An Assessment of Air Quality in and around Gwagwalada Abattoir, Gwagwalada, Abuja, Fct.

Abstract

This work attempted an assessment of air quality in and around Gwagwalada abattoir. Air samples were collected from six points around the abattoir and recorded insitu for analysis.  The following parameters were investigated; Particulate Matter (PM), Carbon monoxide (CO), Sulphur dioxide (SO₂), Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), Ammonia (NH₃), Chlorine (CL₂) and Hydrogen cyanide. The statistical test employed was the Student t-test in verifying the hypothesis. Based on the data collected and the analysis made, it was observed that the mean values of the parameters varied from points to points and at different time of the day. Also, the mean values of the parameters were compared with the FEPA recommended limits, and it was observed that Sulphur dioxide (SO₂), Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and Particulate matter were above the FEPA recommended limit. While Carbon monoxide (CO), Hydrogen cyanide (HCN) and Ammonia (NH₃) are still below the standard limit. Air Quality Index shows that Sulphur dioxide (SO₂), and  Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂ have very poor quality index Recommendations include; relocation of abattoir to an area far from residences, inspection of abattoir process by professionals in related fields, proper waste management systems should be made.

Keywords: Air, Quality, AQI, Abattoir, pollution, and Gwagwalada