The Levels of Toxic Gases; Carbon Monoxide, Hydrogen Sulphide and Particulate Matter to Index Pollution in Jos Metropolis, Nigeria

S.A. Ola^1, , S.J. Salami² and P.A. Ihom³

¹National Metallurgical Development Centre, Jos, Nigeria

²Chemistry Department, University of Jos, Nigeria

³Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Uyo, Nigeria

Cite this paper:
S.A. Ola, S.J. Salami and P.A. Ihom. The Levels of Toxic Gases; Carbon Monoxide, Hydrogen Sulphide and Particulate Matter to Index Pollution in Jos Metropolis, Nigeria. Journal of Atmospheric Pollution. 2013; 1(1):8-11. doi: 10.12691/jap-1-1-3

Abstract

The levels of gaseous pollutants; carbon monoxide (CO), hydrogen sulphide (H₂S), and particulate matter (PM) were determined using Electrochemical Sensors and Infra-red based particulometer. The areas under study were some busy roads in Jos, Nigeria including; Ahmadu Bello way, Bauchi road, Tomato market, and some junctions/ terminals; University of Jos gate, Farin Gada and Gada biu. The aim was to assess the extent of vehicular emission in the immediate environment. The result showed that the concentration 0f CO obtained ranged from 6 to 110ppm. The range of H₂S obtained was 1.0 to 3.6ppm, while particulate matter concentrations was in the range of 0.1 to 0.6 mg/m³. The peak CO concentrations was higher than the maximum tolerable limit of 50ppm with the possible consequences of causing toxicity to man. The particulate matter and H₂S levels are moderate compared to health standards but present an interesting trend for researchers and town planners to observe.

Keywords:
Toxic gases particulate matter pollution vehicular emission environment

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