X-raying meteorological parameters influence on air quality within Eleme industrial area, Rivers state

This study assessed the influence of meteorological parameters such as temperature, rainfall, wind speed, wind direction and relative humidity on air quality around industrial facilities in Eleme, Rivers State, Nigeria. Air quality monitoring was conducted at five radial distances (200, 400, 600, 800, and 1000 meters) from major industrial emission points, three times daily for six months, in order to characterize dispersion patterns. Mean pollutant concentrations were highest closest to the emission sources and progressively reduced with distance. PM2.5averaged 148.6 ± 21.3 µg/m³ at 200 meters compared to 63.2 ± 15.8 µg/m³ at 1000 meters. SO2 concentrations averaged 0.156 ± 0.04 ppm at 200 meters and 0.062 ± 0.01 ppm at 1000 meters, while NOₓ averaged 0.214 ± 0.03 ppm at 200 meters and 0.097 ± 0.02 ppm at 1000 meters. The post hoc results showed that concentrations within 200 and 400 meters were significantly higher than those at 800 and 1000 meters (p < 0.05). Meteorological variables influenced dispersion. Wind speed showed strong negative correlations with PM2.5[r = -0.71, p = 0.002] and SO2 [r = -0.64, p = 0.004], temperature showed a positive association with NOₓ [r = 0.58, p = 0.006], and relative humidity had significant inverse relationships with all pollutants [p < 0.05]. The results revealed that industrial emissions drastically degrade ambient air quality and heighten respiratory and environmental health risks for host communities. Therefore, policy actions recommended include stricter emission enforcement and continuous environmental audits, mandatory 1000-meter residential buffer zones, and integration of air quality thresholds into building and planning regulations.