Impact of quarry activities on the air quality around neighbouring localities in Ogun State, Nigeria

Abstract

Quarry industry and its products play an important role in any economy in the world. This study examined the impact of quarry activities on air quality around the neighbouring localities in Ogun State. Eight locations were selected; Isara, Idode, Iwaye, Ogbere, Ilagbe, Adelokun, Baaki Ake, and Igodo.  Air quality was assessed for the concentration of CO_2, PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ using standard procedures. Samplings were carried out in dry and wet seasons. Data were subjected to descriptive and inferential statistics using SAS package (9.4 version), compared with World Health Organisation (WHO) and the probability of particulate matters causing health hazard was also calculated using Air Quality Index (AQI). PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ (dry season) of the surrounding locations were higher than the WHO Limits of 15 and 45 µg/m³ respectively; except the PM₁₀ at Iwaye (32.20±4.18 µg/m³), Isara (35.60±4.38 µg/m³) and Adelokun (42.58±2.74).  In wet season, the PM_2.5 (all locations) and only PM₁₀ of Ilagbe ((45.99±3.15), Baaki Ake (50.97±3.13) and Igodo (49.68±2.17) were higher than their corresponding WHO Limits. The AQI of PM_2.5 (both seasons) at various locations were in the range of 51 – 100 (moderate). AQI of PM₁₀ dry and wet seasons across locations range 0 – 50 (good); except the PM_2.5 of Baaki Ake (51.16) hence, moderate. CO₂ concentration at Adelokun (421.73±2.75), Baaki Ake (415.62±5.82) and Igodo (411.85±1.95) (dry season) and Adelokun (405.98±2.60) and Baaki Ake (403.26±1.63) (wet season) surpassed WHO limit (400 µg/m³). The surrounding localities were polluted with CO₂ and particulate matters (PM_2.5 and PM₁₀) with no health hazard.