Open Journal of Air Pollution, 2024, 13, 57-71
https://www.scirp.org/journal/ojap
ISSN Online: 2169-2661
ISSN Print: 2169-2653
DOI: 10.4236/ojap.2024.132003 May 9, 2024 57 Open Journal of Air Pollution
Air Quality Assessment of Ubeji Community
near Petroleum-Related Activities
Adedoyin Olubunmi Bankole
1*
, Akinyemi Olufemi Ogunkeyede
1*
,
Oluwafunmilayo Mary Haruna
1
, Harrison Agboro
2
, Prince Alex Ekhorutomwen
2
,
Osasenaga Israel Otuomagie
2
, Christabel Ifuwe
3
, Efe Jeffery Isukuru
1
1
Department of Environmental Management and Toxicology, College of Science, Federal University of Petroleum Resources,
Effurun, Delta State, Nigeria
2
Department of Biology and Environmental Science, College of Arts and Sciences, University of New Haven, West Haven, USA
3
Department of Surveying and Geoinformatics, Faculty of Environmental Science, Dennis Osadebay University Asaba, Asaba,
Nigeria
Abstract
The escalating global concern over air pollution requires rigorous investiga-
tions. This study assesses air quality near residential areas affected by petro-
leum-related activities in Ubeji Community, utilizing Aeroqual handheld
mobile multi-gas monitors and air quality multi-meters. Air sampling oc-
curred on three distinct days using multi-gas monitors and meters, covering
parameters such as CO, NO
2
, CH
4
, NH
3
, VOCs, Particulate Matter, Temper-
ature, Relative Humidity, and Air Quality Index. Soil and plant samples were
collected and analyzed for physicochemical and organic components. Air
pollutant concentrations showed significant fluctuations. Carbon monoxide
(CO) ranged from 0.00 to 3.22 ppm, NO
2
from 0.00 to 0.10 ppm, CH
4
from
4.00 to 2083 ppm, NH
3
from 371 to 5086 ppm, and VOCs from 414 to 6135
ppm. Soil analysis revealed low total nitrogen, and undetected BTEX levels.
Plant samples displayed a pH range of 7.72 to 9.45. CO concentrations, al-
though below WHO limits, indicated potential vehicular and industrial in-
fluences. Fluctuations in NO
2
and CH
4
were linked to traffic, industrial activi-
ties, and gas flaring. NH
3
levels suggested diverse pollution sources. The re-
sult in this study highlights the dynamic nature of air pollution in Ubeji
community, emphasizing the urgent need for effective pollution control
measures. Although CO concentrations were within limits, continuous mon-
itoring is essential. Elevated NO
2
levels gave information on the impact of
industrial activities, while high CH
4
concentrations may be associated with
gas flaring and illegal refining. The study recommends comprehensive meas-
ures and collaborative efforts to address these complex issues, safeguarding
both the environment and public health. This study shows the potential syn-
How to cite this paper: Bankole, A.O.,
Ogunkeyede, A.O., Haruna, O.M., Agboro,
H., Ekhorutomwen, P.A., Otuomagie, O.I.,
Ifuwe, C. and Isukuru, E.J. (2024) Air
Quality Assessment of Ubeji Community
near Petroleum-Related Activities. Open
Journal of Air Pollution, 13, 57-71.
https://doi.org/10.4236/ojap.2024.132003
Received: February 9, 2024
Accepted: May 6, 2024
Published: May 9, 2024
Copyright © 2024 by author(s) and
Scientific Research Publishing Inc.
This work is licensed under the Creative
Commons Attribution International
License (CC BY 4.0).
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Open Access