Establishing Variation of some Ambient Air Pollutant Concentrations, Temperature and Solar Radiation in Sokoto metropolis
Sharafa S. B.
Akpootu D. O
Aliyu R.
Bello S. A.
Yusuf K. A.
Saidu I. G.
Alaiyemola S. R.
Aweda F. O.
Abstract
Short-term assessment of air quality variation of key air pollutants and meteorological parameters in Sokoto metropolis, Nigeria, was carried out. Key air pollutants and meteorological parameters considered are particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), temperature and solar radiation data. Their high-frequency field measurements were done for three months (August to October, 2024) in three different air quality hotspots(i) the entrance to Sokoto State main Motor Park, a hotspot for high vehicular emissions; (ii) Hajiya Halima phone mart complex, ahotspot for high electricity generating sets emissions; and (iii)Mahuta abattoir, a hotspot for biomass burning. Results showed that the highest value of PM10 exceeds WHO guidelines by over sixteen folds in all stations; highest value of PM2. exceeds WHO guidelines by over forty-five folds in all stations; highest value of CO2 exceeds WHO guidelines by over two folds in all stations; highest value of CO exceeds WHO guidelines by over four folds in all stations. In general, the motor park is the most polluted station.The highest value of temperature was recorded at Mahuta station (49.68 oC) followed by Hajiya Halima station (32.65 oC). It was also observed that the temperatures measured in each site has a direct relationship with CO2. This finding supports global warming warnings as a result of its increasing emission. Findings highlight urgent need for air quality management strategies to mitigate vehicular, biomass and electricity generator emissions in the rapidly urbanizing northern Nigeria and by extension, the whole country.
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