ASSESSMENT OF AIR QUALITY AROUND DANGOTE CEMENT COMPANY, TSE-KUCHA, GBOKO, BENUE STATE, NIGERIA

The quality of air around the factory of Dangote Cement Company, Gboko in Benue State, Nigeria was assessed with particular emphasis on the concentrations of carbon oxides (CO2 and CO) and Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM) and compared with the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Nigerian Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). The results showed low levels of concentrations of carbon oxides while the concentrations SPM were above the WHO Guidelines. The concentrations of carbon oxides, CO2, CO and SPM varied respectively between 34.2ppm, 1.28ppm and 161.0pg/m3 at quarry, 47.8ppm, 1.49ppm and 374.0pg/m3 at the cement mill and 66.1ppm, 1.50ppm and 343.0pg/m3 at the loading point. The concentrations of CO2 measured in all the sampling stations were below the maximum standard natural concentration of CO2 in atmosphere of 600ppm. The concentrations of CO (1.28ppm 1.50ppm) were also found to be below NAAQS and WHO maximum limit of 1Oppm to 20.0ppm for an 8-hourly average time. Lastly, the concentrations of SPM at all the stations exceeded WHO and NAAQS guideline values which stipulates a range of 150.00pg/m3 to 230.00pg/m3 for a 24-hourly average. Therefore the quality of air the cement factory needs to be monitored regularly.