Assessment of pollution potential of gaseous emission from a waste dumpsite in Ubakala, Umuahia Southeastern Nigeria
Date
2020-02
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Federal University of Technology, Owerri
Abstract
Gaseous emission from Ubakala waste dumpsite in Umuahia area of Abia State was analyzed and evaluated in order to determine the pollution potential. This research was aimed at understanding the pollution dispersion patterns and impact from source to adjoining communities. Air Tester Model CH-HAT 200 and Aeroqual series 200 gas analyzers with VOCs sensor were used to measure particulate matters and VOC whereas GA-21 plus flue gas monitor as a multifunctional flue gas analyzer with electronic- chemical sensors, was used for the detection and measurement of gas concentrations of individual pollutant gases such as Methane (CH4), oxides of Sulphur (SOx) and (CO) directly in the field in different communities within the study area. The mean relative humidity value ranged from 58.65 % to 77.6 % in the wet season; whereas in the dry season, it ranged from (57.80 % to 64.00 %). The mean relative humidity was generally low during the dry season, while during the wet season, it was generally high within the dumpsite. The wet season show temperature range from 24.40 to 30.70 o C. The dry season also show temperature range from (29.50 % to 40.20 %) The mean ambient temperature was generally high during the dry season while, during the wet season, it was generally low within the dumpsite. The wind speed ranged from (0.6 ms-1 ) in the northwest direction to (2.25 ms-1 ) in the southeast direction. The mean wind speed was generally high during the dry season. During the wet season it was generally low within the dumpsite and also at the control site. In the dry season, the mean concentrations of particulate matters, H2S, VOCs, CO, NH3 CH4 and SO2 measured at 0 km and 3.6 km ranged from 22.60 - 74.93 µg/m3 , 0 - 4 ppm, 0.3 - 2 ppm, 0.32 -2.8 ppm, 0.4 - 4.2 ppm, 0.01 - 0.11 ppm and 0.10 - 1.6 ppm respectively.. Similarly, in wet season, the mean concentrations of particulate matters, H2S, VOCs, CO, NH3 CH4 and SO2 measured at 0 km and 3.6 km ranged from 63.50 - 20 µg/m3 , 0.2 -3.4 ppm, 0.5 - 2.9 ppm, 0 - 2.3 ppm, 0.9 - 8 ppm, 0.01 - 0.07 ppm and 0.09 – 1.05 ppm respectively. Dumpsites are associated with hazards which are caused by the breakdown of organic materials producing methane (CH4), (CO), hydrogen sulphide (H2S) and other gases. This research work provided base line information on the level of pollutant emission of the dumpsites and impact of the activities of the dumpsites on the host environment as well as measures aimed at minimizing the impact of disposal of solid waste.
Description
This thesis is for the award of Master of Science (MSc.) in Environmental Geology
Keywords
Evaluation, pollution, potential, emission, waste, dumpsite, Ubakala, Umuahia, Department of Geology
Citation
Chikezie, P. O. (2020). Assessment of pollution potential of gaseous emission from a waste dumpsite in Ubakala, Umuahia Southeastern Nigeria (Unpublished Master's Thesis). Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria