Seasonal monitoring of criteria air pollutants and noise levels across six selected housing estates in Ogun State, Nigeria

Abstract

Levels of criteria air pollutants (CAP) between Dry and Wet seasons vary, this could be indicated when assessed and compared with the thresholds. Their seasonal variations were assessed in six chosen housing estates for possible air pollution on the inhabitants, whose intention is to live in an area that is conducive. Six CAP and noise levels were assessed across the selected housing estates in Ogun State to evaluate their levels for two dry and wet seasons. The CAP (CO2, CO, NO2, H2S and SO2, volatile organic compound (VOC)) and noise levels were quantified using calibrated handheld equipment; hung 1.5 m above ground. Sampling was done 8hrs/ day, once a week for three months in each dry (starting from June) and wet (starting from November) season. Obtained data were subjected to descriptive and inferential statistics at p < 0.05 level of statistical significance. There were indications that levels of CO2 and CO in the dry seasons were 3-folds the wet seasons while NO2 in 10-folds, levels of both H2S and SO2 were below the detection limits in the wet seasons but exceeded the limits in dry seasons. Levels of VOC and Noise were not different in the two seasons. Order of percentage influence of the CAP was CO2 > SO2 > SPM > CO > VOC across the sampling seasons: CO2 > CO > VOC > NO2 > SPM in the wet season but SO2 > SPM > VOC > CO2> CO in the dry season from Linear regression equation. Season was observed to dictate CAP unlike noise levels.