AN ASSESSMENT OF VEHICULAR EMISSION FROM THE EXHAUST OF MOTOR VEHICLES IN ZARIA URBAN AREA, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study was aimed at assessing the amount of vehicular emissions from the exhaust of motor vehicles in Zaria Urban area. Data on emission levels for carbon (II) oxide (CO), carbon (IV) oxide (CO₂₎, nitrogen (II) oxide (NO) and hydro carbon (HC) for this study was collected via the use of Automotive Emission (Multi-gas) Analyzer. Also, a total of 331 vehicles were sampled and data was collected at the identified high traffic points in the urban Zaria area. Results of this study indicated that diesel engines emit more NO (900.2ppm) than gasoline vehicles (500.11ppm). For HC, diesel vehicles emitted 2338.65ppm in comparison to the 2674.94ppm emitted by gasoline vehicles. The average vehicular emission for all the vehicle types shows that the mean amount of CO from motorcycle was 53687.50ppm which exceeded those emitted by other vehicle types. In the case of CO₂, buses emitted 87200ppm, more than other types of vehicles while trucks emitted 902.20ppm of NO, much more than other vehicle types. Also for HC, cars emitted 2772.40ppm representing the highest amount of HC emitted for all vehicle types. Furthermore, a comparison of the emissions recorded against National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) standards indicated that the recorded levels of HC and CO exceeded the acceptable limits as set by NESREA. Based on the findings of this study, the adoption of emission control technology, and the use of cleaner vehicles and fuels among vehicle owners in the study area is strongly recommended.