Assessment of Particulate Matter Concentrations in a University Campus in Nigeria

A study on the assessment of particulate matter concentrations in Choba campus of the University of Port Harcourt and its implications on public health based on set limits were evaluated. The concentrations of particulate matter and meteorological data were measured for a period of four weeks at two locations within the Choba campus. Daily hourly data monitoring was conducted over a period of eight hours (7.15 am to 3.15 pm). The choice of averaging time in air quality studies could be based on 1-hr, 8-hr or 24-hr. Based on 8-hour averaging time, the following mean concentrations were obtained; total suspended particulate (TSP) varied from 25.25 μg/m3 to 154.0 μg/m3; particulate matter (PM10) varied from 27.63 μg/m3 to 142.75 μg/m3; PM2.5 varied from 13.63 μg/m3 to 67.25 μg/m3. The study revealed two sources of particulate pollution in Choba campus; one locally emanating from use of power generating sets and vehicular emissions and the second externally emanating from regional black carbon (soot). The results of trend analysis showed that daily particulate concentrations in the study area were higher through the early hours of morning from 7.00 am until about 9.00 am. The study revealed the presence of PM2.5 above the set limits, which could pose risks to human health on Choba campus. Persons with respiratory diseases are at greater risk on exposure. Prolonged exposure may aggravate cases of asthma and cardiovascular problems among the exposed public.