POLLUTION SOURCES AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION POLICY IN KULA KINGDOM, RIVERS STATE, NIGERIA

This study assessed ambient air quality at five locations in Kula Kingdom, Akuku-Toru Local Government Area and Rivers State, to describe spatial variation, identify likely pollution sources, and examine mitigation needs. A cross-sectional field campaign measured PM2.5, PM10, methane (CH4), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and ozone (O3) with calibrated portable monitoring equipment. Site summaries, study-assigned air-quality categories, and Pearson correlations were reported. Belema Community recorded the highest mean PM10 (0.245 mg/m3) and PM2.5 (0.042 mg/m3) and was classified as unhealthy for sensitive groups; the other four locations were classified as moderate. Mean VOC levels were 84,710 ppb at Robert Kiri and 90,043 ppb at Offoin-Ama. NO2 peaked at 0.553 ppm at Kula Water Front. SO2 was recorded at 0.100 ppm at Offoin-Ama, while O3 peaked at 0.015 ppm at the Atlantic Ocean Shore. Correlations calculated from the five site means were strongest for PM10 and PM2.5 (r = 0.98) and VOC and CH4 (r = 0.93). The spatial profiles are consistent with different pollution sources across the Kingdom, but source attribution remains inferential because the study did not sample emissions directly. Short sampling periods and the absence of health outcomes limit conclusions about daily air quality, seasonal variation, and health effects. Mitigation should pair site-specific source checks with particulate control, waterfront emission management, continued monitoring, and public reporting.