Spatio-temporal Variations of Air Pollutants in Urban Zones of Port Harcourt: Influence of Climatic Conditions, and Human Activities

The study examines the spatial and temporal variations in air pollutant concentrations across four urban zones in Port Harcourt (residential, central business district (CBD), industrial, and suburban) between September and December. Data were collected using portable gas sensors and anemometers, capturing sulphur dioxide (SO₂), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), carbon monoxide (CO), particulate matter (PM₁₀), wind speed, and temperature during morning and evening periods. The industrial zone recorded the highest pollutant levels, including SO₂ at 0.28 ppm, NO₂ at 0.11 ppm, CO at 40.03 ppm, and PM₁₀ at 3.12 ppm, while suburban areas had the lowest, with NO₂ at 0.04 ppm and CO at 18.61 ppm. Morning measurements consistently revealed higher concentrations. Temporally, NO₂ declined from 0.08 ppm in September to 0.05 ppm by October and December (p = .031). ANOVA confirmed significant spatial variation for CO (F = 165.518, p < .001) and PM₁₀ (F = 953.316, p < .001), with an adjusted R² of 0.989 for PM₁₀. The findings highlight that urban land use strongly influences air quality, with industrial and commercial activities posing significant risks. The study contributes empirical evidence on localized pollution dynamics in sub-Saharan urban contexts and recommends targeted emission controls, urban greening, and sustained air quality surveillance to guide environmental policy and urban health planning.