DISPERSION AND ATMOSPHEIC STABILITY SIMULATION OF INDUSTRIAL AMBIENT AIR POLLUTANTS IN KADUNA, NIGERIA USING THE GAUSSIAN PLUME MODEL
Authors
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Lawal Joseph
Nigerian College of Aviation Technology Zaria, Kuaduna State, Nigeria
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A. A. Tyovenda
Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria
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T. Igbawua
Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria
Abstract
Industrial air pollution remains a major environmental and public rnhealth concern in rapidly urbanizing Nigerian cities. This study rnapplied the Gaussian Plume Model (GPM) to estimate pollutant rndispersion from selected industrial stacks in Kaduna metropolis. rnEmission data for particulate matter (PM₂.₅, PM₁₀, TSP) and gaseous rnpollutants (CO, SO₂, NO₂, H₂S) were obtained and modeled under rndifferent atmospheric stability classes (A–F). The results showed that rnparticulate pollutants dominated industrial emissions, with groundrnlevel concentrations strongly influenced by stability conditions. rnUnder unstable conditions, pollutants dispersed widely with low rnground concentrations, whereas under stable conditions, they rnaccumulated near emission sources, resulting in high localized rnexposure. Model validation using RMSE confirmed strong agreement rnbetween predicted and observed concentrations. The findings rnemphasize the need for stricter particulate control, integration of rnmeteorological forecasts in air quality management, and the rnapplication of dispersion modelling as a regulatory tool in Nigeria.
Keywords: Air dispersion simulation; Gaussian Plume Model; Atmospheric stability; Particulate matter; Gaseous pollutants.