ANALYSIS OF BLACK SOOT SOURCES AND THEIR CONTRIBUTION TO AIR QUALITY IN PORT HARCOURT, RIVERS STATE, NIGERIA

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background of the study

Black soot, or black carbon, is a prominent environmental contaminant that has garnered attention for its considerable effects on air quality, human health, and climate change. It predominantly comprises fine particulate matter (PM2.5) generated by the incomplete combustion of carbonaceous fuels, including coal, wood, diesel, and other fossil fuels (Bond et al., 2013). Black soot particles are sufficiently diminutive to infiltrate the lungs and perhaps reach the circulation, resulting in detrimental health consequences, including respiratory and cardiovascular disorders (World Health Organisation [WHO], 2018). The problem is especially severe in areas where industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, petrol flaring, and illicit artisanal refining are prevalent sources of pollution (Gani et al., 2020). Globally, black soot degrades air quality and is a major element of urban air pollution. It is associated with millions of premature fatalities each year because to its detrimental impact on respiratory and cardiovascular systems (Lelieveld et al., 2015). Developed nations have enacted legislative steps to restrict emissions from primary sources, including transportation and industry. Nevertheless, underdeveloped nations often lack rigorous controls, resulting in increased exposure to black soot and associated health hazards (Anenberg et al., 2017). The primary sources of black soot emissions consist of diesel engines, household heating with solid fuels, open burning of agricultural waste, and industrial activities (Bond et al., 2015). In several metropolitan locales, elevated automotive congestion, coupled with industrial operations, intensifies air pollution. Nigeria has a significant black soot issue, particularly in urban and industrial areas. The Niger Delta suffers significant air quality deterioration as a result of gas flaring, illicit artisanal oil refining, and industrial pollutants (Ukpebor et al., 2020). Port Harcourt has seen a significant increase in black soot levels in recent years, with discernible layers of black dust accumulating on surfaces around the city. Gas flaring, a longstanding issue in the Niger Delta, substantially adds to soot generation via the burning of hydrocarbon gases (Ekpete & Konne, 2021). Moreover, illicit oil refining activities, characterised by the combustion of crude oil, have become substantial contributors to black carbon emissions. These operations emit pollutants that deteriorate air quality and provide considerable public health hazards. Research has recorded the environmental and health effects of black soot in Nigeria. Exposure has been associated with heightened incidences of asthma, bronchitis, lung cancer, and several other respiratory ailments (Ukpebor et al., 2020). The economic ramifications are significant, as healthcare expenses increase and productivity diminishes owing to disease linked to pollution. Notwithstanding these concerns, there is little data about the particular contributions of various sources to black soot pollution in Nigeria, complicating the formulation of focused interventions for air quality improvement. The correlation between black soot and air quality is well-documented, with fine particle matter serving as a critical indication of pollution levels (WHO, 2018). Black soot adversely impacts human health and has considerable environmental repercussions. When deposited on surfaces, it may modify the albedo of ice and snow, leading to rapid melting and thereby affecting climate change (Bond et al., 2015). Black soot serves as a significant climate-forcing factor, exerting a warming influence that ranks only behind carbon dioxide in its effect on world temperatures. In Nigeria, the incidence of black soot is intensified by a confluence of human activity and regulatory deficiencies. The nation's inadequate environmental rules and enforcement measures have facilitated the continuation of activities like gas flaring and illicit refining, which exacerbate air pollution. Considering that the Niger Delta is among the most contaminated areas in Nigeria, it is essential to comprehend the distinct contributions of diverse black soot sources to formulate efficient air quality management techniques (Ekpete & Konne, 2021). Notwithstanding the clear environmental and physiological repercussions of black soot, thorough investigations assessing the proportional contributions of diverse causes to air quality degradation in Nigeria are few. Therefore, the researcher sought to analyze black soot sources and their contribution to air quality in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.

