Analysis of spatio-temporal emissions from road transport in Kaduna Metropolis, Kaduna State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study analyzed the spatial and temporal concentrations of road transport the spatial variation in the concentrations of road transport emissions at specific periods (off peak and peak periods of traffic). ToxiRAE monitor was used to measure the amount of carbon-monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulphur dioxide (SO2) and Ammonia (NH3) while the MultiRAE plus monitor was used to measure volatile organic Compounds (VOCs) at different times and locations. These devices were used to ascertain the ambient concentration of selected gas emissions at road junction’s corridors in the study area. Sample sizes of 10% of road junctions in the study area (Kawo, Ahmadu Bello Way, Yakubu Gowon Way, Sabo Junction and NNPC Junction) were selected for emission measurement. The result showed that carbon monoxide is above the 20ppm stipulated by FEPA (Federal Environmental Protection Agency) base line while the remaining gases (NH₃ .889ppm, SO₂ .0836ppm, VOCs 1.628ppm, NO₂ .203ppm) has not gone beyond the local and international safe limits. The study concluded that it is pertinent to emphasize that, continuous exposure of urban residents to these emissions could have cumulative negative impacts on the health of urban residents and calls for concerted effort to be put in place to ensure that carbon monoxides from various road transport modes are within acceptable safe limit.