Seasonal Particulate Pollution in Port Harcourt Nigeria

Happy Wilson Abali^1, , Ongoebi M. Etebu² and Tambari G. Leton¹

¹Centre of Occupational Health, Safety & Environment, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria

²Faculty of Engineering, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Cite this paper:
Happy Wilson Abali, Ongoebi M. Etebu and Tambari G. Leton. Seasonal Particulate Pollution in Port Harcourt Nigeria. Journal of Environment Pollution and Human Health. 2018; 6(1):20-25. doi: 10.12691/jephh-6-1-3

Abstract

Air quality in Port Harcourt had reached such an alarming level that particulate matter has been observed to be literally falling out of the atmosphere. This has led to outcry from several quarters asking for the situation to be addressed. The problem is that government has not been able to address the fundamental issues involved, namely the sources, the potential impact and how to control the episode. In this regard, the Centre for Occupational Health, Safety and Environment (COHSE) decided to set up a monitoring station. Daily monitoring readings obtained were astronomical. Some of the readings were far above both the Federal Ministry of Environment (FMEnv) and WHO exposure limits. Results reveals that particulate matter especially PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ exceeded the exposure limits set by both FMEnv and WHO by up to 90 per cent. Emission sources are recommended to be regulated.

Keywords:
PM_2.5 pollution PM₁₀ pollution particulate pollution air pollution

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