Assessment of emission levels at the Port Harcourt International Airport and its environs, Omagwa, River State, Nigeria

The increase in migration worldwide has necessitated frequent air travel, which has put more pressure on the host communities of major airports. Many researchers have studied the environmental effects of aircraft. This study thus postulates that gaseous emissions from aircraft will negatively impact the atmosphere around the airport and neighbouring communities. To determine the concentration of atmospheric pollutants, total volatile organic compounds (TVOC), and particulate matters (PM1, PM1.5 and PM10), air samples were collected using handheld Aeroqual monitors at nine different locations in and out of the airport and in dry and wet seasons to measure nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulphur dioxide (SO2), carbon monoxide (CO), particulate matter PM10, PM2.5, Hydrogen sulphide (H2S), Methane (CH4), Ammonia (NH3), Ozone (O3), Carbon IV oxide (CO2). The result obtained gave a mean value of the noxious gases as SO2 (0.00±0.00 - 0.04±0.03 ppm), NO2 (0.00±0.00 - 4.60±2.82 ppm), CO (0.00±0.00 - 1.48±1.48 ppm), H2S (0.00±0.00 - 2.40±0.82 ppm), NH3 (0.00±0.00 - 0.28±0.17 ppm), CO2 (0.04±0.01 - 0.18±0.08 ppm) and O3 (0.02±0.01 - 0.15±0.04). Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) in the cargo area (4.60±2.82 ppm) had the highest concentration followed by H2S in cargo (2.40±0.82 ppm) and CO in apron and Ipo 3 (1.48±1.48 ppm). There was a higher concentration of SO2 inside, while a higher concentration of NO2, CO, H2S, CO2, and O3 outside the airport. There was a higher concentration of all pollutants during the dry season except O3, which was higher during the wet season. A One-way Analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that there was a significant difference (p<0.05) in the concentration of TVOC across the stations, between indoor and outdoor environments, and in wet and dry seasons. The total mean volatile organic compound concentration is highest in the host community. Similarly, PM 1 was highest in Car Park 2, while PM 2.5 and PM 10 had the highest concentration in the host communities. The result obtained implies that atmospheric pollutants may negatively affect members of the host communities and commuters near the airport. Thus, the atmosphere around the airport should be monitored daily to forestall increases beyond the acceptable limit. Similarly, vehicles that do not pass emission tests should be prevented from entering the vicinity of the airport.