ASSESSMENT OF NO2 AND SO2 LEVELS IN PORT HARCOURT AND OWERRI OVER A PERIOD OF FOUR YEARS (2018-2022) USING SENTINEL 5P

ABSTRACTS

This study investigates the air pollution levels in Port Harcourt and Owerri, focusing on sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2), utilizing data from the Sentinel 5P satellite. Methodology involved remote sensing data analysis, with a specific focus on the study areas and research design. Results showed varying concentrations of SO2 and NO2 in both cities, with implications discussed in the context of health and environmental effects. A comparison of the levels of NO2 and SO2 was done from the year 2018 to the year 2023. Results showed that the annual mean concentration of NO2 range from ‘0.00005913mol/m2 to 0.000063894mol/m2 ’. The highest concentration were found in the year 2021 in Port Harcourt with the mean value of 0.000068834mol/m2. The implication of this higher concentration is that it may lead to respiratory disease, lung cancer and damage to other organs. Annual mean concentration of SO2 ranged from ‘-0.000044672mol/m2 to -0.000020038mol/m2 ’. The highest concentration were found in the year 2022 with the mean value of -0.000020038mol/m2 in Port Harcourt. The study utilized Sentinel 5P data in assessing air quality and suggests avenues for further research and intervention to mitigate air pollution in urban areas.