ASSESSMENT OF VEHICULAR INDOOR AIR QUALITY IN SELECTED ROAD ROUTES IN PORT HARCOURT METROPOLIS

Abstract

This study was undertaken to assess the vehicular indoor air quality in selected road routes in Port Harcourt Metropolis. Primary data were collected from field measurements of the concentration levels of NO2, SO2, and CO, particulate matter, noise levels and meteorological parameters (temperature, relative humidity, wind speed) in the selected road routes from 7:00am-6:00pm daily over a period of five days. The study utilized quantitative techniques in data presentation and analysis. Mean values for the selected road routes were computed and presented in tables and charts. The results revealed that the mean concentration of NO2, SO2, and CO ranged from 0.011ppm-0.275ppm, 0.065ppm-0.51ppm and 10ppm-27ppm respectively. PM2.5 and PM10 concentration ranged from 98 µg/m3 - 116 µg/m3 and 133 µg/m3 -147 µg/m3 respectively while noise levels ranged from 73.1 dBA-79.7 dBA. The ANOVA analysis revealed that there was no significant variation in carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide and Sulphur dioxide across the selected road routes in Port Harcourt. Pearson Product Moment Correlation computed for hypothesis 2 revealed that there was no statistically significant relationship between the weather parameters and the concentration levels of carbon monoxide (CO), Sulphur dioxide (SO2), and nitrogen oxide (NO2). Lack of maintenance and periodic servicing of vehicle engines has further deteriorated vehicular indoor air quality. The study therefore recommends that periodic servicing and regular maintenance of car engines.