Assessment of Environmental Air Pollution from Charcoal Production In Apa Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria

ABSTRACT The study examined the assessment of environmental air pollution from charcoal production in Apa local government area of Benue State, Nigeria. Questionnaire and Semi-Structured interview were used for data collection. MultiRAE lite QRAE systems multigas sampler was used to monitor the concentration of Nitrous oxide (NO and NO2), Carbon monoxide (CO), Carbon dioxide (CO2), Sulphur dioxide (SO2); Dust track II Aerosol monitor R11593 for measuring suspended particulate matter (PM10, PM 2.5). Data collected were analyzed using inferential (Correlation analysis) and descriptive statistic (mean and standard deviation). The mean±SD (ppm) concentrations of pollutants monitored across the wards were CO: 16.4±0.35; CO2: 41.28±1.73; NO2: 0.63±0.5; SO 2: 2.17±0.09; PM10: 131.92±1.99 and PM2.5: 42.83±1.95. PM10 had the highest mean concentration. The recommends environmental awareness and education should be embarked upon in the rural areas to sensitize the residents to the health problems associated with exposure to high level air pollutants and ensure compliance with local regulations and standards for air pollution emissions. Keywords: Assessment , Environment, Health and Charcoal Production