PAN AFRICAN JOURNAL OF LIFE SCIENCES
e-ISSN: 2672-5924
Volume 9, No. 3, December 2025
Pages 569-577
DOI: 10.36108/pajols/5202/90.0330
Spatial and Temporal Variation in Air Quality in AMAC Abattoir, Deidei, Federal Capital Territory
Hafsat I. Adeyemi*, Comfort A. Olanrewaju, Ilyasu D. Umar, Amarachi H. Okafor.
Department of Biological Sciences, University of Abuja., FCT, Nigeria.
Abstract
Background: Nigeria has been ranked fourth globally for air pollution and has the highest number of air pollution-related deaths in Africa. Several studies have been carried out on pollution from various sources, but little documented work has been done on air pollution in abattoirs. Poor data on air pollution has been identified as a challenge in Africa. This study was done to add to and improve on existing data on abattoir air pollution.
Method: Concentrations of pollutants; PM, NO2, CO and SO2 were taken fortnightly for six months between September, 2021-February, 2022 at the AMAC abattoir in Deidei using the MSA Altair 5X gas detector for gaseous pollutants and Hazidust Suspended Particulate Matter Measuring device for the PM at various radial coordinates from three sampling points at the site and at three different periods to determine the presence of the tar-get pollutants and the spatial and temporal variation in the concentration of these pollutants.
Results: Results showed the presence of the pollutants in the abattoir and an insignificant spatial and tem-poral variation; {Spatial (P-value 0.417, >0.05); Temporal (P-value 0.969 > 0.55) respectively} in the concentra-tion of the pollutants. The result also showed that the mean concentrations of the gaseous pollutants, SO2 (0.04 ppm), NO2 (0.065 ppm), and P.M (0.26 μg/m3) were significantly higher than the permissible limits set by FMENV/NESREA, except for CO (9.53 ppm) at the site, which was within the permissible limit.
Conclusion: This result indicates contamination of the air quality, as these pollutants contribute to environmental pollution. It is therefore recommended that the abattoirs be relocated to locations within a stipulated distance, in line with international best practices; that activities at the abattoirs be constantly monitored and evaluated; and, where necessary, that relevant professionals or established government agencies enforce existing laws to monitor progress. Also, more severe policy recommendations to address or regulate excessive emissions should be highlighted for consideration.
Keywords: Abattoir, Air pollution, Deidei-FCT, Temporal, Spatial