Effect of Traffic Congestion on The Emission of Carbon monoxide in Minna Metropolis

Abstract

Air pollution is the contamination of the atmosphere by the discharge or emission of undesirable substances and gases, or their formation from the emissions by chemical reactions in the atmosphere. Traffic in metropolitan areas is the leading cause of pollutants emission especially for CO and also NOx, VOCs, SOx and particulates The study is aimed at assessing the effect of Traffic Congestion on The Emission of Carbon monoxide in Minna Metropolis.Traffic monitoring was carried out in the morning to evening (7:30am-6:30pm) while air sample was monitored simultaneously for the presence and varying concentrations of carbon monoxide (CO) with the aid of Altair 4X gas detector. Data collection was done from June – July 2020. The study recorded significant relationships between traffic congestion and the concentration of Carbon monoxide emission in the study area. The finding of this study suggests that the concentrations of the carbon monoxide measured along Kpakungu – Gidan Kwanu, Minna Metropolis are above the limits stipulated by the WHO. Therefore, there is an urgent need to focus on air quality management in Minna Metropolis to safeguard the environment and public health. The study recommends the provision of required road facilities, enforcement of traffic control laws by relevant authorities and good transportation management system in the study area.