Estimation of Air Pollution Load Exerted by Selected Industries in Trans-Amadi Industrial Layout, Port Harcourt

A study on the estimation of pollution load (PL) exerted by criteria air pollutants and toxic metals around the Trans-Amadi Industrial Layout in Port Harcourt, Rivers State of Nigeria was conducted. Pollution loads were evaluated using the Industrial Pollution Projection System. Industries were categorized using the International Standard Industrial Classification Code. Data were obtained from the Manufacturer’s Association of Nigeria and relevant Government Agencies. Results showed that, based on number of employees, the Food Beverage and Tobacco sector with the highest number of employees exerted PLs of 94%, 90%, and 56% of SO2, NO2, and total suspended particles (TSP) respectively. This was sequentially followed by the Motor Vehicles and Miscellaneous (MVM), Basic Metal, and Chemical and Chemical allied Products/Paints sectors exerting 42%, 36%, and 32%, of VOCs, CO, and fine particulate matter (FPM) respectively. Based on production output, the MVM sector with a production output of 1,800tons/year exerted PL of 84%, 82%, 63%, and 45% of CO, FPM, NO2, and VOC respectively while the ‘Others’ and Food and Manufacturing Industry sectors with 3,200 tons/year and 1,200 tons/year exerted PL of 65% and 31% of SO2 and TSP respectively. The Electrical/Electronic and ‘Other sectors exerted the most PL of toxic metals, with cumulative percentage of 34% and 62% respectively. These results indicated that, while the number of employees had a dominant influence on PLs of SO2, NO2, and TSP, the production output had a dominant influence on PL of CO, FPM, and VOC, and the ‘Others’ sector plays a major role in toxic metal pollution.