Modelling PM2.5 during severe atmospheric pollution episode in Lagos,
Nigeria: Spatiotemporal variations, source apportionment, and
meteorological influences
Abstract
In 2021, the World Health Organization (WHO) ranked Nigeria among the
most polluted nations in the world, an indication of a deteriorating air
quality, especially in the major urban areas of the country, which might
pose adverse human health impacts. In this study, the Integrated Source
Apportionment Method (ISAM) tool in the Community Multiscale Air Quality
(CMAQ) model (CMAQ-ISAM) was employed to quantify the contributions of
eight emissions sectors to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and its major
components in Lagos during a prolonged severe atmospheric pollution
episode (APE) in January 2021. The influence of meteorological
conditions on the formation and dispersion of PM2.5 during the APE was
also elucidated. Spatially, elevated PM2.5 concentrations were found in
the northwestern region of Lagos, an urban area with larger
anthropogenic emissions. Residential and industry were the two major
sources of PM2.5. Residential contributed the most to total PM2.5
(~40 μg/m3), followed by industry (~20
μg/m3). High concentrations of secondary inorganic aerosols (SIA) at the
northwest and upper northern areas of Lagos were majorly attributed to
residential and industry sectors. In addition, sulfate accounted for the
largest fraction of PM2.5, with residential, industry, and energy being
its major sources. Residential, industry, and on-road sectors dominated
the contributions to nitrate, while residential and industry were the
major contributors to ammonium. Furthermore, the elevated PM2.5
concentrations during the APE were greatly enhanced by unfavorable
meteorological conditions. This study provides insights for designing
effective emissions control strategies to mitigate future severe PM2.5
pollution episode in Lagos.