Open waste dumps are major sources of air pollution and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, contributing to environmental degradation and adverse health outcomes. This study assessed the carbon footprint signature and air quality around an open waste dump, focusing on greenhouse gas emissions, Particulate Matter (PM), and their implications for public health. Highly sensitive, calibrated portable Crowcon Gasman meters were deployed to measure NO₂, SO₂, H₂S, CO, CO₂, TVOC, CH₄, PM₂.₅, and PM₁₀ at five sampling points (UVAQ1–UVAQ5) and a control site. CO₂-equivalent (CO₂e) emissions were calculated using Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Global Warming Potentials (GWP)s: CO₂ = 1, CH₄ = 28, NO₂ = 265), applying CO₂e formula. Pollutant levels were consistently higher near the dumpsite compared to the control. CO₂ ranged from 420–1,254 ppm, CH₄ from 1.0–6.5 ppm, and PM₂.₅ from 57–235 µg/m³, against control values of 491 ppm, 0.5 ppm, and 43 µg/m³ respectively. UVAQ2 recorded the highest pollution, due to its proximity to emission hotspots. Zero-order correlation analysis revealed strong positive associations among CO₂, CH₄, NO₂, and CO₂e (r = 0.91–0.98, p < 0.05). CO₂e showed the highest correlations (r ≥ 0.974), confirming its robustness as an indicator of aggregate carbon footprint. These emissions may contribute to respiratory, cardiovascular, and neurological risks, potentially exposing nearby communities to elevated levels of multiple pollutants. Findings underscore the urgent need for improved waste management, including sanitary landfills, recycling, composting, and landfill gas capture systems, to reduce both environmental and health impacts. • Elevated GHG and PM levels near open waste dumps. • CO₂e strongly correlated with CH₄ and NO₂ emissions. • UVAQ2 identified as emission intensity hotspot. • Sanitary landfill and gas recovery urgently needed.
Edet et al. (2026) studied this question.