¹Department of Geography, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, Niger State, Nigeria.

*Author’s Contact Details: E-mail Address ✉: pnwaerema486@gmail.com; Mobile Phone no ☎: +(234) 8032678876

²Department of Geography, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, Niger State, Nigeria.

Author’s Contact Details: E-mail Address ✉: solojiya@yahoo.com; Mobile Phone no ☎: +(234) 7032252136

³Department of Surveying and Geo-Informatics, Ken Saro-Wiwa Polytechnique, Bori, Rivers State, Nigeria.

Author’s Contact Details: E-mail Address ✉: flobby3003@gmail.com; Mobile Phone no ☎: +(234) 8033412317

Accepted August 28, 2020

The present investigation was carried out on the characterization of Air Quality Index (AQI) of Port Harcourt Tropical Littoral City in Nigeria. This study used Testo 350XL Gas Analyzer (NO_x and CO) and 5 in 1 multi-function laser sensor BRV8 (PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 detectors) for air quality measurements. The field data were converted into AQI values. The Geographic Positioning System (GPS) was used to establish the sample locations. Findings showed that Carbon Oxide (CO) at 32.7% contributed the greatest threat to life and PM_2.5 (15%) had the least harmful effect. In a population of 3,235,840 only 8.8% persons had good and satisfactory AQI. The unhealthy and unsatisfactory category of 2,951,655 people accounted for 91.2% in the AQI classification with expected respiratory symptoms. The very unhealthy AQI classification was found in areas of Aba Express Road, Mile One, Rumuola, Artillery, Garrison and Woji respectively. The good and satisfactory AQI category was located at the fringes of the Air Port. The result showed that AQI in the morning differed significantly from that of the evening. Therefore, the people and authorities should mitigate environmental pollution in Port Harcourt City of Nigeria.

Key words: Air Quality Index (AQI), Environment, Health, Pollution.

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