisition of air pollution data at regular intervals in the study area to ascertain the air quality conditions. In this regard, therefore, air pollution level of the study area was determined with emphasis to particulate matter (PM₁₀), nitrogen (iv) oxide (NO₂ ), sulphur (iv) oxide (SO₂) and carbon monoxide (CO). Similarly, since atmospheric pollutant concentrations could be influenced by meteorological factors, therefore, meteorological variables (wind speed and wind directions) were also measured in order to assess the dynamics of atmospheric dispersion of the air pollutants in the study locations. The air quality data measured were analyzed with reference to the specified threshold limits prescribed by the Nigerian National Ambient Air Quality Standards (Nigerian NAAQS) (Ibe et al., 2017).

1.2    PROBLEM STATEMENT

Air pollution produces undesirable effects on man and ecosystem which can cause increased morbidity and mortality rates (Burnett et al., 2012).   Atmospheric pollution is a condition in which certain substances, which include gases (sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxides, hydrocarbons, etc.), particulate matters (smoke, dust, fumes, aerosols, etc.), radioactive materials and many others are present in such concentrations that may produce undesirable effects on man and ecosystem (Rajput et al., 2012). This study was carried out to determine the quality of air of University of Africa in Toru-Orua, Bayelsa state Nigeria based on gases and particulate matters.

1.3  OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The objectives of the study are:

1. To determine the atmospheric concentration with emphasis to particulate matter (PM₁₀), nitrogen (iv) oxide (NO₂ ), sulphur (iv) oxide (SO₂) and carbon monoxide (CO).
2. To assess the air quality level of Toru-Orua, Bayelsa

• To measure air quality data using available instrument.

1. To ascertain the major causes of Atmospheric pollution.

1.4   SCOPE OF THE STUDY

The scope of this study focused of assessing the air pollution level of University of Africa and its environs using available instrument. During the study, air quality data shall be analyzed using one way ANOVA (p<0.05) while its spatial distribution will be studied using the Box and Whiskers plots.

1.5  SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

To the student, this study shall serve as a means of enlightening the student on how the quality of environmental air can be asses.

This project will help in determine invariably the possible causes and effects of environmental pollution in the study areas. It includes the determination of sources of the pollution in those environment and the possible control/eradicative measures to be put in place in order to reduce or curb the negative effect of such pollution in the environment.

1.6   DEFINITION OF TERMS

AIR POLLUTION: Air pollution is contamination of the indoor or outdoor environment by any chemical, physical or biological agent that modifies the natural characteristics.

POLLUTION: This is the process of making air, water soil etc dangerously dirty and not suitable for people to use.

AMBIENT AIR QUALITY: are concentrations of pollutants in the air, and typically refer to outdoor air.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Format = Microsoft word

Chapters = 1-5 chapters

Price: N3,000.

 

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Mobile No: +2348146561114 or +2347015391124

Email address: engr4project@gmail.com

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