AIR QUALITY ASSESSMENT IN SELECTED DUMP SITES IN MAKURDI, BENUE STATE, NIGERIA
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33003/jees.2025.0202/013Keywords:
Air Pollution, Dump Site, Air quality, Gasman Monitor, Health EffectsAbstract
This study investigates air quality at dump sites in Makurdi, focusing on the pollutants: nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), and carbon monoxide (CO). It compares the levels of these pollutants to national air quality standards and the guidelines set by the World Health Organisation (WHO). The study analyses variation in pollutant concentrations across locations, including Modern Market, North Bank, Wadata, and Wurukum, and compares dump and control sites as well as morning and evening periods. Findings indicate that NO₂ concentrations are higher at dump sites than at control sites, suggesting that waste disposal activities contribute to NO₂ emissions. Evening NO₂ levels with (0.073 ± 0.047) are higher than morning levels with (0.066 ± 0.052), due to increased waste-burning or vehicle activities during peak hours. SO₂ levels also show elevated concentrations at dump sites in the morning, with Modern Market exhibiting the highest SO₂ levels with (0.122 ± 0.169), likely due to early waste-burning practices. In contrast, control sites show lower SO₂ levels with (0.013 ± 0.034), underscoring the influence of waste management practices on localised SO₂ pollution. CO concentrations are higher at dump sites, with morning measurements in Wurukum (3.05 ± 0.79) and Wadata (2.983 ± 0.983) reaching peak levels, attributed to incomplete combustion processes standard in waste incineration. Evening CO levels are lower yet remain elevated compared to control sites, which show minimal CO presence. The observed pollutant patterns highlight the need for improved waste management practices and regulatory interventions to mitigate air quality degradation and protect public health.
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