Air Quality Assessment in Selected Abattoirs in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study assesses air quality in selected abattoir sites in Makurdi, focusing on pollutant levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO?), sulfur dioxide (SO?), and carbon monoxide (CO) to evaluate their impact on local air quality. Data was collected from multiple sites during peak morning and evening periods and the mean concentrations of three air pollutants nitrogen dioxide (NO?), sulfur dioxide (SO?), and carbon monoxide (CO) was measured. Our findings revealed that pollutant concentrations, especially in the morning, consistently exceed WHO and Nigeria’s National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). The levels of NO? (0.072 ± 0.052 ppm) and SO? (0.062 ± 0.059 ppm) were notably high at abattoir sites due to activities like waste burning, organic material combustion, and tire incineration. Similarly, CO with (4.618 ± 3.924 ppm) concentrations show marked morning spikes and sustained levels throughout the day, attributed to fuel combustion and vehicular exhaust emissions. The elevated levels of these pollutants at abattoir sites pose significant health risks to nearby populations, underlining the urgent need for targeted emissions control during peak operational hours. Without intervention, these sustained emissions will continue to degrade air quality, highlighting the critical need for regulatory measures to protect public health.