ORIGINAL RESEARCH
Variation Characteristics of Volatile Organic
Compounds in an Urban Atmosphere in Nigeria
Emmanuel Gbenga Olumayede1, James Majebi Okuo2
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1Chemistry Unit, Science Laboratory Technology Department, Rufus Giwa Polytechnic,
Owo, Ondo state, Nigeria
2Chemistry Department, University of Benin,
Benin City, Edo state, Nigeria
Pol. J. Environ. Stud. 2012;21(1):177-186
KEYWORDS
ABSTRACT
The living patterns of people may create different variations in concentrations of air pollutants in urban
setting. Ambient VOCs measured in the Nigerian urban center of Benin City were analyzed and evaluated for
variation characteristics; spatial, seasonal, and diurnal patterns of air pollutants. For this purpose samples were
collected (from June 2009 to May 2010) at seven locations selected to represent local activities in the city. To
determine the diurnal pattern of VOCs, four hourly samplings were carried out at six-day intervals. Samples
were analyzed using gas chromatography. Among the VOC species detected are 4 alkanes, 6 aromatic compounds,
4 chlorinated hydrocarbons, and 1ketone. The results showed that ambient VOC levels in the atmosphere
of Benin City are driven by high traffic; hence high concentrations were observed in most traffic junctions
sampled. The examination of the average of total VOC accumulation showed significant spatial and seasonal
variability (p<0.01) in all sites. The diurnal pattern showed higher concentrations in the morning, and then
evening, indicating that fresh emissions impact the air mass in the city. Analyses of the weekly variations of the
pollutants showed the weekday’s maxima and the weekend’s minima, an indication of traffic influence.