Correlation between air pollutants concentration and meteorological factors on seasonal air quality variation

Over the last decades, studies have concentrated on the pollution concentration in an ambient environment not putting into cognizance meteorological factors that can determine the fate/trail of the pollutant in the atmosphere. The objective of the study is to establish the influence of meteorological conditions on air pollution concentration and their environmental fate with seasonal variation.

Accordingly, the study monitored ambient topical air triplicate day-time concentration of NO2, PM10, SO2, H2S and CO using portable digital air pollution detecting device for 30 days in each of the representative apex months of dry (April) and wet (August) months of 2018 in Kano Metropolis. However, meteorological data were collated from Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).

The result showed pollution concentration for Bompai and Sabon Gari are the highest followed by Dowrawa and School of Technology. On the other hand Bompai and Sabon Gari had higher concentration in all pollutants in dry season followed by School of Technology and Dowrawa. Furthermore, temperature, relative humidity and precipitation washout or scavenging effect on NO2, PM10, SO2, H2S and CO were analyzed quantitatively. The result showed concentration of the pollutants in the atmosphere where lower under condition of increased precipitation, low temperature and increased humidity level compared to that of the dry season. In addition, Pearson correlation analysis of pollutants and meteorological variables establishes strong relationship exist between temperature, relative humidity, precipitation and pollutant concentration in both dry and wet season. Lastly, Hazardous zones were identified using GIS mapping, Bompai and Sabon Gari are more disposed to ailments while Dowrawa and School of Technology would experience bioaccumulation over time.

Consequently, the study exposes the influence of meteorological parameters on the seasonal variability, concentration and environmental fate of pollutant, which could be used in controlling urban air pollution thereby sustainably improving environmental quality and protecting human health.