The Role of Meteorological Parameters in Atmospheric Scavenging Across the Seasons: A Case Study of the Coastal Areas of Akwa Ibom State
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.83080/rejost.vol6no8.344Keywords:
Air Pollutants, Meteorological Parameters, Emission, Correlation, Public healthAbstract
In this study, the meteorological parameters were studied to assess their contributions to atmospheric scavenging in the different contrasting seasons of Mkpat Enin Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Ambient concentrations of PM2.5, PM10, gaseous oxides (NO2, SO2, CO, CO2, NH3, H2S, CH2O, TVOCs) and meteorological parameters were estimated during both the dry (January-March) and wet (May-July) seasons at six strategic monitoring sites (S1—6) using ZN-NT22 and Holdpeak-HP5800G mobile air sensors. Statistically significant (P < 0.05) seasonal changes were found. The pollutant concentrations during the dry season were significantly higher than the limits set by the World Health Organization (WHO), with mean concentrations of PM2.5, PM10, CO2, NO2, SO2 and CO being 109.84 µg/m3, 155.50 µg/m3, 863.33 ppm, 0.237ppm, 0.353ppm and 10.33ppm, respectively. The high values were due to the atmospheric stability and low relative humidity (53.83%). In contrast, the pollutant loads in the wet season were significantly reduced as expected likely due to rain washout and better dispersion, with PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations of 32.33 μg/m3 and 55.42 μg/m3 respectively, as well as higher relative humidity (68.67%) and wind speed (1.15 m/s). However, during the dry season, the relationship between co-emissions was very strong for CO with NO2 (r = 0.997) and SO2 with NO2 (r = 0.995), which signifies the main sources of heavy vehicular and industrial logistics. Main pollutants, on the other hand, had negative correlation with wind speed and temperature, indicating atmospheric dilution (r = -0.584 to -0.895). These findings reveal a set of acute public health risks during dry periods and the importance of integrating the seasonally-varying meteorological processes into local air quality management and regulatory frameworks.
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