ASSESSMENT OF IN-TRICYCLE EXPOSURE TO CARBON MONOXIDE EMISSION ON ROADS IN NIGERIAN URBAN CENTRES

This research project investigates in-tricycle exposure to carbon monoxide emission on roads in Nigerian urban centres. Pollution was discussed with air pollution as priority, carbon monoxide a criteria air pollutant was used as case study. The minor and adverse effects of carbon monoxide exposure were buttressed, including its sources, majorly from incomplete combustion of fuel in automobile. This research displays a basic audit of overall research work led to portray CO exposure inside tricycles. Specific sampling roads were selected in urban areas, majorly areas with high traffic congestion, measurement methods for field testing are exhibited alongside levels of exposure of the passengers to the measured carbon monoxide. Using the results obtained from this research statistical and graphical analysis were carried out, five out of the six sampling routes were identified to have concentrations that exceed standards of environmental and regulatory bodies. Governmental and environmental limits for carbon monoxide, range between the values of 9-10ppm. The control road showed an ideal in-tricycle carbon monoxide level due to less traffic, therefore was considered safe. This research also proved that the level of exposure to carbon monoxide on roads is relative to the extent of traffic congestion. Extrapolation was carried out to obtain 8- hour and 24-hour averaging periods to determine the exposure level over time, even if the traffic disperses, the out of the six roads still showed high concentration values after 8 hours and 24 hours. This research proved that passengers are exposed to carbon monoxide in tricycles. The level of exposure can also be present in concentrationsenough to harm the health of passengers. Recommendations were made to help reduce high carbon monoxide concentrations in tricycles.