AN ASSESSMENT OF ATMOSPHERIC POLLUTANTS (PM2.5, PM10, CO2, SO2, NO2 AND CO) CONCENTRATIONS ON AIR QUALITY USING AIR QUALITY INDEX IN EASTERN NIGERIA

The rate at which atmospheric pollution is increasing in the world as a whole is quite alarming, having a negative effect on the health of humans and the environment. The alarming rate of pollutants in the atmosphere led to this study which was carried out in Douglas Road, Owerri Municipal Council (urban) and Ezihe village, Uzii, Ideato North Local Government Area (rural) in Imo State, Nigeria with the aim to investigate and assess the effect of industrial activity on the air quality of the survey areas, to ascertain its impact on the environment and to compare the overall results of the air quality assessment with the Air Quality Index (AQI) ratings. The air quality status of the sampled areas was analyzed using Gasman Air Monitoring Meter (Models 1200-19831) and Air Ae Steward Meter (Haz-Dust Tm; PM2.5 and PM10, Model: HD1000). The results of the air quality assessment in the urban and rural areas of the state analyzed were in the ranges of 99.30-124.70 µg/m3 for PM2.5, PM10 (138.70-168.00 µg/m3), relative humidity (62.67- 68.33 %), pressure (1008.70-1011.70 hpa), temperature (28.33-35.67 oC), elevation (18.70-82.67 m), cloud (55.67-99.33 %) and wind speed (1.28-1.57 m/s). Other results in (ppm) were: SO2 (0.63-0.70), NO2 (0.27-0.37), CO (33.00-38.67), CO2 (6,500.00-10,166.27). The air quality Index (AQI) ratings of the obtained results showed that, in the rural area, it was rated from poor (D) to very poor (E) while in the urban area, it was rated very poor (E) to hazardous (F). There is need for a routine monitoring of the air quality in Eastern part of Nigeria and in Nigeria as a whole to ensure safety, and a few helpful recommendations were suggested in this study for positive impacts on the environment.