Harmattan Dust Characteristics using Fourier Transform-Infrared and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry Method of Selected Sub-Saharan Region in African Stations

Abstract

Polytechnic, Birnin Kebbi (12.4601°N, 4.4955°E), were the selected stations used in this study. The suspended Harmattan dust samples were obtained in glass petri plates using a direct deposition approach. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Gas Chromatograph-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) were used to examine the samples collected. The results show that eleven functional groups were present in the samples, including =CH-H, - CH 3 , N-H, C=C, =C-H, C-H, O-H, C-N, C=O, C-O-C, and -CH 3 . According to GC-MS, the component (2-methoxy ethyl) had the greatest quality value (Q-Value) of 83, area percentage corresponding to time rating (RT) of 13.647, and CAS 018173-63-2 in the dust samples. It is therefore recommended that the Federal Republic of Nigeria's government increase funding for the research centers so that researchers can study all cities in the country and better observe the functional group metals present in the harmattan dust.