SSESSMENTS OF AIR AND NOISE POLLUTION FROM ELECTRIC POWER GENERATORS IN COMMERCIAL CENTERS IN BENIN CITY, EDO STATE, NIGERIA.

The persistent problem of unreliable electricity supply in Nigeria has made the use of electrical power generators a daily necessity for many homes and businesses. While these generators provide temporary relief from frequent blackouts, their emissions and noise significantly degrade air quality and create health concerns. This study aimed to assess air and noise pollution from electric power generators in selected commercial centers in Benin City, Edo State. The objectives were to measure key air pollutants like PM2.5, PM10, CO, O3, and TVOC at varying distances (0 m, 3 m, 5 m) from operating generators, evaluate their concentration trends, determine noise levels, and compare results with World Health Organization (WHO) standards. The study was carried out across sixteen commercial sites including Ring Road, Mission Road, Akpakpava, and Forestry Road. Air quality data were obtained using a portable multi-gas analyzer and ozone meter, while noise levels were measured with a digital sound level meter. Measurements were recorded for three minutes at one-minute intervals during active generator operation (1 p.m.–3 p.m.). The data collected at 0 m, 3 m, and 5 m were averaged to determine representative pollution values and compared against WHO limits to evaluate compliance. The results showed that air and noise pollution around generator sites were generally above recommended limits. The mean PM2.5 concentration ranged from 35–70 µg/�³, and PM10 from 40–85 µg/�³, both exceeding the WHO 24-hour limits of 15 µg/�³ and 45 µg/�³ respectively. Carbon monoxide (CO) levels were between 28–307 ppm, far higher than the WHO limit of 26 ppm (1-hour mean). Ozone (O3) concentrations varied from 0.04–7.18 ppm, and TVOC values ranged from 0.007–0.074 mg/�³, with higher values near generator exhausts. Noise levels ranged between 80.0 dB(A) and 96.8 dB(A), exceeding the WHO safe exposure limit of 70 dB(A). Pollutant levels decreased progressively with distance from the source, showing strong spatial attenuation within 5 m. These findings confirm that commercial generator clusters in Benin City contribute substantially to poor air quality and excessive noise exposure. The study concludes that generator emissions pose serious environmental and health hazards. It recommends strict enforcement of air quality standards, and the adoption of cleaner energy sources such as solar power to improve public health and urban livability.