Air Quality Assessment in the Vicinity of Cement Company (Published)
This study investigated effect of cement production activities and seasons on the concentration of air pollutants such as Total Suspended Particle (TSP), Thoracic Particulates viz respairable and inhalable sizes (PM2.5 and PM10) and gaseous pollutants: Carbon monoxide (CO), Sulphur dioxide (SO2), Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx) and Hydrogen sulphide (H2S). The cement company is located in Ogun State, Nigeria between latitude 6Вє 54′ N – 6Вє 55′ N and longitude 3Вє 12′ E – 3Вє 12′ E – 3Вє 13′ E; studied between July – December, 2010. Sampling was carried out at Production plant (starting point), Administrative office (400 m), Ewekoro community (500 m), Cement mill (800 m), Ajobiewe community (1000 m) and Agbesi estate (1500 m). The samplers used were Stage gravimetric sampler (for suspended particulate matters), Tetra multi-gas monitor (CH4, CO and H2S), Multi gas meter, Land Duo (CO2, NO and NOx) and BW, Model 0539, gas alert (SO2). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and analysis of variance. Test of significance of the means was by the Least Significant Difference and Duncan Multiple Range test. Significant concentrations of TSP, PM10, PM2.5, SOx, NOx CO and H2S were observed in the vicinity of Cement Company. Higher concentration of PM was observed in the dry season than wet season. Cement production activities release air pollutants. There is need to reduce the rate of emission during cement production to the lowest minimal level by using air trapping devices.
Keywords: Air, Cement, Production, Quality