ASSESSSMENT OF PARTICULATE MATTER (PM_2.5,10) LEVEL IN SOME SELECTED AREAS IN SOUTH-WEST NIGERIA

Abstract

The severe side effect of Particulate Matter (PM) inhalation in our environment has necessitated the need to monitor the PM and take appropriate measure. Dust is present everywhere, but most times, it is not visible to the eyes even when it is above the permissible limit set by United State Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) – 150 µgm^-3. This study was carried out to determine different PM levels at different locations at selected areas in Southwest Nigeria using a developed dust density measurement system. It was observed that PM level in a residential area at Oye-Ekiti, Akure, and Ibadan was below 120 µgm^-3 in most cases and above in few cases. PM level in Federal University Oye-Ekiti environment was at some time above 150µgm^-3. The PM level in public transport also showed that commuters are exposed to dust hazard as the dust density level rose between 133% to 400% compared to the permissible limit. Government must ensure the roads are in good conditions.