International Journal of Environment and Pollution Research (IJEPR)

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SEASONAL ANALYSIS OF ATMOSPHERIC POLLUTANTS CONCENTRATIONS IN URBAN AND RURAL LANDUSE AREAS OF RIVERS STATE, NIGERIA.

Abstract

The study examined the seasonal urban-rural difference in atmospheric pollutant concentration in Port Harcourt region. Sampling was performed at four different sites with two having urban and rural characteristics respectively, with the aid of multi-gas sampler and hand held weather tracker during the wet, transition and dry season from 2010-2011 on the bases of 24-hour continuous measurement. Data collected were analysed using t-test at p = 0.05. Findings showed that the pollutants (in urban and rural areas) with significant concentrations during the dry season were PM10 (384.0 ± 32.6 and 259µg/m3 ± 41.7 µg/m3), SO2 (1.4 ± 0.0 and 0 mg/m3 ± 0 mg/m3) and CH4 (61.4 ± 3.8 and 0 mg/m3 ± 0 mg/m3); while in the wet season they were PM10 (101 ± 4.7 and 33.6µg/m3 ± 0.7µg/m3), TSP (155.2 ± 15.5 and 42..3µg/m3 ± 1.2 µg/m3) and CO (26.2 ± 0.2 and 17.5 mg/m3 ± 0.4 mg/m3). For the transition period, the pollutants (in urban and rural areas) with significant concentrations were PM10 (215.7 ± 20.0 and 146.2 µg/m3 ± 19.2 µg/m3), TSP (287.7 ± 45 and 204.6µg/m3 ± 55.4 µg/m3), NO2 (0.2 ± 0.0 and 0mg/m3 ± 0mg/m3) and CH4 (20.5 ± 0.6 and 0.9mg/m3 ± 0.0mg/m3). The slashes and burn method of farm preparation and fuel wood which is used for cooking contributed to the high concentration of TSP, PM10 and CO during the dry season and this is why there was no significant difference in their concentration with the urban areas. In general however, there were significant differences in the mean concentrations of PM10, TSP, NO2, and CO; PM10, TSP, NO2 and CH4 during the wet, transition an dry seasons respectively at 95% significant level between the rural and urban areas for the seasons at p = 0.05. Regular monitoring of pollutants especially at the rural areas of Port Harcourt region with heavy hydrocarbon industrial foundations is advocated.

Keywords: Atmospheric Pollutants Concentration, Port Harcourt, Rural, Seasons, Urban

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Email ID: editor.ijepr@ea-journals.org
Impact Factor: 7.01
Print ISSN: 2056-7537
Online ISSN: 2056-7545
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37745/ijepr.13

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