Atmospheric pollution in north-east Nigeria: measurement and analysis of suspended particulate matter

Abstract

Suspended particulate matter (SPM) concentrations from Maiduguri and Yola areas of North-Eastern Nigeria were measured. Also determined were the concentrations of Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb, and Zn in the SPM. Mean SPM levels were 28.3 µg/m3 (range, 1.3-144 µg/m3) and 13.6 µg/m3 (range, 1.1-52 µg/m3) for Maiduguri and Yola areas, respectively. These were markedly below the mean value of 98 µg/m3 reported for some selected cities in the world, and also showed pronounced differences from the annual average range of 150 µg/m3 reported by the WHO for polluted air. Enrichments of Cd, Cu and Zn in the air relative to the soil are attributable to few industrial activities the areas; that of Pb is due to vehicular emissions. Concentration of all the metals in the SPM fell within the range reported for contaminated air in Europe and North America.