Evaluation of Particulate Matter-based Air Quality Index in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Due to the desire of nations to enhance their economic status, industrialization is vigorously pursued. Industrialization is historically associated with environmental degradation. In developing countries, due to lack of environmental awareness, the level of industrialization is not commensurate with environmental studies and monitoring. Industrial activities that contaminate air are distributed globally. This study was designed to assess the status of particulate matter at three emerging industrial sites in Port Harcourt. To achieve this, Aerocet 531 monitor was used. To be able to communicate properly with the general public, data obtained were expressed in terms of Air quality index (AQI). The results showed that Industrial sites had higher concentrations compared to the control for both PM2.5 and PM10. Seasonal variation of PM2.5 and PM10 were observed with the dry season indicating concentrations higher than the local acceptable limits of 150µg/m3 and 230µg/m3. The AQI of the three emerging industrial sites indicated a category for ‘good’ to ‘moderate’ for wet season while for dry season, they varied from ‘very unhealthy’ to ‘hazardous’ in all the sampling areas. The activities of some of the industries located at these emerging industrial sites may be contributing particulate matter of human health relevant sizes into the atmosphere. This poses a great threat to health and environment of the inhabitants.