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Abstract
This study assessed ambient air quality at three dumpsites in Oko and Amaokpala, southeastern Nigeria. Nitrogen dioxide (NO2), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), carbon monoxide (CO), ammonia (NH3) and sulfur dioxide (SO2) were measured with a portable multi-gas analyser at the Federal Polytechnic Oko dumpsite, the Abattoir Eke Oko dumpsite and the Amaokpala dumpsite. Six points were sampled at each site, about 1.5 m above ground. Mean CO ranged from 38.42 to 41.49 ppm and mean SO2 from 0.52 to 1.60 ppm. Abattoir Eke Oko recorded the highest levels (NO2 2.05 ppm, H2S 2.25 ppm, CO 41.49 ppm, NH3 13.10 ppm, SO2 1.60 ppm). CO, NO2 and SO2 exceeded the comparison limits used in the study at all three sites. Open dumping and open burning are the likely sources. Sanitary landfills, a ban on open burning and routine monitoring are recommended.