Abstract:
The study analyzed major GHGs around some selected industrial areas in Rivers State, Nigeria.
In situ air measurements were randomly carried out around five industrial areas in Bonny,
Eleme, Omoku, Rumuolumeni and Trans-Amadi. Descriptive statistics were employed for data
presentation. Inferential statistics in the use of ANOVA analysis and Pearson Correlation
statistics were employed for data analysis. Finding showed that the concentration of CO2
(mg/m3) were significantly high around sampled industrial areas; recording mean and % values
of 1251.9 mg/m3 (0.07%) for Bonny; 1159.7 mg/m3 (0.06%) for Eleme; 1208.3 mg/m3 (0.07%)
for Omoku; 1111.5 mg/m3 (0.06%) for Rumuolumeni; and 1074.2 mg/m3 (0.05%) for TransAmadi. The results showed that CO2 concentration were higher than the WHO air quality
standards. The concentration of CH4 (mg/m3) was 461.4 mg/m3 (0.07%) in Bonny; 455.8
mg/m3 (0.07%) in Eleme; 373.6 mg/m3 (0.06%) in Omoku; 325.4 mg/m3 (0.05%) in
Rumuolumeni; 339.7 mg/m3 (0.05%) in Trans-Amadi. However, the concentrations of CH4 in
sampled industrial areas were lower than the permissible limit of NIOSH. The mean
concentrations of CO2 and CH4 in Rumuolumeni and Trans-Amadi recorded lower values when
compared with the other industrial areas in Rivers State. Findings revealed no significant
correlation between temperature (0C) and RH (%) with GHGs; but findings revealed a negative
but strong and significant correlation between wind speed (m/s) and the concentration of CO2
(mg/m3) (r=-0.810; p<0.05); however, correlation with CH4 (mg/m3) was weak and not
significant (r=-0.364; p<0.05) in the study area. The findings of the study revealed high
concentrations of GHGs which have several health and environmental implications. The study
therefore recommends that Government should endeavour to strengthen existing laws on air
pollution.
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