ABSTRACT
This
study determined the effects of seasonality on air pollution in a tropical city
of Southern Nigeria. This was with a view to acquiring data that would be
useful in policy formulation and planning for proper management of ailments
that result from seasonal variation of air pollution in the study area.
Sampling for the study covered a period of six months, between mid-October 2013
and mid-April 2014. Air pollutants, taken into consideration, include
particulate matter (PM0.3, 0.5, 1.0, 2.5, 5.0 and 10μm) and carbon
monoxide (CO). Particulate matter was measured using a hand-held particle
counter, while CO was measured with a single gas monitor (T40 Rattler). Five
sampling points were selected based on stratified sampling technique, which
represented five land use types monitored in the study area. Sampling was
carried out twice in a week in accordance with the guidelines of Central
Pollution Control Board, Delhi India. Sampling height was two meters above
ground level. The student T-test was used to determine significant differences
in monthly mean concentration of air pollutants across dry and wet seasons. The
results revealed the dry season with mean values of 248568.19, 64639.04,
11140.21, 2810.39, 665.84, 320.80 particle counts for PM0.3, 0.5, 1.0,
2.5, 5.0 and 10μm and 3.01 ppm for CO concentration, was characterized by
higher concentration of pollutants, while the rainy season with a mean values
of 94728.24, 24745.69, 4338.29, 1158.11, 262.69, 131.36 particle counts for PM0.3,
0.5, 1.0, 2.5, 5.0 and 10μm and 2.70 ppm for CO concentration was
characterized with less concentration of pollutants. The study concludes that
seasonality significantly influences the concentration of pollutants in the
city.