ABSTRACT Fine particulate matter (PM 2 . 5 ) is notorious for its ability to penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, posing serious health risks. In this study, seasonal trends, sources, and elemental composition of ambient PM 2 . 5 were investigated at six monitoring sites in Abeokuta, Southwestern Nigeria, from January to July 2020, covering both dry and wet seasons. PM 2 . 5 samples were collected using high‐volume air samplers, analyzed gravimetrically for mass concentration, and chemically characterized using inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectrometry (ICP‐OES). Mean PM 2 . 5 concentrations were extremely high, averaging 156.3 µg/m 3 during the dry season and 89.1 µg/m 3 during the wet season—far exceeding the World Health Organization guideline limit of 15 µg/m 3 . Elemental analysis revealed elevated concentrations of chromium, nickel, and cadmium above recommended safety thresholds. Enrichment factor analysis indicated dominant anthropogenic contributions, while Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) identified six major sources: coal and oil combustion, industrial emissions, traffic‐related wear (brake and tire), road dust, and crustal materials. Weak correlations between PM 2 . 5 levels and meteorological parameters suggest persistent pollution irrespective of seasonal weather variations. Air quality index assessment classified all monitoring sites as hazardous, underscoring severe public health concerns. The findings of the study reveal that PM 2 . 5 pollution in Abeokuta remains a serious concern throughout the year. This issue is largely fueled by human actions, creating a continuous and significant risk to the health of those living in urban areas.
Adedokun et al. (Sun,) studied this question.