Monitoring the spatial distribution of CO2 within the University of Lagos Main Campus

Abstract

The University of Lagos environment chosen as a case study is a higher institution in Lagos Nigeria which is located within areas of residential, commercial and industrial activities. These activities put out emissions into the atmosphere through motor vehicles, use of electricity generating plants, firewood, coal, kerosine and refuse burning. Anthropogenetic substances such as carbon monoxide (CO), unburnt hydrocarbon (UC), oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and particulate matter (PM) are released into the atmosphere and pollute the air. Thus, effective pollution monitoring and control is required. To assess the University’s air quality, the carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration was mapped and evaluated. Although CO2 is not an environmental pollutant in a strict sense, but its precursor, the CO is a dangerous one. CO2 is a major indicator of carbon footprint, and a major issue in climate change studies. Data for the study was collected through direct field measurements using gas sensors. The USEPA Air Quality Index was used to rate the air quality. Also, a one-tailed ANOVA test was used to assess the land use influence on CO2 variation. The results show that CO2 emission is substantial around the University First Gate, Faculty of Education and New Hall. This suggests that the initial release of the pollutant CO, a precursor of CO2 must have been high around these areas.