Back to: Environmental Biology 400 Level
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Have you ever been stuck in Lagos traffic, coughing from the black smoke of danfos and trailers? Or noticed how harmattan makes the air heavier in places with ongoing bush burning? Air pollution is something we all experience in Nigeria, but its effects run deeper than many realise. Today, we’ll explore the sources and impacts of air pollution, especially how it affects people, plants, animals, and our environment.
Air Pollution: Sources & Impacts
What is Air Pollution?
Air pollution is the presence of harmful substances in the atmosphere at levels that pose risks to human health, ecosystems, and the climate. These substances can be solids, liquids, or gases, and they can come from both natural and human-made sources.
Major Sources of Air Pollution
Transportation
Vehicle emissions from cars, motorcycles, and trucks are a major source of urban air pollution in Nigeria. The use of old engines, poor fuel quality, and lack of emission control policies make this even worse, especially in crowded cities like Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Kano.
Industrial Activities
Cement factories, oil refineries, metal smelting, and textile industries emit large quantities of pollutants like sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter into the air. Industrial zones in places like Ogun and Rivers States are hotspots.
Burning of Fossil Fuels and Biomass
Firewood, charcoal, kerosene, and diesel are widely used in homes and businesses. Indoor cooking with firewood or kerosene, especially in rural communities, releases toxic pollutants such as carbon monoxide and soot into the air.
Agricultural Practices
Bush burning, a common land-clearing method, releases large amounts of smoke and gases. The use of fertilisers and pesticides can also lead to air contamination through volatilisation.
Waste Burning and Open Dumpsites
In many Nigerian towns, refuse is openly burned due to lack of organised waste management. This releases dioxins, furans, and other harmful gases into the atmosphere.
Impacts of Air Pollution
Human Health Effects
Air pollution is linked to respiratory diseases (like asthma and bronchitis), heart conditions, and even premature death. Children, the elderly, and people with health conditions are especially vulnerable. In Nigeria, the WHO estimates thousands of deaths yearly due to air pollution.
Environmental Effects
Polluted air damages crops, forests, and aquatic ecosystems. Acid rain, caused by sulphur and nitrogen emissions, can destroy plant life and reduce soil fertility.
Climate Change
Air pollutants like black carbon and methane contribute to global warming by trapping heat in the atmosphere. This accelerates climate change, affecting rainfall patterns and increasing extreme weather events in Nigeria.
Reduced Visibility and Quality of Life
In areas like Onitsha and Aba, thick smog reduces visibility and quality of life. Tourists, workers, and residents are all affected by the constant exposure to polluted air.
Real-Life Nigerian Example
In Port Harcourt, often referred to as “The Soot City,” residents have experienced years of black soot falling from the sky due to illegal oil refining and gas flaring. This has led to widespread complaints of breathing problems, skin irritation, and poor visibility, prompting both community protests and government investigations.
Summary
- Air pollution is caused by harmful substances released into the atmosphere.
- Key sources in Nigeria include vehicles, industries, bush burning, and waste disposal.
- Air pollution affects human health, environment, and climate.
- Nigerian cities like Port Harcourt, Lagos, and Onitsha face serious air pollution challenges.
- Controlling air pollution requires policy, public awareness, and clean technologies.
Evaluation
- What is air pollution?
- List four major sources of air pollution in Nigeria.
- Explain two health effects of air pollution.
- How does air pollution contribute to climate change?
- Describe one Nigerian case study related to air pollution.
You now understand how air pollution isn’t just smoke in the sky—it’s a silent threat to life and development. As an environmental science student, your knowledge can shape a cleaner future for Nigeria. Stay inspired—Afrilearn is cheering you on!