Geo-spatial mapping of Carbon Dioxide and Carbon Monoxide within the University of Lagos, Nigeria

Abstract

Abstract The air quality within academic institutions in Nigeria with highly vulnerable student populations has not received adequate attention. The University of Lagos is located within the highly populated and industrialised state of Lagos, Nigeria. To assess the university’s air quality, the concentrations of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) and Carbon Monoxide (CO) were mapped and evaluated. Data was collected through direct field measurements using handheld gas sensors. The analysis of ambient air quality was done by applying the Exceedance Factor (EF) method where the presence of CO and CO2 average concentrations are classified into different categories. In addition, the USEPA Air Quality Index rating scale was used to evaluate the ambient air quality with respect to ASHRAE standards, and the pollutant concentration levels in different land use types were assessed. Regarding CO2, five air quality monitoring stations were found to be in the “high” category while others were in the “moderate” emission class. For CO, two stations were categorized as “moderate”, and others as “low”. The results show that CO2 emission is substantial along road corridors in the campus. These findings are valuable to inform researchers, policy makers and other stakeholders on mitigative measures for air quality management in academic institutions.