ASSESSMENT OF THE EFFECT OF WASTE DUMP SITES ON AMBIENT AIR QUALITY IN OBIO-AKPOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, RIVERS STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Rapid urbanization and rising waste generation have intensified environmental challenges associated with inadequate municipal solid waste management in Nigerian cities. This study analyses the influence of selected waste dumpsites on ambient air quality in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional environment field assessment was conducted to evaluate ambient air quality around selected waste dumpsites in Obio Akpor comprising of a control location, Eneka and Obirikwere dumpsites. Some of the ambient air-quality parameters, including PM2.5, PM10, CO, CO2, SO2, NO2, CH4, NOx, NH3, H2S and O¬3 were measured using a battery-operated monitoring instrument. Also, 394 questionnaires were sent out, 353 completed responses were analysed. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise the data, while comparative analysis was conducted to assess variations in air-quality parameters among the sampling locations. The result shows higher concentration of several pollutants at the dumpsite locations compared to the locations. PM10 at Eneka had (0.150±0.040 ppm), followed by Obirikwere (0.090±0.010 ppm), while the control location (0.067 ±0.015 ppm). PM2.5 concentration at Eneka (0.077 ± 0.015), Obirikwere (0.070 ± 0.010) and control location (0.0300 ± 0.010). Carbon monoxide concentrations increased at the dumpsite locations compared with the control point. The control site indicates a mean CO concentration of 2.833±0.737 ppm, while Eneke (5.167±0.115 ppm) and Obirikwere (6.800±1.058 ppm). Similarly, CO2 at control point had 151.00±11.00 ppm compared to Eneka with 194.67±18.58 ppm and Obirikwere with 201.67±43.15.