MODELLING PM2.5 SPATIO-TEMPORAL VARIATIONS OVER SELECTED CITIES OF NIGER DELTA REGION, NIGERIA

Abstract

Fine particulate matter PM2.5 has attracted much attention both scientific and public, due to its effects on human health. This study used remotely sensed PM2.5 to model the spatial and temporal variation of PM2.5 concentrations across the cities of the Niger delta region of Nigeria. Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) PM2.5 data for this study was acquired from remotely sensed satellite data from National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA’s) earth observing system data and information system from 2001- 2015. Geospatial analysis was employed to model the spatial and temporal variation of PM2.5 concentrations and results showed that the annual mean PM2.5 concentrations from 2001-2015 across the cities of the Niger Delta varied with Calabar having the highest concentration in 2001 (28.65µg/m3), 2002 (21.22µg/m3), 2012 (27.49µg/m3) and 2013 (25.05µg/m3); Uyo in 2003 (20.00µg/m3), 2005 (34.77µg/m3) and 2014 (20.48µg/m3) ; Yenagoa in 2004 (32.39µg/m3), 2007 (36.28µg/m3), 2010 (28.82µg/m3), 2011 (25.51µg/m3) and 2015 (32.28µg/m3); Port Harcourt in 2006 (31.77µg/m3); Umuahia in 2008 (27.66µg/m3); Asaba in 2009 (23.31µg/m3). This means that there is a wide variation in PM2.5 concentrations over the years across the cities and there is an increasing spatio-temporal variation in PM2.5 concentrations across the region, and all the state capitals have annual mean values of PM2.5 above the WHO guideline value of 10µg/m. PM2.5 concentrations is increasing with years especially as a result of the illegal refining activities, gas and oil pipeline bombing and gas flaring activities. This situation can lead to adverse health and environmental health effects on human beings with continuous exposure.

Key Words: PM2.5, Modeling, Geospatial analysis, Spatial and temporal variations, Niger Delta Region

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