The level PM 2.5 and the elemental compositions of some potential receptor locations in Lagos, Nigeria

AbstractAir pollutants are sourced from both anthropogenic and natural means, with anthropogenic activities, increase in urban city population, and high industrial activities having the tendency to increase atmospheric pollution. This present study evaluated the PM2.5 concentrations and its bound elements in Agege, Oshodi, and Unilag, Lagos, Nigeria. Aerosol samples were captured on a microglass fiber particle filter and the PM2.5 determined gravimetrically. Elemental characterizations of PM2.5 were performed by energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence. The PM2.5 concentrations ranged from 6 to 14  μg/m3 in Unilag and Agege respectively. The PM2.5 was lower than the WHO regulatory standard (25  μg/m3). This could be attributed to high precipitation during the sampling. All the 19 elements determined in the samples were found in the locations except arsenic which was not found in any of the samples. The predominant elements were Ca, Fe, K, Fe, Ni, Ti, Zn, Co, Cu, V, and Sc. The crust enrichment factors indicated that Ca, K, and Ti were likely from earth crust whereas Ni, Zn, Co, Cu, and Sc were likely from anthropogenic activities. The PCA study showed that the elements in all the three investigated locations have similar sources. These sources were linked to the influence of distance input.
Source: Air Quality, Atmosphere and Health - Category: Environmental Health Source Type: research