Monitoring of SO2, NOx and NH3 emission from burning of solid wastes at Awotan and Lapite dumpsites, Ibadan, Nigeria

Abstract

Emission of gaseous pollutants from open dumpsites has been identified as a major source of air pollution in urban cities such as Ibadan, Nigeria. Air quality assessments at Awotan and Lapite dumpsites where burning of solid wastes occurs without adequate control were presented in this study. The open burning of solid wastes pose environmental challenges associated with the emission of SO2, NOx and NH3 whose adverse impact on humans in the vicinity of dumpsites is inevitable. The concentrations obtained for SO2, NOx and NH3 were in the range of 260–379 µg m–3; 354–470 µg m–3 and 590–907µg m–3, respectively, at Awotan dumpsite. The corresponding concentrations at Lapite dumpsite were 342–428 µg m–3; 521–741 µg m–3 and 1085–1374 µg m–3, respectively. Levels of SO2 and NOx exceeded the European Union and Nigeria national standard air quality limits. There is a need to develop better operating practices in terms of period and method of combustion of solid wastes at designated dumpsites in Ibadan.