Impact of Industrial Activities on the Ambient Air Quality of Bundu-Ama Environs, Port Harcourt,Nigeria

Abstract

Studies on the impact of human and industrial activities on the ambient air quality of Bundu Ama environs, Port Harcourt was carried out in the month of september2014.Four monitoring stations were selected for measurement of the air pollutant levels according to Federal Ministry of Environment prescribed guidelines and methods. The pollutants monitored and measured were: Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM), Carbon Monoxide (CO), Hydrocarbon (HC), Volatile Organic Carbon (VOC),Nitrogen Oxides(NO_X) and Sulphur Oxides (SO_X).These parameters were monitored and measured by a gas meter with sensors sensitive to their concentrations. The results showed that Suspended Particulate Matter, SPM and SO_X were detected in appreciable levels during monitoring. However the levels of SPM were within the guidelines set by FEMENV while SO_X exceeded the limit in some of the monitored stations. There is need for constant monitoring of the industries in the study area and enforcement of all environmental laws by the authorities.

Keywords: Ambient air quality, Bundu-Ama, Monitoring, Impact