Ambient Air Quality Assessment and Human Health Risk in Lokoja, Kogi State

Ambient air quality assessment and human health risk in Lokoja, Kogi State, was carried out with reference to five major criteria air pollutants which include particulate matter (PM), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur (iv) oxide (SO2), carbon monoxide (CO) and ozone(O3). Three sampling locations were investigated by using mobile air quality monitoring devices twice daily for a period of 30 days. The measured air quality data were analyzed using one way ANOVA (p<0.05) while it spatial distribution was studied using the Box and Whiskers plots. The result showed that the mean concentrations (g m–3) of the air pollutants are as follows: PM2.5 (140 ± 15), PM10 (151 ± 20), NO2 (162.3 ± 2.1), SO2 (179.9 ± 0.3), CO (202± 21) and O3 (163.4 ± 6.8). The influence of wind, temperature, pressure on atmospheric dynamics were also assessed. The mean levels of PM2.5, PM10, SO2, CO and O3 in all the air quality monitoring locations exceeded the Nigerian National ambient Air Quality Standards except the NO2 concentration at a certain place. ANOVA (p<0.05) analysis revealed no significant difference in the mean concentrations of the measured air pollutants. The findings revealed that anthropogenic activities in the environs are responsible for the observed air quality levels and continuous monitoring is hereby recommended in view of the adverse health implications.