Air Quality Differentials and its Implication in Residential and Commercial Area of Kuje and Gwagwalada in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja
Keywords:
Air quality, Greenhouse gases, Index, standard (WHO 2022), Air pollutionAbstract
This study assessed the air quality differentials in commercial and residential areas of Gwagwalada and Kuje area councils in the FCT. The aim of this study is to assess air quality in Kuje and Gwagwalada Area Councils in the Federal Capital Territory Nigeria. The following field data (H2S, CO, O2, CO2 and LEL) were collected at 30 points each in residential and commercial areas of Gwagwalada and Kuje area councils, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja in dry season (March). The mean values of 3,360 field data collected were analyzed using Microsoft Excel. The result shows that commercial area recorded high value of CO, CO 2 and relative humidity than residential area in both area council; CO (6.10>0.29) in Gwagwalada and 5.63>0.36 in Kuje, which was below the permissible limit of World Health Organization (WHO) and National Environmental standard and regulation environmental agency (NESREA). The mean result for gas pollutant CO2 showed 647.34ppm>628.32ppm in Gwagwalada and 622.47ppm>605.42ppm in Kuje which was above the permissible limit of World Health Organization (WHO) and National Environmental standard and regulation and environmental agency (NESREA). Relative humidity 47.93>38.85 in Gwagwalada and 30.92>29.85 in Kuje. All sampling points recorded the same value of Oxygen of 20.90% while hydrosulphide and low explosive limit (LEL) were not detected in the study area. The results showed that there is Continuous increase in CO2 which could lead to high atmospheric temperature. The environmental implication will be increase in temperature. On the general average of the other pollutants (H2S and LEL), the effects are negligible as the mean emission average for the FCT is below NESREA and WHO permissible limit. The study recommends strategic planning and intervention on the increasing levels of CO2. Build safe and affordable public transport systems and pedestrian- and cycle- friendly networks, implement stricter vehicle emissions and efficiency standards; and enforce mandatory inspection and maintenance for vehicles, invest in energy-efficient housing and power generation, Improve industry and municipal waste management and Compulsory continuous air pollution data acquisitions in the FCT