ASSESSMENT OF AIR QUALITY FROM GENERATOR SETS IN THE ABUJA CAMPUS COMMERCIAL CENTER, UNIVERSITY PARK, UNIPORT, PORT HARCOURT, RIVERS STATE, NIGERIA

ASSESSMENT OF AIR QUALITY FROM GENERATOR SETS IN THE ABUJA CAMPUS COMMERCIAL CENTER, UNIVERSITY PARK, UNIPORT, PORT HARCOURT, RIVERS STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract: The study analyzed air quality around Abuja commercial center, University Park, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. Air quality measurements were investigated randomly around commercial centers. Measurements were taken from the center point outwardly. The meteorological parameters sampled were temperature (⁰C), relative humidity (RH%) and wind speed (m/s); while the air quality parameters sampled were: CO, NO₂, SO₂, and suspended particulate matter (SPM). Ten (10) sampling stations were established around the shops/ commercial/business centers to determine the air quality in situ. Two periods were used for air quality sampling; which was morning periods and evening periods. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed for data presentation and analysis. Finding shows that all sampled air quality parameters recorded mean concentration values higher than the FEPA standards. Findings revealed that temperature significantly correlated with all air quality parameters (CO, NO₂, SO₂, and SPM) (r=0.470; p<0.05) (0.615; p<0.05), (r=0.329; p<0.05), and (r=0.360; p<0.05) respectively. The study recommended that public awareness and adequate sensitization should be directed to the people in order to educate the people on the effects of pollutants from diesel and petrol generators.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

• Background of the Study

The introduction of contaminants into the environment that causes adverse change is called Pollution. Pollution can cause harm or discomfort to humans or other living organisms, or that damage the environment, which can come in the form of chemical substances, or energy such as noise, heat or light.  Pollutants can be naturally occurring substances or energies but are considered contaminants when in excess of natural levels (Folnovic, 2015). Environmental pollution takes place when the environment cannot process and neutralize harmful by-products of human activities (poisonous gas emissions) in due course without any structural or functional damage to its system. Pollution occurs, on the one hand, because the natural environment does not know how to decompose the unnaturally generated elements (i.e., anthropogenic pollutants), and, on the other, there is a lack of knowledge on the part of humans on how to decompose these pollutants artificially. It may last many years during which nature will attempt to decompose the pollutants; in one of the worst cases – that of radioactive pollutants – it may take as long as thousands of years for the decomposition of such pollutants to be completed (Kumar, 2014; Zhang and Chen, 2015).

Similarly, atmospheric pollution is of a major public health concern in many large cities worldwide, however, in many cases only a little attention is given to the issue in many developing countries. Air pollution is usually caused by exhausts to the atmosphere from airplanes, vehicles and industrial plants; open burning; gaseous (e.g. methane) releases from open dumps etc. Since our atmosphere is universal, it can be concluded that our earth’s air medium is universally contaminated, albeit, to varying degrees (Williams, 2016). Consequently, some of the most notable air contaminants are sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, ozone, volatile organic compounds and airborne particles, with radioactive pollutants probably among the most destructive ones (specifically when produced by nuclear explosions) (Folnovic 2015).

The combustion of fossil fuels like coal, petroleum and other factory combustibles is a major cause of air pollution. These are generally used in power plants, manufacturing facilities (factories) and waste incinerators, as well as furnaces and other types of fuel-burning heating devices. Providing air conditioning and other services also require significant amounts of electricity, which in turn leads to more emissions (Williams, 2016). According to the Union of Concerned Scientists, industry accounts for 21% of greenhouse gas emissions in the US, while electricity generation accounted for another 31%. Meanwhile, emissions caused by gasoline-burning vehicles – i.e. CO, CO², nitrogen oxides, particulates, and water vapor – are also a significant source of air pollution (Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), 2017).

Kasebele and Nwegoha (2013) asserted that the environmental effects associated with the use of power generators include noise pollution, accidental discharges and spillages during refueling or storage and air pollution because of exhaust gases emissions. Samuelssen et al (2009) revealed significant NO_x emission of about 10 to 14 grams per horsepower-hour (g/hp-hr), depending on the horsepower rating of the generator plant. Fossil-fueled power generators are emitters of carbon dioxide (CO₂), a greenhouse gas which according to a consensus opinion of scientific organization is a contributor to global warming (Heidari and Pearce, 2016). Generators and power plants are one of the main artificial sources of producing toxic gases and particulate matter. Fouladi, Naddafi, Yunesian, and Nabizadeh (2016) reiterate that fossil fuel generating power plants cause the emission of pollutants such as NOx, SOx, CO₂, CO, PM, organic gases and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. According to the World organizations and international agencies, like the Energy Information Administration (EIA), which are concerned about the environmental impact and burning of fossil fuels, and coal in particular, reported that the combustion of coal contributes the most to acid rain and air pollution, and has been connected with global warming (EIA, 2011).

