V2I8P14

Comparative Analysis of Particulate Matter and Gaseous Pollutants Emissions in Moribund Nigeria Cement Company (Nigercem) Nkalagu and Zian Jian Quarry Company Camp Aaron in Ishielu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Ugah Chukwuemeka S.^1*, Ngele S.O.² , Nwanchor Joseph N.²

Abstract

This study presents a comparative assessment of ambient air quality at two industrial sites in Ishielu Local Government Area, Ebonyi State, Nigeria: the Moribund Nigeria Cement Company (Nigercem), Nkalagu, and the Zian Jian Quarry Company, Camp Aaron. The investigation focused on the concentrations of particulate matter (PM₁, PM₂.₅, PM₁₀) and gaseous pollutants (NO₂, NH₃, H₂S, CO, CO₂, and O₃) during the dry and wet seasons, employing standardized air monitoring protocols across five sampling points per site. Results showed significant seasonal variation, with higher pollutant levels recorded during the dry season. At Nigercem, PM₁, PM₂.₅, and PM₁₀ concentrations in the dry season were 55.2 µg/m³, 98.4 µg/m³, and 173.8 µg/m³, respectively, compared to 33.7 µg/m³, 54.1 µg/m³, and 102.6 µg/m³ during the wet season. In contrast, Zian Jian recorded 49.5 µg/m³ (PM₁), 84.2 µg/m³ (PM₂.₅), and 159.4 µg/m³ (PM₁₀) in the dry season and 27.3 µg/m³, 41.6 µg/m³, and 84.3 µg/m³ in the wet season. For gaseous pollutants, NO₂ levels peaked at 53.7 µg/m³ at Zian Jian and 48.2 µg/m³ at Nigercem in the dry season, while NH₃ concentrations reached 1.12 ppm at Zian Jian compared to 0.67 ppm at Nigercem. CO and CO₂ values at Zian Jian were also higher, with 18.6 ppm and 792 ppm, respectively, versus 14.3 ppm and 610 ppm at Nigercem in the dry season. Ozone levels were relatively elevated at both sites in the dry season, measuring 63.5 µg/m³ at Zian Jian and 58.1 µg/m³ at Nigercem. The analysis revealed that the operational Zian Jian Quarry emits more pollutants across most parameters than the non-operational Nigercem site. However, the continued presence of pollutants at Nigercem indicates residual contamination and environmental risk. Meteorological parameters such as temperature, humidity, and wind speed significantly influenced pollutant dispersal, with dry conditions exacerbating pollutant accumulation. In conclusion, both sites present air quality challenges, with particulate matter levels exceeding WHO and NESREA guidelines, particularly during the dry season. The findings underscore the urgent need for policy interventions, continuous environmental monitoring, and remediation strategies, especially for industrial zones undergoing rapid transformation.

Keywords:

Air pollution; Particulate matter (PM₁, PM₂.₅, PM₁₀); Gaseous pollutants; NO₂; NH₃; CO; CO₂; O₃; H₂S; Dry and wet seasons; Industrial emissions; Quarry activities; Cement industry; Nigercem; Zian Jian Quarry; Environmental assessment; Seasonal variation; Ishielu Local Governmsent; Ebonyi State; Nigeria