Analysis of the Atmospheric Compositions at Traffic Intersections on the selected Major Roads in Imo State, Nigeria
1Ubuoh E. A. & 2Ogbuji S. I.
1Department of Environmental Management and Toxicology
College of Natural Resources and Environmental Management
Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Nigeria
2Department of Geography and Environmental Management
Imo State University, Owerri, Imo State Nigeria
Email: attahubuoh@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
The study was aimed at Assessing Ambient Air Chemistry at Some Traffic Intersection Points in Owerri Urban due to incessant traffic jam which has become the most recognized air quality issue in recent times. Air quality sampled for 8hours duration include: sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), particulate matter (PM10), carbon monoxide (CO), carbon-dioxide (CO2) and lead (Pb) alongside meteorological variables viz: wind speed, temperature, and relative humidity. The results of the sampled air quality at the selected traffic routes were compared with FMENV/WHO standards which summarized the health implications of each of the parameters using Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) according to USEPA. The mean results of the air quality showed that in the morning and evening hours except the mean of PM10, all other parameters exceeded the limits set by FEMENV/WHO with the mean wind speed values of 1.7m/s2, temperature 31.160C, and relative humidity 79.1% in the morning, and in the evening, the mean wind speed values of1.4 m/s2 , temperature 30.810C, and relative humidity 62.7%were recorded which affects the dispersion of the atmospheric pollutants. Using Air Quality index to assess human effects, all other parameters shown good health implications with CO2 showing unhealthy effects.
Keywords: Ambient Air, Traffic Intersection, Pollutant Standards Index
