Criteria Air Pollutants from Some Anthropogenic Combustion Processes in Lagos, Nigeria

On October 12, 2005, a mysterious fog engulfed some parts of Lagos, the cause of which is yet to be identified. As part of the on-going scientific attempts to identify its cause, this article examines the contribution of anthropogenic combustion processes to oxides of nitrogen (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), sulphur dioxide (SO2), and particulate matter (PM10) in Lagos. On the average, predicted emissions are: NOx, 3.43 104; CO, 1.46 106; SO2, 1.24 103; and PM10, 7.84 1013 ton/annum. Vehicular emissions from road transportation is an identified major source of criteria air pollutants in the city because combustion of gasoline in buses generated about 32% and 77% of the predicted NOx and CO emissions, respectively. Similarly, significant portions of predicted SO2 emissions (57%) come from low pour fuel oil (LPFO) combustion. The highest emission of PM10 from wood fuel combustion, which is 83%, raises some concern due to its potential impact on indoor air quality. Some control measures and identified area of future research in air pollution control in Lagos are suggested.