Greenhouse gas levels (CH4 and CO2) in Lagos state and Oyo state, Nigeria

Abstract

The proliferation of greenhouse gases has emerged as a grave menace to humanity. According to scientists, the concentration of these gases, particularly carbon dioxide and methane, is directly linked to the rapid pace of global warming and climate change. To investigate this matter, a study was conducted utilizing a portable gas detector to measure the levels of carbon dioxide and methane in four locations each in Ibadan and Lagos for three months. Readings were collected at each sampling site three times, with each collection period lasting 5 to 15 min. These readings were taken at intervals of 2 to 3 h over a period of 3 months, while also exploring their correlation with meteorological parameters (Temperature, wind speed and relative humidity). Farms, airports, residential areas, and dump sites were deliberately selected due to their contribution to greenhouse gas emissions. The study yielded the following mean concentrations of CO2 in Lagos: 717.67 ppm in Residential Areas, 751.78 ppm in Farmland, 743.78 ppm at the Airport, and 732.56 ppm at the Dumpsite. Similarly, the mean concentrations of CH4 were 0.14 ppm, 0.30 ppm, 0.36 ppm, and 0.45 ppm, respectively. In Ibadan, the average CO2 concentrations were 676.44 ppm in residential areas, 765.11 ppm in farms, 653.33 ppm at the airport, and 683.67 ppm at the dump site. The average CH4 concentrations were 0.08 ppm, 0.32 ppm, 0.43 ppm, and 0.30 ppm, respectively. Furthermore, significant relationships between CO2 and CH4 with meteorological parameters were observed, with R2 values of 0.200 for CO2 in Ibadan, 0.08 for CO2 in Lagos, 0.56 for CH4 in Ibadan, and 0.35 for CH4 in Lagos. Cities, farms, airports, and landfills are responsible for substantial greenhouse gas emissions. The massive release of CO2 and CH4 has resulted in profound impacts and consequences that fuel climate change. This research provides valuable insights into the issue, consequences, and mitigation strategies pertaining to the reduction and regulation of CO2 and CH4 emissions in Lagos and Ibadan, Nigeria.