Effect of Air Pollution on Rain Water: A Case Study of Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria

This study investigates the effect of air pollution on rain water in Ado-Ekiti. Air pollution is becoming a global phenomenon and a source of concern to the entire world. Plants, animals, environment and public health are subjected to risks due largely to the earth that is getting warmer, ozone layer getting depleted, acid rain being recorded, all as a results of air pollution. This study was carried out in order to determine the pH level (i.e acidity and alkalinity), Total Dissolve Solids (TDS), Electrical Conductivity (E.C), Nitrate, E-Coli and Total Coliform count of the rainwater in Ado-Ekiti. The study area was classified into three environmental zones (high income, medium income and low income) based on standard of living of the residents. Fifty six samples of rainwater was collected in the three environmental zones between April and September, 2017 using small buckets that were washed and rinsed with distilled water. The collected samples were taken to the laboratory for chemical and bacteriological analysis. The results showed that the observation zone having pH in between 5.3 and 7.5 while EC fell in between 0 and 0.2 mS/cm indicating that the zones were polluted. Results of bacteriological analysis showed rainwater is free from bacteriological pollutants. It is concluded that gone are the days in the study area when rainwater can be collected for drinking purposes without treatment. Measures have to be taken in the area of efficient energy consumption and vehicular emissions control.