Bus terminals

Spatio-Temporal Analysis of Atmospheric Pollutant Concentrations at Bus Terminals along Major Traffic Corridors in Port Harcourt Urban Areas (Published)

This study empirically analyzed atmospheric pollutants concentration especially its relationship to meteorological parameters in the vicinity of bus terminals in the city of Port Harcourt. Data on both atmospheric pollutants ((PM₁, PM_2.5, PM₇, TSP, SO₂, NO₂, CO, VOC and CO) with their meteorological variables were collected with the aid of Aeroqual 300 series multi-Gas Meter and Extech weather station Gavin UID respectively; in Mile 1, Mile 3, Garrison, Rumuola and Lagos park bus terminals which were selected based on their high level of socio-economic activities and high frequency of buses alighting. Data were analysed using the Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation Coefficient, Step-Wise Multiple Regression and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Findings indicates that that Relative humidity (RH) had a direct relationship but low correlation with PM₁ PM₇, TSP and CO of correlation values (r) of 0.343, 0.229, 0.271 and 0.146 respectively but inversely correlated with SO₂ (r = -0.476). However, RH had a direct significant relationship with PM_2.5, SO₂, and VOC (r = 0.548, 0.629 and 0.595 respectively at p = 0.05). Temperature had a significant but inverse relationship with PM_2.5, SO₂, and VOC (r = -0.524, -0.641 and -0.6 12 at p = 0.05) and a direct significant relationship with NO₂ (r = 0.712) and CO₂ (r = 0.553.  Wind speed  showed a weak relationship with PM₁ and CO₂  (r = 0.010 and 0.205 ) but inversely and significantly correlated to PM₇, PM₁₀, TSP, CO, PM_2.5, SO₂ and VOC (r = -0.398, -0.398,  -0.436, -432, -0.575, -0.864 and  respectively) which means that as wind speed reduces the concentration of these pollutants increases at the bus terminals. Result showed that there were elevated spatial and temporal concentrations of these pollutants because of calm atmospheric condition prevailing at the bus terminal. Enforcement of stricter laws and regulations to control emissions of these obnoxious air pollutants because of their health implications for commuters is strongly recommended.

Keywords: Air Pollution, Bus terminals, carbon monoxide, emission concentration, vehicular emissions

On The Relationship between Atmospheric Pollutants and Meteorological Parameters along Major Traffic Corridors in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Nigeria (Published)

This study analyzes the relationship between atmospheric pollutants concentration and meteorological parameters at bus terminals in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Data on both atmospheric pollutants with their meteorological variables were collected with the aid of multi-Gas Monitor and Extech weather station respectively at five major bus terminals.  Data were analysed using the Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation Coefficient, Step-Wise Multiple Regression and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Findings indicate that that Relative humidity (RH) had low correlation with PM₁ (0.343) and CO (0.146) but inversely correlated with SO₂ (r = -0.476). However, RH had a positive significant relationship with PM_2.5, SO₂, and VOC (r = 0.548, 0.629 and 0.595 respectively at p = 0.05). Temperature had a significant but inverse relationship with PM_2.5, SO₂, and VOC (r = -0.524, -0.641 and -0.6 12 at p = 0.05) and a direct significant relationship with NO₂ (r = 0.712) and CO₂ (r = 0.553.  Wind speed showed a weak relationship with PM₁ and CO₂ (r = 0.010 and 0.205) but inversely and significantly correlated to PM₇, PM₁₀, TSP, CO, PM_2.5, SO₂ and VOC (r = -0.398, -0.398, -0.436, -432, -0.575, -0.864 respectively). Concentrations of pollutants were elevated because of calm atmospheric conditions prevailing at the bus terminals.

Keywords: Air Pollution, Bus terminals, carbon monoxide, emission concentration, vehicular emissions

THE IMPACT OF AUTOMOBILE EXHAUST FUMES ON CONCENTRATION LEVELS OF LEAD ON BREAD IN PORT HARCOURT CITY, NIGERIA (Published)

The study examined the spatio-temporal analysis of Lead (Pb) concentrations in bread in five selected bus terminals in Port Harcourt metropolis A total of one thousand and two hundred loaves of bread were exposed to air with two hundred in each bus terminals on Mondays and Fridays in the morning, afternoon, and evening for four weeks and used for laboratory analysis. Volume of vehicular counts was also determined in the morning, afternoon and evening across the selected bus terminals. Thirty samples of premium motor spirit (PMS) were randomly collected between July and September 2013 to determine the amount of Pb and octane rating present in the laboratory. The area of each bus terminal was determined by multiplying the length and the breadth of each bus terminals. Mean value of Pb concentration and octane ratings; the volume of vehicular counts, size of the bus was determined. ANOVA and regression analysis were used in the study. Result showed that the mean values of Pb concentrations in bread were highest in Flyover Mile 1 Park in the morning, afternoon and evening with a value of 0.464 g/g, 0.305g/g and 0.339g/g respectively. Generally, the Pb concentration in bread was highest in the morning (0.271g/g) and least in the evening (0.235g/g). A direct relationship existed between the concentration of Pb in bread in bus terminals and volume of vehicular counts (r2= 0.194). Similarly, the size of bus terminals accounted for 60.0% of the concentration of Pb in bread (r2 = 0.600). There was a significant variation in the Pb concentrations in bread recorded in the morning, afternoon and evening as F calculated was 10.451 at 0.5 significance level. Similarly, there was a significant variation in the Pb concentrations recorded in the selected locations as F calculated was 10.788 at 0.5significance level. Policy measured aimed at stopping the sale of bread at the bus terminals and the use of leaded petrol in the city is advocated.

Keywords: Bus terminals, Lead (Pb) concentration, Port Harcourt, Spatio-temporal, White bread