Spatial Modelling Of Air Quality And Pollution Propagation Around An Active Dumpsite In Abeokuta, Nigeria

Abstract

The dumpsite represents a notable sources of air pollutants because waste materials are openly burned there, resulting in the emission of harmful gases and particulate matter into the atmosphere. This study investigate the Air Quality Index (AQI) and spatial distribution of air pollution around the Saje dumpsite in Abeokuta, Nigeria. The concentrations of air pollutants of particulate matters (PM2.5 and PM10) and carbon monoxide (CO) were measured using portable handheld gas detectors at the dumpsite and adjoining residential area. The pollutants concentration obtained were used to calculate the AQI. Spatial distribution analysis was performed using inverse distance weighted interpolation method in an ArcGIS environment to map the distribution of the air quality around Saje dumpsite and its environment. The AQI at the dumpsite was categorized as unhealthy highlighting a significant public health concern and in contrast, the surrounding residential areas showed comparatively lower pollution levels with AQI ranging from “good” to “moderate”. The spatial distribution of the pollutants shows a high concentration of the pollutants at the vicinity of the dumpsite and the concentrations fizzled out towards the residential areas. This study identified health risks, pollution hotspots and spatial air quality patterns near the dumpsite.