The use of generators in Nigeria is due to the lack of constant electricity supply; thus, these generators are operated on a regular basis and are being fuelled by fossil fuels containing hydrocarbons (petroleum products). The growth in the usage of power generating sets is on the increase and they are frequently used in homes, offices, business apartments and areas of commercial activities in Nigeria. For instance, in most part of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria, the majority of business centers and areas concentrated with commercial activities normally get their electric power source from power generating sets due to lack of constant electric power supply.

The constant use of power generators increases the level of exposure of humans to air pollutants which have adverse effects on human health and well being. Exposure to the range of pollutants or pollutant concentrations in our cities and town may result in a variety of health effects. Air quality is determined with respect to the total air pollution in a given area as it interacts with the meteorological condition such as humidity, temperature and wind to produce an overall atmospheric condition. Air pollutants are dynamic in spatial and temporal context, and because of the differential friction, which is influenced by the boundary layer characteristics, air-borne pollutants are dispersed faster than those at or close to the surface. Thus, the present study examined the impact of generator set on air quality around commercial business centers in Abuja Campus, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.

1.2     Statement of the Problem

The epileptic power supply in Nigeria and the increase in industrialization in Nigeria have led to an increase in the use of diesel generators as an alternate source for power, resulting in an increase in emission of pollutants that negatively affect the environment and human health. For instance, Ogundipe (2018) observed that in Nigeria, about 60 million people own generators to provide electricity for their homes and businesses. The country has experienced major power shortages for decades and made daily power blackouts the norm. The burning of diesel and petroleum products leads to the production of pollutants such as Oxides of Nitrogen (NO_x), Oxides of Sulphur (SO_x), Carbon monoxide (CO), Ammonia (NH₃), Hydrogen Sulphide (H₂S) and Particulate Matter (P.M) (Nnaji and Chiedozie, 2014). Air pollution is becoming a major factor in the quality of life of urban and rural dwellers, posing a risk both to human health and to the environment (Ideriah and Stanley, 2008). Over the last three decades, there has been increasing global concern over the public health impact attributed to environmental pollution, in particular, the global burden of disease. The World Health Organization (WHO) (2011) estimates that about a quarter of the disease facing mankind today occurs due to prolonged exposure to environmental pollution.

Power plants and generator sets are known to contribute to increasing atmospheric pollutants concentration in Nigerian cities (Samuelsen et al 2009; Kasebeli and Mwegoha 2013; Nnaji and Chiedizie 2014; Kunle and Habib, 2017) because of their electricity generation using carbon-based fuels which is responsible for a large fraction of carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions worldwide (WHO, 2011; USEPA, 2017). A cursory look at the literature shows that there is a dearth of empirical examination of the air pollution contribution of power generating sets from University environments. This is the gap which the study intends to fill. Power generators usage emits common gaseous pollutants like NO_x, CO₂, CO, and SO₂, and pollutes land through oil spill in the process of refilling fuel in generator tanks (Tawari and Abowei, 2012). Thus, these generating sets are source points for the generation of atmospheric pollutants earlier noted in places where they are stationed or located. Similarly, air pollutants from source points can mitigate local air quality in the same way other discharge points also release pollutants at an altitude where they are more readily transported on a local, regional and even global scale (WHO, 2011). This study focuses on providing ambient air quality around commercial business centers in Abuja Campus, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. The following research questions were therefore asked for the purpose of this study.

1. What is the status of air quality and gaseous pollutants concentration in the study area?
2. What is the relationship between wind speed and the quality of air in the study area?
3. Is there any relationship between temperature, relative humidity and the quality of air in the study area?
4. What is the variation in the concentration of pollutants at different time periods in the study area?

1.3     Aim and Objectives

The aim of this research is to examine the air quality in Abuja commercial center, University of Port Harcourt Park, Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The aim was achieved through the following objectives:

1. To investigate meteorological parameters and the status of air quality parameters such as carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO₂, nitrogen oxide (NO₂), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and particulate matter (PM_2.5) as influenced by the use of generating sets.
2. To determine the relationship between weather and air quality parameters in the study area.

1.4     Hypotheses

The hypotheses stated for the study are:

H_o:  There is no significant relationship between weather parameters and air quality parameters in the study area.

H₀:    There is no significant variation in the concentration of pollutants at different periods of the day (morning and evening) in the study area.

