Particulates Distribution Around Smallholder Gari Production Facilities in the Niger Delta, Nigeria

This study evaluated the distribution of particulates (PM1, PM 2.5, PM 4, PM 7, PM 10, and TSP) around smallholder gari production facilities in the Niger Delta, Nigeria. The particulates were evaluated at 3 distances (3.05, 7.62, and 15.24 m) from emission source in the dry season (November, January, and March) and wet season (May, July, and September) in Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, and Abia states. A mini-volume air sampler was used to assess the concentration of particulates, while health risk was assessed following standard protocol using median and geometric mean as reference values. The particulates ranged from 11.54 – 14.99 µg/m3, 18.70 – 22.34 µg/m3, 26.12 – 36.04 µg/m3, 37.00 – 52.26 µg/m3, 46.91 – 72.49 µg/m3 and 57.94 – 99.49 µg/m3 for PM1, PM2.5, PM4, PM7, PM10 and TSP, respectively. There were statistical variations (p<0.05) across months, distances, and locations of study and their interactions. The particulates correlates positively at p<0.01 with higher concentrations recorded for the dry season as opposed to the wet season, (indication of seasonal influence). The health risk assessment indicated a slight to moderate pollution in both seasons across the study area, which should be taken into advisement when considering long-term exposure to sensitive groups. Hence, there is a need to adopt a sustainable management of emissions due to gari production from cassava tuber.