Ambient Air Quality and Noise Assessment in Eleme Communities, Rivers State, Nigeria

Problems caused by ambient air pollution on human and the environment can be averted by steadily and strictly monitoring of the concentrations of outdoor pollutants. Human activities have triggered changes in the earths atmosphere. In this research, 7(Seven) selected Eleme communities, 4(four) zones in each community and 28(Twenty eight) sampling points in all locations were assessed for the concentrations of CO, SO2 , NO2 , NO, CO2 , SPM, O2 , noise level and as well Meteorological parameters using methods recommended by ASTM for air pollutants measurement and meteorological parameters. Findings of this research showed that, measured level of CO (1.00 - 43.00 ppm) at Akpajo, Aleto and Onne zone "B" exceeded the stipulated limit by NAAQS. Measured level of SO2 (0.00 - 1.30 ppm) at zone "B" and "D" in all locations were above permissible limit except in Alode and Ogale in which the concentrations of SO2 were 0.00 ppm through out the zones. NO2 (0.00 - 3.10 ppm) and NO (0.00 - 1.05 ppm) concentrations in zone "B" in all the sampling locations exceeded the permissible limit by NAAQS except in Alode and Ogale. Aleto and Ogale zone "D" were also above limits. SPM(0.01 - 4.83 ppm) Levels in all locations and zones exceeded the limit given by W.H.O except in Ogale residential area. Noise Level (40.20 - 102 dBA) at Alesa, Aleto, Akpajo and Ebubu zone "B" were as well above limits. In order to address the risk connected with the identified pollutants in the study area, more endeavour should be conveyed to the use of renewable energy and as well, cleaner air initiatives should be embarked upon.