Spatial distribution of particulate matter (PM10) in Warri metropolis, Nigeria

This study examined the spatial distribution of particulate air pollution in the Warri metropolis. This was done to ascertain the differences between the distribution of particulate matter (PM10) in the urban area and the surrounding rural areas. To achieve this, the study generated data from field measurement of PM10 levels for the year 2003. Analysis of variance, the U-test, and simple regression statistical techniques were used to analyze the data. The major finding of the study was that the Warri metropolitan area is polluted with PM10 levels of over 126 μg/m3, which is 81% over the 70 μg/m3 threshold of the World Health Organization. However the built-up area of the Warri metropolis is 150% more polluted with PM10 particulates than the surrounding rural areas. While the traffic-clogged area of Enerhen, Jakpa, Deco, and Estate Junctions are the most polluted areas with levels of 151 μg/m3, traditional areas had the lowest levels of 128 μg/m3. The daily distribution of PM10 showed that Mondays were the most polluted days with levels of 145 μg/m3 and Fridays were the least polluted days with levels of 141.5 μg/m3 in the built-up area, whereas in the rural area Wednesdays were the most polluted days with levels of 57.1 μg/m3 and Sundays were the least polluted days with levels of 53.5 μg/m3. Mondays generally recorded the highest PM10 values because of the large amount of industrial operation, heavy vehicular traffic in the peak period, and increased commercial activities. The study also showed significant variation in the level of PM10 particulates within the urban areas of the Warri metropolis with a calculated F-value (3.29), which is greater than the critical F-value of 3.14 at the 0.05 significance level. It is therefore recommended that urban environmental management policy should be vigorously pursued to curb the adverse consequences of increased PM10 levels in urban areas of the Warri metropolis.