Dynamics of Vehicula R Source Particle Pollution And Its Correlation with Some Atmospheric Properties

Abstract

Vehicular emissions contribute significantly to air pollution, particularly in urban environments where traffic congestion is prevalent. This study examines the dynamics of vehicular source particle pollution and its correlation with atmospheric properties across selected traffic junctions in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. The study measured particulate matter (PM1.0, PM2.5, and PM10, relative humidity, temperature, and wind speed at ten major junctions: St John’s-Iwofe, Mgboba-Location, Rumuokwuta, Rumuigbo, Wimpey, Rukpokwu, Rumuokoro, Agip, Waterlines, and Eliozu. The results showed variations in PM1.0 concentration from 34 µg/m³ to 84 µg/m³, PM2.5 concentrations varied from 46 µg/m³ to 105 µg/m³, and PM10 varied from 55 µg/m³ to 119 µg/m³ respectively. PM2.5 concentrations for all the selected junction were higher than the global regulatory standards such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), as the values these values exceeded the recommended 24-hour limits of 15 µg/m³ for PM2.5 and 45 µg/m³ for PM10, indicating severe air quality degradation around the selected junctions. Of all selected junctions under study, Agip and Rumuokoro junctions had the highest PM concentrations, correlating with heavy traffic density and prolonged vehicle idling times. Meteorological parameters showed relative humidity between 44% and 54%, temperature ranging from 34°C to 37°C, and wind speeds varied from 1.9 m/s to 3.0 m/s. Analysis of these atmospheric conditions revealed that high PM concentrations were recorded at locations with lower wind speeds, signifying limited pollutant dispersion. Additionally, temperature and PM levels showed a positive correlation, suggesting enhanced secondary pollutant formation in high-temperature zones.