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, PM2.5, 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 PM2.5, SO2, and VOC (r = 0.548, 0.629 and 0.595 respectively at p = 0.05). Temperature had a significant but inverse relationship with PM2.5, 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, PM2.5, 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 PM2.5, SO2, and VOC (r = 0.548, 0.629 and 0.595 respectively at p = 0.05). Temperature had a significant but inverse relationship with PM2.5, 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, PM2.5, 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