Evaluation of the impact of anthropogenic emissions on a university’s airshed

Abstract

The impact of anthropogenic activities in the airshed of a major Nigerian university community was evaluated in this study. Particulate matter (PM_1.0, PM_2.5, PM₁₀ and TSP) concentration loads were measured in 20 sampling locations and the measured data was correlated with the prevailing microclimatic parameters using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) techniques. A high concentration of PM was measured in locations where the bulk of vehicular movements, and commercial and students activities were considerably high. The university’s main entrance was another hotspot for particulate matter emission due to the constant influx of vehicles during peak periods. The 8-hr average concentrations for the TSP, PM_1.0, PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ in all the sample locations were 210.35, 15.45, 25.10, and 137.09 respectively while the 24-hr average concentrations for the TSP, PM_1.0, PM_2.5, and PM₁₀ in the same locations were 154.65, 11.36, 18.46, and 100.79 respectively. Exposure to high PM rates was significant especially when there is increased pollution due to exhaust and non-exhaust emissions (like brake wear, dust resuspension, and tyre wear).