Abstract:
The primary purpose of this exploratory research is to conduct air pollution surveys by observing the
concentration of carbon monoxide (CO) - a vehicular emission, noise level at selected points and
comparing with the standards proposed by the Nigeria Federal Ministry of Environment (FMEnv.),
United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and World Health Organization (WHO).
Seven sampling areas which are located along the central road traversing the city of Akure, have been
chosen for the study. Data for this research were collected in real-time through the use of a portable,
Digital Flue gas analyser (Model DWYER 1207A) and a Digital Noise Meter.
A key result from this study is that out of the seven sampling areas monitored, two hot spots have
been detected in the city, namely Araromi and Olukayode where standard organization limits were
exceeded with CO concentration of 36ppm and 38ppm respectively. Also, the highest noise level was
recorded at Olukayode (110dB, 115dB), for both morning and evening observation. Results further
revealed that motor vehicle remains the dominant sources of urban air and noise pollution as revealed
in the relationship between the traffic counts and CO emissions; and between noise level and traffic
congestion.
The study reveals that transport-related pollution in Akure is significant and suggests improvements
in the public transportation system with regulations and incentives to encourage the use of lesspolluting
or non-polluting alternatives so as to maintain the air quality levels within the tolerable
limits.
