AIR QUALITY AND NOISE LEVEL ASSESSMENT IN BUSY TOWN CENTER

ABSTRACT

Air pollution, which has lately been linked to increasing illness and death rates, is one of the most difficult environmental concerns that has bedeviled both industrialized and developing countries around the world today. An air pollutant is a chemical in the atmosphere that has the potential to harm both people and the environment. The aim of this study is to determine the presence of air and noise pollutants in significant concentrations and its spatial distribution to its surrounding environment along a specific distance and its effects on in one of it. In the study, the Air Quality Index was determined for the samples obtained from stations located within the Benin Metropolis, in the areas of New Benin, Ring Road, Ramat Park and Ekiosa. At each location, 15 pollutant data each was taken, data was obtained between 10am to 1pm reprented in our study as morning(day) and 5pm to 6pm represented as evening(night). Five potential air pollutants were monitored in the study area; Suspended Particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10), Formaldehyde (HCHO), Carbon (II) Oxide (CO2) and total volatile organic compound (TVOC). Data was analyzed using geospatial and geostatistical techniques with the mean values of the air pollutant concentrations estimated for measurements made at the different locations.