1.5     Significance of the Study

In general, in Nigeria, particularly in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, not much attention is accorded to air pollution. According to the just-released annual State of the Global Air Report published by the Health Effects Institute (HEI), air quality in Nigeria and at least 10 other countries is among the deadliest anywhere on earth with higher than ambient air pollution death rates as a result of the environmental hazards combined with extreme pollution sources like generator fumes, vehicle emissions and crop burning among others (Ogundipe, 2018). Therefore, the findings of the study will aid in the provision of essential information needed for the appropriate management of air pollution concentration and distribution. The findings of the study will be beneficial to urban planners and town planning agents on the need to improve on the land suitability policies for locating commercial centers and spots. The findings of the study will also build up a background study for further researches as it will provide literature for future studies.

1.6     Scope of the Study

The study is limited to air quality measurements around the Abuja campus business/commercial area (Mama Abuja). The test of air quality at varying distances away from the centre of Mama Abuja was carried out. The following air quality parameters were investigated namely; Carbon dioxide (CO₂), carbon monoxide (CO), Sulphur dioxide (SO₂), Nitrogen oxide (NO₂), Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and particulate matter (PM). These air quality parameters were selected because of their importance at maintaining the survival of living things. The weather parameters that were investigated included temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, and wind direction.

1.7     Study Area

1.7.1  Location

The study area is the Abuja Campus of the University of Port Harcourt, situated in Choba and located geographically within latitude 4⁰ 52’ 30’’ N and 4⁰ 55’ 00’’ N and longitude 6⁰ 00’ 30’’ E and 6⁰ 54’ 30’’ E respectively. Choba is under Obio/Akpor LGA in Rivers State and it plays host to the prestigious University of Port Harcourt called Uniport. Choba serves as the hub of commercial activities because of its location which is along the East-West Federal road linking Rivers State to Bayelsa State and others on the west and Abia, State and others on the east.

1.7.2  Population

Choba is a suburb of Port Harcourt with its population increasing on a daily basis. The population of Port-Harcourt city (within its municipal boundaries) has risen from 7,000 residents in 1921 to more than 800,000 in 2006 (National Population Census, 2006). The population growth rate is estimated at 3.05% in 1996. The population of Port-Harcourt is estimated at 1,620,214 (2007) with the Port-Harcourt urban area at 2.7 million in population. The current population of Port-Harcourt, Nigeria is 1148665 according to the Geonames geographical database (Ekemini, 2012).

1.7.3  Climate and Geology

The study area is located within the tropics and it enjoys a tropical hot monsoon climate due to its latitudinal position. The tropical monsoon climate is characterized by heavy rainfall from April to October ranging from 2000 to 2500 mm with high temperature all year-round and a relatively constant high humidity. The relief is generally lowland which has an average of elevation between 20 and 30m above sea level. The harmattan, which climatically influences many cities in West Africa, is less pronounced, and temperatures throughout the year in the city are relatively constant showing little variation throughout the course of the year. The geology of the study area comprises basically of alluvial sedimentary basin and basement complex.

1.7.4  Vegetation and Soil

The vegetation found in the study area includes raffia palms, thick mangrove forests, and light rain forests. The soil is usually sandy or sandy loam underlain by a layer of the impervious pan and is always leached due to the heavy rainfall experienced in this area.

1.7.5  Rainfall and Drainage

The study area features a tropical heavy rainfall climate with lengthy and heavy rainfall seasons and very short dry season. In fact, it is assumed that only the months of December and January are truly qualified as dry season months in the city. Precipitation is at its highest in the month of September where on an average approximately 370mm of rain is observed. While the month of December sees an average in its driest month of the year where 20mm of rain on average is seen.

The area is well drained with both fresh and saltwater. The saltwater is caused by the intrusion of seawater inland, thereby making the water slightly salty. Due to continuous heavy rainfall and river flow, the study area experienced severe flooding almost every year and the effects are extended to biological resources. For instance, the New Calabar river drains the Choba axis and empties it into the ocean.

1.7.6  Transportation

The transport network is accessible through Local, regional, national and international means. There are adequate transportation means via road network and inland waterways, bringing people in and out of the study area. Choba is located close to the Port Harcourt Airport in Omagwa, and this also serves as means of transportation in the area.

1.7.7  Socio-economic Activities of the People

Historically, the Ikwerre and Okrika villages occupied the surrounding area of Port-Harcourt city before 1913. However, the Ikwerre occupies the major land area of Obio/Akpor LGA, where Choba is found; with three different kingdoms, namely; the Akpor, Obio and Evo Kingdoms respectively. The major socio-economic occupation of the people was mainly farming and fishing. At present, urban growth has ushered in several socio-economic activities into the study area, especially with the location of the Federal University of Port Harcourt. The study area currently has diverse socio-economic activities such as trading, transportation, exploration and oil production, as well as, artisanship and tourism, etc. The city of Port-Harcourt is now synonymous for commerce, industry, mines and agriculture affecting the surrounding areas like Choba economically (Adeomo, 2013).