Spatial and Seasonal Influence of Meteorological Parameters on the concentration of Suspended Particulate Matter in an industrial city of Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Abstract

Air pollution has been the primary environmental problem in Port Harcourt due to the heavy industrial foundations which are related to the oil and gas industries. This paper examines the spatial and seasonal influence of meteorological parameter on the concentrations of suspended particulate matter 10micron (SPM). Sampling was performed at six different landuse areas with the aid of multi-gas sampler and digital hand held weather tracker during the wet, transition and dry seasons from 2010 to 2011 on the bases of 24-hour continuous measurements. The spatial distribution shows that a comparatively higher concentration of PM₁₀ was found at the high density residential and industrial areas which are in the southeastern part of Port Harcourt downwind. The relationship between air pollution and the meteorological factors showed that, air temperature and wind speed accounted for 13.2% and 22% variation in the concentration of PM₁₀ at the industrial and high density residential areas during the dry and wet season respectively. The study revealed that there is a weak level relationship between meteorological factors and particulate matter concentrations leading to its enhanced concentrations in Port Harcourt city. The temporal distribution shows a decrease in ambient concentration of PM₁₀ from the dry, transition to wet season mainly due to decrease in the values of the meteorological parameters. There is need to put in place policy measures aimed that controlling air pollutant concentrations.

Keyword: meteorological parameters, air pollutant, landuse, particulate matter concentration, industrial city.