1.2 Statement of the problem 

Black soot pollution has emerged as a major environmental hazard, especially in areas characterised by industrial operations, gas flaring, and artisanal refining. Black soot, consisting of tiny particulate matter (PM2.5) and carbon, is mostly produced from incomplete combustion processes (World Health Organisation [WHO], 2018). It is associated with several sources, including industrial emissions, automotive exhaust, biomass combustion, and illicit oil refining, which deteriorate air quality and provide significant health hazards to the populace (Ukpebor et al., 2020). In places such as Port Harcourt, Nigeria, the issue of black soot has been intensified by prevalent artisanal refining and natural gas flaring, resulting in substantial elevations in airborne particulate matter (Ekpete & Konne, 2021). Exposure to black soot has been linked to various respiratory and cardiovascular issues, such as asthma, bronchitis, and elevated death rates (WHO, 2018). Nonetheless, there exists a paucity of study measuring the distinct contributions of various black soot sources to the overall degradation of air quality, especially in areas with many pollution sources. Hence, the study aims to analyze black soot sources and their contribution to air quality in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.

1.3 Objective of the study

The broad objective of the study is to analyze black soot sources and their contribution to air quality in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. The specific objectives is as follows

To identify the major sources of black soot pollution in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. 

To examine the health impacts of black soot exposure on local populations in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. 

To recommend strategies aimed at reducing black soot emissions to improve air quality in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. 

1.4 Research questions

The following questions have been prepared to guide the study

What are the major sources of black soot pollution in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria?

What are the health impacts of black soot exposure on the resident of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria?

What are the recommended strategies aimed at reducing black soot emissions to improve air quality in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria?

1.5 Significance of the study

Findings of the study will contribute to policy development by providing empirical data that can inform the formulation and implementation of air quality regulations. The identification of key sources of black soot pollution will enable policymakers to develop effective regulatory frameworks aimed at controlling emissions from specific sources, such as industrial facilities, vehicular traffic, and illegal oil refining. This will facilitate more efficient allocation of resources for air quality management and pollution control.

Findings of the study will also be significant to the academic community as it will contribute to existing literature, add to library resources and serve as a guide to future researchers.

1.6 Scope of the study

The study focus on black soot sources and their contribution to air quality in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. Empirically, the study will identify the major sources of black soot pollution in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria,examine the health impacts of black soot exposure on local populations in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria and recommend strategies aimed at reducing black soot emissions to improve air quality in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. 

Geographically, the study will be delimited to Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. 

1.7 Limitation of the study

Like in every human endeavour, the researchers encountered slight constraints while carrying out the study. The significant constraint are: 

Time: The researcher encountered time constraint as the researcher had to carry out this research along side other academic activities such as attending lectures and other educational activities required of her.

Finance: The researcher incurred more financial expenses in carrying out this study such as typesetting, printing, sourcing for relevant materials, literature, or information and in the data collection process.

Availability of Materials: The researcher encountered challenges in sourcing for literature in this study. The scarcity of literature on the subject due to the nature of the discourse was a limitation to this study.

1.8 Definition of terms

Black Soot: Also known as black carbon, black soot consists of fine particulate matter produced from the incomplete combustion of carbon-based fuels such as coal, wood, diesel, and other fossil fuels. It is characterized by its black appearance and is a major air pollutant linked to health and environmental concerns.

Air Quality: Refers to the condition of the air within a specific environment, commonly measured by the concentration of pollutants, including particulate matter, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and ozone. Good air quality means the air is clean and poses little or no health risks to the population.

Particulate Matter (PM2.5): These are tiny particles or droplets in the air that are two and a half microns or less in width. PM2.5 can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, leading to adverse health effects such as respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

Gas Flaring: The burning of natural gas that is associated with oil extraction processes, often done to relieve pressure or dispose of unwanted gases. This practice releases large amounts of pollutants, including black soot, into the atmosphere.

Artisanal Refining: Also known as illegal refining, this involves the crude, informal process of refining petroleum products outside official and legal frameworks, typically using low-tech methods. It is a significant source of pollution due to the uncontrolled burning of crude oil.

Industrial Emissions: Pollutants released into the air from industrial activities, including factories, power plants, and other manufacturing processes. These emissions can include black soot, gases, and other toxic substances.

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