EN
The assessment of air quality and meteorological variables in Lower Stubbs Creek, Qua Iboe River Estuary, Nigeria was carried out using portable hand held gas monitors for atmospheric gases and hygrometer, thermometer, anemometer and digital compass for relative humidity, temperature, wind speed and wind direction. Parameters measured were SO2, NO2, H2S, CO, NH3, Cl2, HCN, PM2.5, PM10, relative humidity, temperature, wind speed and wind direction. The results for the atmospheric gases followed this decreasing magnitude; PM10 (110.35 µ/m3) > PM2.5 (55.66 µ/m3) > CO (19.00 ppm) > NH3 (5.86 ppm) > HCN (1.41 ppm) > H2S (0.77 ppm) > Cl2 (0.47 ppm) > NO2 (0.28 ppm) > SO2 (0.26 ppm). For the meteorological variables, the mean values for temperature, relative humidity and wind speed were 25.86 ºC, 67.71 % and 1.17 m/s. The predominant wind direction was the North Easterly winds. The result for the air quality using 5 criteria pollutants showed that NO2, SO2 had Air Quality Index (AQI) values of 0 each, while CO, PM2.5 and PM10 had AQI values of 224, 151 and 78, respectively. Based on the air quality ratings, the average concentrations of NO2, and SO2 in the atmosphere were good while the concentrations of CO, PM2.5 and PM10 were very unhealthy, unhealthy and moderate, respectively. This study shows that this region is polluted with CO and particulate matters, hence requires prompt intervention plans and consistent monitoring.