EVALUATION OF WET SEASON GROUND LEVEL VEHICULAR AIR POLLUTION AND HEALTH INDEX OF MINNA METROPOLIS, NIGER STATE NIGERIA

This study evaluated wet season ground level vehicular air pollution and health index of Minna metropolis, Niger State Nigeria. The study employed the use of Testo 350XL Gas Analyzer for NOx and CO. It also used air quality instrument of 5 in 1 multi-function laser sensor BRV8 detector for PM10 and PM2.5. The generated data from the field were transformed into the air quality index values. Thus, Geographic Positioning System (GPS) instrument was utilized to identify the positions of the sampled junctions and roundabouts. Findings showed that PM2.5 in Minna metropolis had average concentration level of 130.85μg/m3, PM10 had average concentration of 165.15μg/m3, NOx had average concentration level of 0.49mg/m3 exceeding the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended standard. However, COx in Minna metropolis had concentration level less than 30mg/m3. Thus, 167,648 of the population inhaled quality air and 328,352 persons were exposed to unhealthy air quality. The junctions and roundabouts at the fringes of Minna metropolis had good air quality compared to those in the inner city area. It is recommended that a good air quality management framework should be developed and implemented by considering effective monitoring and evaluation of the sources of air pollution and the practice of effective tree planting as well as general urban greening in order to achieve a sustainable Minna metropolis in Nigeria