Fine Particulate Matter and Heavy Metals Pollution Status in Ambient Air of Some Selected Industrial Sites in Northern Nigeria

Abstract

Fine particulate matter and eight heavy metals (Ni, Co, Cu, Pb, Cd, Cr, Mn, and Zn) concentrations were determined in air samples collected from three industrial sites in northern Nigeria using a Handheld Portable Particle Counter for PM 2.5 and PM 10 with model number CW-HAT 200 and a High Volume Respirable Dust Sampler (APM 460 NL) in conjunction with an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (Serial No. AA0904M046) Flame Test. The results of the fine particulates ranged from 11.0 -46.0 µg•m −3 for PM 2.5 and 22.0 -88 µg•m −3 for PM 10 across all the industrial sites investigated. Most of these results exceeded the WHO permissible levels of 25.0 µg•m −3 and 50.0 µg•m −3 for PM 2.5 and PM 10 and thus pose threats to people living and working close to these sites. The concentration of the heavy metals studied were found to be within WHO/EU set standards except for the concentrations of Ni, Pb, and Cd that exceeded the set standard by WHO/EU with toxicity potential >1 in the Terytex industry, Kano and Grand Cereals, Jos. Strong positive correlations were found between the fine particulates concentrations and heavy metals in all the studied sites suggesting that common anthropogenic sources contributed to the fine particulates and heavy metals recorded from the industrial areas. We suggested the installation of electrostatic precipitators to combat fine particulates emission from the stack and also recommended a proper legislative framework by the government to regulate and control industrial fugitive emissions to protect human health.

Addressing Heavy Metal Pollution in Nigeria: Evaluating Policies, Assessing Impacts, and Enhancing Remediation Strategies

“…Concentrations of cadmium, nickel, and manganese greatly exceeded WHO-recommended limits, indicating vehicular traffic and waste incineration as sources. Further studies by Ayua et al (2020) reported heavy metals in resp irable dust and particulate matter around industrial sites in Kano, Kaduna, and Jos. They reported concentrations of cadmium, nickel, and lead that exceeded WHO standards in some areas, implicating industrial activities as a significant contributor to air pollution.…”

“…Heavy metals have been detected in the atmosphere, according to studies. Ayua et al (2020), measured the concentrations of eight heavy metals (Ni, Co, Cu, Pb, Cd, Cr, Mn, and Zn) in air samples taken from three industrial locations in Northern Nigeria: Kano, Kaduna, and Jos. The data was gathered between September 2018 and August 2019.…”

Simulation of Fine Particulate Matter Dispersion from the Grand Cereals Industry Jos, Nigeria Using a Modified Gaussian Plume Model

“…Chronic bronchitis, benign organic dust toxicity syndrome, hyperactive airway disease, chronic asthma, membrane irritation, and even worsening of COVID-19 symptoms have all been linked to fine particulate matter exposure [16][17][18]. To build successful abatement methods for lowering air pollution, it is critical to have knowledge of emission source data and an understanding of the meteorological conditions that affect air pollution [14,19].…”

Determination of Some Heavy Metal Levels in Different Tissues of Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio, L., 1758) and Pike Barb (Luciobarbus esocinus, H., 1843) From Karasu River (Erzincan)

“…When a person exceeds the prescribed limit for trace metals, that person may become toxic (acute, chronic, or subchronic), which may cause neurotoxicity, carcinogenicity, mitogenicity, or teratogenicity (Abro & Gomez-Aguilar, 2019;Dżugan, 2010;Silbergeld, 2003;Tchounwou et al, 2019). According to a recently published studies, among of the most common symptoms reported for humans who have been exposed to the toxic metals include vomiting, convulsions, paralysis, ataxia, gastrointestinal disorders, diarrhea, stomatitis, depression, and pneumonia (Ayenimo et al, 2010;Ayua et al, 2020;Bashir, 2018;Flora, 2014;Guérin et al, 2011;Onakpa et al, 2018;Rweyemamu & Nkansah, 2021;Singh et al, 2017;Shelar et al, 2021).…”