Air Quality Assessment of Some Selected Poultry Farms in Yenegoa, Nigeria

Air quality of some selected poultry farms in Yenagoa, Nigeria were assessed, with a focus on determining the concentration levels of ammonia (NH3), carbon dioxide (CO₂), particulate matter (PM), oxygen (O₂) and their changes with changes in indoor air temperature, and relative humidity using a Multi-Gas Sensor, digital thermometer, and digital hygrometer. The indoor levels of these parameters (ammonia, carbon dioxide, particulate matter, oxygen, temperature and relative humidity) for the selected poultry farms namely; Azikoro, Opolo, and Tombia were assessed on a weekly basis for one month. The results revealed a slight variation in ammonia (NH3) concentration levels in the selected poultry farms---Tombia, Opolo, and Azikoro with concentration values of 0.41ppm, 0.46, and 0.47 ppm respectively. There were significant variations in CO₂ concentration levels, with Azikoro recording the highest concentration value of 892.93 ppm and Opolo with the lowest concentration value of 608.21 ppm. Similarly, there were no significant variations in the concentration levels of particulate matter in the selected poultry farms. Their concentration levels varied from 33.5ppm to 35.5ppm. The noticeable variations in the concentration levels of HN3, CO2 and PM could be attributed to stock density, poor ventilation and sanitary conditions of the respective poultry farms. Oxygen (O₂) levels were generally stable across the three poultry farms. A positive correlation was observed between temperature and CO₂ concentration levels, temperature and ammonia concentration levels, indicating that warmer conditions may exacerbate pollutant buildup due to enhanced bird metabolism and inadequate ventilation. Additionally, relative humidity showed a weak negative correlation with CO₂ concentration levels but showed a weak positive relationship with PM concentration levels, suggesting that moisture may trap particulates in the air. The concentration levels of ammonia, carbon dioxide and the 24-hour average for PM10 in all the selected poultry farms were within the safe limit, except PM2.5. Understanding the current state of indoor air quality in poultry farms is essential for developing strategies to mitigate the risks associated with poor air quality.