Geostatistical Analysis for Monitoring and Modelling Atmospheric Pollutants

Abstract

Urbanisation and industrialization are predominant indicators of regional growth with some adverse effect especially in ambient air quality often prone to contamination by emissions. Vehicular emissions have been identified as a consistent air pollutant in urban areas. However, meteorological conditions such as rainfall also affect air pollution concentration level. The aim was to identify relationships between a meteorological factor like rainfall, vehicular load and atmospheric pollutant concentration in Effurun City, Delta State. In-situ sampling of CO, VOC and NO2 and Geostatistical analysis were used to obtain concentration level and relationships between the selected variables which was used to predict spatial trend for efficient monitoring. From our results, it was observed that Iterigbi, Ages Gas and Okuokoko Junctions had the highest concentration of VOC, NO2 and CO respectively. At residential areas, Iterigbi had the highest concentration of VOC and NO2 while Okuokoko had the highest concentration of CO.