E DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AND TOXICOLOGY

This study evaluates the spatiotemporal changes of land use/land cover (LULC) and vegetation cover in a mapped area of the Ikpoba River catchment in Benin City, Nigeria, from 1965 to 2025 and ascertains the impact of these changes on the rivers’ physicochemical water quality. Geospatial tools, such as the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), were used to map land use/land cover (LULC) and vegetation health changes over the sixty-year period. Water samples were collected monthly from three sampling points for a three-month period (May to July 2025) and underwent physicochemical analysis. Analysis revealed a substantial decline in vegetation cover driven by urbanization and infrastructural development. The land cover was overwhelmingly dominated by built-up areas in the latter years (2015 and 2025), a trend that began with the appearance of built-up areas in 1995. Water analysis showed variable pH values, along with high electrical conductivity (EC), total suspended solids (TSS), and turbidity levels. Specifically, turbidity readings (up to 40.00 NTU) significantly exceeded the WHO drinking water limit of 5.00 NTU, indicating severe sediment loading, and pH values exhibited a trend toward the acidic lower limit. These results make it clear that immediate action is needed to better handle waste, stop erosion, plan land use wisely and constantly check the water quality. Implementing these strategies will ensure the long-term protection of the Ikpoba River, maintain ecological stability and secure community members' access to water resources.

Air pollution in motor parks has become an increasing public health concern in many urban areas. This study assessed the concentrations of key air pollutants—Carbon Monoxide, Carbon Dioxide, PM2.5, and PM10—and their associated Air Quality Index levels in selected motor parks in Benin City. The study was conducted between September and November 2024 across four randomly selected motor parks in Oredo Local Government Area.

Air quality measurements were obtained at three different sampling points within each motor park using a handheld multigas detector. Meteorological parameters such as temperature, humidity, and wind speed were also recorded during the sampling period. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods to determine pollutant concentrations and their implications for public health.

The results revealed that carbon monoxide concentrations ranged from 1.2 to 5.8 ppm, while PM2.5 values ranged from 20.3 to 74.6 µg/m³ and PM10 levels ranged from 45.2 to 112.4 µg/m³. Analysis of the Air Quality Index indicated that air quality in some areas ranged from “Moderate” to “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups,” suggesting potential health risks for commuters, drivers, and traders operating within these motor parks.

The study highlights the urgent need for improved traffic management, stricter vehicle emission regulations, and increased public awareness to reduce air pollution levels in motor parks. It recommends strengthening air quality monitoring systems, enforcing pollution control policies, and promoting cleaner transportation technologies to mitigate the adverse health effects associated with urban air pollution.