Assessment of Air Quality Index in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State
Background: The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a measure of the level of air pollution. Its assessment is important in urban and industrial regions, where rapid development increases emissions from vehicles, factories and other sources, leading to detrimental environmental and health outcomes. This study assessed the AQI in selected areas of Port Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State. Methods: The research employed a cross-sectional design. An air-quality monitoring device was used to measure the AQI in selected areas of Port Harcourt Metropolis over one year. All ethical procedures were followed. Approval for the study was obtained from the University of Port Harcourt Research Ethics Committee (UPH/CEREMAD/REC/MM91/067). Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), version 25. Descriptive statistics, including frequencies and percentages, were calculated, and inferential statistics were performed using the chi-square test. A p-value of ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The study recorded variation in air-quality parameters across the six locations. Statistically significant differences were observed in PM₁.₀, PM₂.₅ and PM₁₀ concentrations across the study areas, with p-values of 0.003, 0.003 and 0.002, respectively. Unhealthy carbon monoxide levels were reported in Elekahia and Rumukurushi, and relative humidity was above the stated acceptable limit in these locations. Ambient temperature and noise levels were reported as moderate and within the acceptable limit. Conclusion: Unhealthy levels of particulate matter, carbon monoxide and relative humidity were observed in different parts of Port Harcourt Metropolis. These findings indicate the need for localised air-quality management strategies and prompt action by policymakers and urban planners to mitigate pollution sources and protect public health in Port Harcourt Metropolis and its environs.