Assessment of the fate and intensity of particulate matter associated with playgrounds in traffic-congested areas of yenagoa metropolis, Nigeria

Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM) are minute atmospheric solid, liquid or gaseous aerosol, whose sources can be anthropogenic or lithogenic.1 The types of suspended particulate matter include fine particulate matter whose diameter ranges from 2.5μm and below, while the diameter of coarse particulate matter ranges from above 2.510μm.2 Notwithstanding, the sub-kinds of particulate matter include but not limited to; suspended particulate matter (SPM), thoracic particles as well as respirable particles.1,3 The sources of atmospheric particulate matter vary and may depend on certain compounding environmental factors, whose fate is mostly influenced by some meteorological conditions.4 Major contributor of particulate matter emission may arise from the wear of vehicle components such as brakes and tires as well as suspension of road dust particles. Based on magnitude (i.e. fine and coarse SPM), the levels of SPM include; PM 1.0, PM 2.5 which are fine particulate; and PM 4.0, PM 7.0, PM 10 are coarse particulate matter. However, total aggregates of PM 1.0–PM10 makes up what is called total suspended particulate (TSP). The World Health Organisation (WHO), adduce PM1.0 as the deadliest (group 1 carcinogens) amongst all particulate matter due to their finest particles and ability to penetrate the lungs and bloodstream, thereby causing DNA mutation, heart attack and even infant mortality.2