ABSTRACT
Keywords: atmospheric formaldehyde, emission patterns, Sagamu Industrial Area, Omo Forest Reserve, Ogun State, Sentinel-5P data, industrial pollution, remote sensing, environmental assessment. This study presents a comprehensive assessment of atmospheric formaldehyde emission patterns in the Sagamu Industrial Area and the adjacent Omo Forest Reserve within Ogun State, spanning the years 2020 to 2022 employing data from the Sentinel-5P satellite. This study explores the dynamics of formaldehyde emissions in a region characterized by industrial activities in comparison with a critical ecological reserve. The study reveals significant insights into the temporal and spatial distribution of formaldehyde emissions, shedding light on the influence of industrial processes, meteorological factors and geographical features. It emphasizes the gravity of these emissions, not only in terms of their adverse impact on air quality and ecosystem health but also their potential repercussions on public well-being. In this study, the concentrations of HCHO in Ogun State for 2020 had minimum, maximum and mean values of 0.00046005mol/m2, 0.00084773mol/m2 and 0.00063347mol/m2 respectively. 2021 recorded minimum, maximum and mean values of 0.000435mol/m2, 0.00087751 mol/m2 and 0.00064348mol/m2 respectively. 2022 recorded the minimum, maximum and mean values of 0.0004446mol/m2, 0.00084387mol/m2 and 0.00043635mol/m2 respectively. The impact of HCHO ranges from mild impacts such as skin, throat, lung, and eye irritation to high impacts such as abortion and cancer and this calls for public health concern so as to protect our health. The findings advocate for a holistic approach to industrial emissions mitigation, emphasizing the imperative of sustainable industrial practices, stringent regulatory enforcement, and active engagement with affected communities. The insights collected from this study contribute to the growing body of knowledge in the field of environmental management and toxicology, offering a blueprint for informed decision-making and proactive measures to ensure the long-term sustainability of industrial areas while preserving the integrity of vital ecological reserves.
