Noise and Gaseous Pollutants Profiles of Outdoor Air Envelopes in Selected Areas Within Abeokuta, South Western Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the noise and gaseous pollutant levels associated with outdoor air envelopes of selected areas in Abeokuta, South Western Nigeria. Twenty-six locations were selected; Adata, Adigbe, Asero Estate, Ake, Elega, Ibara, Idi-Aba, Ilupeju, Kolobo, Itoko, Government Residential Area (GRA), Totoro, Ogbe,  Onikaro, Oke Aregba, Oniyanrin Adatan, Iberekodo, Ijaye, Ita-Oshin (market), Ita-Oshin (industrial) Kuto, Itoku, Panseke, Omida, and Lanfewa. On-field measurement of CO, SO₂, NO₂, H₂S, CH₄ and noise was achieved using an automated gas sampler and a sound meter. Mean noise levels varied from 36 ± 0.9 to 89 ± 0.3 dBA whilst CO values ranged from 25 to 74 ppm.  SO₂ and NO₂ measurements ranged from 0.02 to 0.50 ppm and 0.1 to 0.4 ppm. The H₂S and CH₄ values varied from 0.07 to 0.23 ppm and 0.07 to 0.24 ppm. The evaluated potential health risks to exposed individuals in the sampled areas especially concerning CO levels was worryingly very high.  The observed differences between the noise and outdoor gaseous pollutant values for the different locational groups were significant (P<0.05). All the mean noise values and gaseous air pollutants for the residential areas were comparatively lower than those observed for both the industrial and commercial areas.  All the examined outdoor air envelopes surrounding the commercial areas are polluted with varying levels of gaseous contaminants and noise.

Keywords: Abeokuta, Gaseous Pollutants, Commercial Area, Noise, Industrial area, Outdoor air

DOI: 10.7176/JEES/13-2-05

Publication date:March 31^st 2023