Effects of Solid Waste Storage Facilities on Ambient Air Quality in Ado-Ekiti, Southwestern Nigeria

Abstract

Rapid urbanization coupled with inadequate municipal solid waste management has become a significant environmental challenge in many developing countries, including Nigeria. Waste storage facilities located within residential neighbourhoods are important sources of atmospheric pollutants generated during the decomposition of organic wastes. This study assessed the effects of solid waste storage facilities on ambient air quality in selected neighbourhoods of Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria. Ten municipal waste storage facilities and one control location were investigated. The geographical coordinates and storage capacities of the facilities were determined using a handheld Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver and field measurements. Ambient concentrations of carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), ammonia (NH₃), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and particulate matter (PM) were measured in situ using calibrated portable air quality monitoring instruments at distances of 0 m, 50 m, and 100 m from each storage facility over the sampling period. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) at a 5% level of significance.