Influence of Meteorological Parameters on Air Pollution Propagation in an ActiveDumpsite in Abeokuta, Nigeria

Abstract

Air pollution from dumpsites is a growing concern due to its detrimental effects on bothhumanhealth and the environment. This study examines the influence of meteorological parametersonthe propagation of air pollution from a dumpsite, focusing on the Saje dumpsite in Abeokuta, Nigeria. The concentration of the air pollutants; particulate matters (PM2.5, PM10), formaldehyde(HCHO), total volatile organic compound (TVOC), carbon monoxide (CO), oxygen (O₂) andselected meteorological factors (wind speed, wind direction,  temperature and humidity) weremeasured using portable handheld gas detectors. Multiple linear regression (MLR) and  multiplenonlinear regression (MNLR) models were employed to predict the relationship betweenthemeteorological parameters and the  air pollutants using XLSTAT ® 2018 modelling software. Regression analysis showed that, the coefficient of determination (R²) ranged  from0.114–0.157(dry season sampling) and 0.006 – 0.319 (wet season sampling) for MLR and 0.466 – 0.673(dryseason sampling) and 0.390  – 0.671 (wet season sampling) for MNLR models. The MNLRmodel is best used in predicting the air pollutants concentration  propagationusingmeteorological parameters as predictors. This finding emphasizes the significant roleofmeteorological parameters in  influencing air pollution dynamics. As such, the study recommendsthe adoption of MNLR models for more accurate predictors and  effective management of airpollution from dumpsites.