ASSESSMENT OF PARTICULATE MATTER IN INDUSTRIAL AREA OF ELEME COMMUNITIES OF RIVERS STATE, NIGER DELTA, NIGERIA

The study assessed levels of Particulate matter in Eleme communities of Rivers State, Nigeria. The work was carried out between 27th September and 24th of November, 2019, using a purposive sampling technique. Data was analysed statistically by Pearson correlation and Chi-square test method. The parameters tested were PM2.5 and PM10. CW-HAT 20 handheld portable counter was used, while meteorological parameters tested were Temperature, Relative Humidity, Wind speed, and direction. The result showed that PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations were 93.40 and 64.30µg/m3 respectively. PM10 was within the NESREA limit of 150µg/m3, while PM2.5 was above NESREA limit of 40.0µg/m3. The elevated values of PM2.5 could be attributed to emissions from industries, vehicles, and soot particles from illegal refining and highway clouds of dust in the area. Akpajo community was identified as the most air polluted community which could be due to proximity to the petrochemical industry, the highway that experiences gridlock, and wind transportation action, While Aleto, where petrochemical industry is located, was identified as the less air polluted community. Particulate matter level increases from September through to November which could be attributed to cessation of rainfall that could have diluted the PM. The study suggests that industries should seek alternative sources of energy, efficient traffic management systems should be instituted, and public enlightenment on the advantages of tree planting to reduce the health effects of PM on the residents of the study area.