Abstract:

The presence of vehicular traffic in urban city centers due to urban expansion occasioned by rapid population growth has been of immense concern for many years; as emissions from vehicle exhausts poses a major threat to both public health and environmental quality. This trend is expected to continue as ownership of vehicles keeps increasings. In this study, attempts are made to measure the concentration of traffic related emissions, with a view to assess the intricate relationships between vehicular emissions, their effect on surrounding air quality, and their impact on public health by extension, in Uyo metropolis, using USEPA air quality index. Six sampling locations were selected for this analysis. In selecting the study locations, special preference was given to accessibility, availability of open space free from shed, meteorological consideration of upward and downward directions, areas with minimal local influence from vehicular movement. Also, consideration was given to the sensitivity and stability of the equipment, as well as its capability to reproduce results. The concentrations of the priority pollutants (i.e, CO, H2S, SO2 and O) were measured with highly sensitive digital portable meters (Crowcon Gasman Monitors) in each of the selected locations, at peak traffic periods, and compared with standard air quality ratings. The results of the study showed that locations IRJ, IPJ and NRJ recorded relatively the highest measured concentrations of the pollutants (CO, H2S and SO2) respectively. While IPJ, NRJ and IRJ recorded the lowest measured concentrations of same pollutants respectively. Continuous accumulation of these toxic gases in air in air poses greater threat or may add to an already existing health burden of the residents of those locations. Therefore, further and thorough investigation is highly recommended to study the health impact of these contaminants in the residents.