Browsing by Author "Arua, Okechukwu Nwankwo"

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    Assessment and modeling of air quality in quarry sites in Abia State
    (Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2023-10) Arua, Okechukwu Nwankwo
    This study focused on the assessment and modeling of air quality in selected quarry sites located in Lokpaukwu, Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State. Ambient air samples were taken in the major activities areas of the quarry site, such as the generator house, the weight bridge, the primary crusher, the secondary crusher, the administration block and the site main gate. The data obtained were subjected to statistical analysis. The study revealed a positive correlation between the observed and predicted pollutants concentration. It also shows the concentration of the pollutants between the model calculation and the actual monitoring are basically consistent. From the results the error of estimate gotten is within the specific range of statistical analysis. Eluama quarry site recorded 120.28𝑢𝑔/𝑚3 as the highest predicted concentration in the month of January, 2015 and 54.07𝑢𝑔/𝑚3 as the lowest predicted concentration in the month of May, 2015. Eziama quarry site recorded 104.22𝑢𝑔/𝑚3 as the highest predicted concentration in the month of March, 2015 and 59.05𝑢𝑔/𝑚3 as the lowest predicted concentration in the month of July, 2015. The result shows that the level of concentration of the particulates in air will be highest during the dry season and lowest during the rainy season or weather. It is therefore wise to say that the concentrations of the particulates will be severer during the dry season than the rainy seasons. Thus, suppression of dust must be effectively monitored during the dry season. From the predicted pollutants concentration, the two communities will be safe from the adverse effects of the pollutants, as the highest predicted concentration of the pollutants recorded is 120.28𝑢𝑔/𝑚3 which is below the permissible limits of NESREA and WHO (150𝑢𝑔/𝑚3𝑎𝑛𝑑 250𝑢𝑔/𝑚3 ). Also Concentrations decrease rapidly on moving away from the source, due to dispersion and dilution, which means there will be more reduction in concentration of the pollutants before it reaches the host communities. Overall, the model performance is satisfactory and this would provide reliable results in predicting or determining the air quality in Quarry Sites.