Abstract:
This study assessed the air
pollution loads of sulphur dioxide (SO2),
nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and particulate matter
(PM10) from Aguleri in Anambra State of
Nigeria using matrix algebra and the
geographical information system
(GIS)/global positioning system (GPS)
attachment to MATLAB. The pollutant
values of SO2 and NO2 were obtained using
the Crowcon Gas Monitor Model CE
89/336/EEC, while the PM10 values were
obtained with the Crowcon Particulate
Monitor Model No.1000 with the serial
number 298621. The pollution characteristics
of the study area were simulated using the
polynomial expression yi = k + k1x1 + k2x2 +
k3x3 +… knxn.. The predictive parameter
constants, k, were determined with the
solution to the simultaneous equations arising
from the polynomial expressions using matrix
algebra. MATLAB 7.9 curve fitting software
was used to produce associated model
equations from the fitted curves for the
variations of SO2, NO2 and PM10 as a function
of locations in Aguleri for both rainy and dry
seasons. The evaluation of pollution models
used for the study showed that constants from
the fitted curves do not closely match
constants from ab initio calculations. The
corresponding coordinates in both GIS/GPS
contour and surface plots revealed a pollution
distribution concentration of 50% in Aguleri.
The results revealed that the stations in
Aguleri had a satisfactory air pollution index
rating. This study serves as an improvement
to air quality studies and a veritable tool for
air quality management and policymaking.
