Effects of Meteorological Parameters on Air Quality Index (AQI) in the Vicinity of Plastic Recycling Industries in Kano Metropolis, Nigeria

Abstract

Meteorological conditions significantly affect ambient air quality in metropolitan settings. Sub-indices were calculated using the air  quality mathematical approach developed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) to determine the AQI. The main  objectives of this study were to evaluate the AQI status at an alternative plastic recycling facility and ascertain the relationship between the AQI and climatic parameters in Kano Metropolitan City, North Western Nigeria. According to the research findings, the AQI  recorded the following in the afternoon: CO (0 to 15), NO₂ (0 to 2), PM2.5 (80 to 200), and PM10 (23 to105). In the morning the CO (0-35),  NO₂ (0-4), PM2.5 (124- 240), and PM10 (28-106) AQIs were observed. The AQI levels of concern classified the air quality as very poor for  PM2.5, moderate for PM10,moderate for carbon monoxide (CO), and safe for nitrogen dioxide (NO2). The results of the study show a  considerable strong negative association between humidity and AQI of PM2.5 (r=-0.64, p<0.05) and between AQI of CO and PM10 (r=-0.41,  p<0.05), as well as a weak positive correlation between temperature and AQI-PM10 (r=0.477, p<0.05).The study recommend  strict and appropriate industrial emission management, industrial air pollution control, and efficient waste management of plastics,  including steps to reduce the burning of plastic, in the study area to lower the risks associated with these pollutants.