Seasonality in Particulates Distribution from Dumpsites in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria: A Health Risk Assessment Approach
Glory Richard1*, Moses O. Nwagbara2, Vincent E. Weli3
Citation : Glory Richard,et.al, Seasonality in Particulates Distribution from Dumpsites in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria: A Health Risk Assessment Approach International Journal of Research in Environmental Science 2018, 5(2) : 7-15.
This study evaluated seasonality in particulates distribution from waste dump sites in some selected Niger Delta states. The particulates (PM1, PM 2.5, PM 4, PM 7, PM 10, and TSP) were determined at 3 distances (3.05 meter, 7.62 meter and 15.24 meter) for 6 months covering the predominant seasons (wet and dry) Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers and Abia states. The particulates were measured with mini-volume air sampler and the health risk was carried out following standard protocol. The health risk assessment was carried under two background scenarios (median and geometric mean). Results for PM1, PM2.5, PM4, PM7, PM10, TSP ranged from 16.43 - 24.71µg/m3, 26.44 - 40.10 µg/m3, 41.64 - 61.53 µg/m3, 62.37 - 98.54 µg/m3, 81.63 - 141.51µg/m3, 110.20 - 270.91µg/m3, respectively. Analysis of variance showed that there were significant variations at p< 0.05 across the distances, locations and months of study and their interactions. In addition, the particulates showed significant relationship with each other at p<0.01. The particulates were higher during the dry season compared to wet season, suggesting the influence of climate/weather condition. Health risk assessment showed that particulates were within slight pollution (50<HRA≤100) to Hazardous (200<HRA≤250). The health risk assessment under both background scenarios showed slight variations. The health assessment suggests that sensitive group could be at risk of diseases associated with particulates in the study area over a prolong period of time. As such, there is need to use most suitable approach in waste management in the study area.