MONITORING OF CONCENTRATION OF AIR POLLUTANTS FROM VEHICULAR EMISSION ALONG MAJOR HIGHWAYS AND BYPASS WITHIN KOSOFE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, LAGOS STATE

Abstract

Vehicular emissions are considered a major source of urban air pollution. Pollutants from these emissions whether as individual compounds or by synergistic interaction impacts negatively on public health, vegetation and climate. In this paper, we evaluate baseline concentration of carbon monoxide (CO), oxides of nitrogen (NOx), sulphur dioxide (SO₂) and particulate matter (PM) from vehicular emissions during peak and off-peak periods along 3 major highways within Kosofe and Ikeja Local Government Areas (LGA) of Lagos State. Air quality monitoring/gas detection equipment were used to measure (in-situ method) ambient levels of the pollutant in nine locations within the selected area. The results revealed that the Federal Ministry of Environments Ambient Air Quality Standard limit was exceeded by most of the gases in majority of the locations. Statistical analysis revealed significant variations in the concentration of these gases across locations. Heavy vehicular traffic, poor traffic management and frequent traffic congestion were observed as factors responsible for the high pollutant concentration.