CONCENTRANTIONS OF PARTICULATES AND CARBON MONOXIDE AND ASSOCIATED HEALTH RISKS IN PUBLIC MOTOR PARKS IN OREDO AREA BENIN CITY, EDO STATE, NIGERIA.
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Abstract
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.
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.
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