Analysis of Emission from Petrol Vehicles in the Koforidua Municipality, Ghana

Abstract

Koforidua has seen its fair share in the increase in the number of cars on its roads over the past decade. This has resulted in progressive increase in traffic congestion on the roads and could lead to deterioration in the air quality. Exhaust gas emissions from a total of 104 vehicles were tested with an exhaust gas analyzer. Hydrocarbons (HC), Carbon dioxide (CO2) and Carbon monoxide (CO) were measured and compared with EU standards for gasoline vehicles and Auto Data Technical information. A series of algorithms developed using Microsoft Excel Spread Sheet were used to analyze the data collected. Out of the total number of cars tested, 74 and 80 cars passed the HC and CO tests respectively. 10 cars out of the total were rated as good under CO2 test. In total, 69.5% of the cars tested passed the various tests conducted and about 73 cars representing 70.2% of the cars tested were over 10 years and the emission standards for those years were flexible.