Publication Details
Abstract
Air pollution has become a major environmental and public health concern worldwide due to its significant impacts on human health and environmental sustainability. This study assessed the ambient air quality of Egbema in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria, and evaluated the associated non-carcinogenic health risks to residents. Ambient air quality monitoring was conducted at selected sampling stations during the wet season (December 2024–March 2025) and dry season (June–September 2025). A digital anemometer was used for measurements of some of the meteorological parameters such as temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, atmospheric pressure and wind direction; particulate matter(PM₂. We used portable air monitoring instruments to determine the concentrations of particulate matter of different sizes (PM₂.₅ and PM₁₀) and gaseous pollutants including carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO₂), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), sulphur dioxide (SO₂), ammonia (NH₃), methane (CH₄), ozone (O₃), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). In order to evaluate air quality status, air quality index (AQI) was calculated while hazard quotient (HQ) model was used for selected pollutants to carry out the non-carcinogenic health risk assessment. Meteorological parameters presented seasonal differences: the relative humidity was higher in the wet season whereas the temperature and wind speed were higher in the dry season (media ± standard deviation). PM₂ concentrations were 0.008–0.010 ppm of particulate matter. dry season: 0.012–0.018 ppm and 0.015–0.020 ppm for PM₅ and PM₁₀ respectively) compared to the wet season (PM₅: 0.014–0.018 ppm; PM₁₀: 0.013–0.017 ppm). Higher concentrations were recorded for the dry season, however, these levels were still within the permissible limits (WHO and NESREA). Based on Air Quality Index analysis, PM₁₀ values were classified as “good” in both seasons, whereas CO and NO₂ were classified as poor for the range (station to station) and some classified as very poor at certain locations. Health risk assessment for non-carcinogenic pollutants indicated that the values of hazard quotient (HQ) were higher than one related to PM₂. ₅, PM₁₀ and NO₂, which suggests that many adults who are subjected to these pollutants over the long term are at risk of adverse health effects. Consequently, the authors conclude that even though most of the pollutants concentrations were below international guideline for air quality limits, the values of hazard quotients indicate long-term health risks due to non-carcinogenic effects of ambient air pollutants at Egbema (Niger Delta). Thus, consistent air quality management, stringent environmental regulation, and pollution control laws are recommended to protect public health and ensure sustainable environmental management in the region.