Spatiotemporal Variability of PM₂.₅ and PM₁₀ in Abuja, Nigeria: Implications for Urban Air Quality, Public Health, and Environmental Management

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@article{1717942,
      author = {Blessed C. Anyanwu, Oboh Osabhuohien; Nwamaka Onyeachonam; Atsacha I. Ndonya; Ruth I. Ojombo, Chinyere Williams; Augustine O. Otum; Chukwuebuka A.C. Onyeaghala; Murphy E. Obinyan, Barka Wakawa; Shagaya H. Emmanuel; Tajudeen O. Musa; Hauwa A. Sani; Christopher M, Amos E. Gabi; Fatima Y. Abdullahi; Amina Aliyu; Farida M. Shehu; Salamatu B. Buhari},
      title = {Spatiotemporal Variability of PM₂.₅ and PM₁₀ in Abuja, Nigeria: Implications for Urban Air Quality, Public Health, and Environmental Management},
      journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
      year = {2026},
      volume = {9},
      number = {11},
      pages = {3047-3060},
      issn = {2456-8880},
      url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1717942.pdf},
      abstract = {Understanding particulate matter pollution and its meteorological drivers is essential for effective environmental management in rapidly urbanizing African cities. This study investigates the spatiotemporal variability of fine and coarse particulate matter (PM₂.₅ and PM₁₀) in Abuja, Nigeria, over a two year period from January 2024 to December 2025. High resolution weekly measurements of PM₂.₅, PM₁₀, temperature, humidity, and visibility were analyzed to characterize seasonal dynamics, reveal long term trends, and assess compliance with international air quality guidelines. The results show that Abuja experiences persistently elevated particulate matter levels throughout the year, with a mean PM₂.₅ concentration of 76.90 µg/m³ more than five times higher than the World Health Organization (WHO) 24-hour guideline of 15 µg/m³. PM₁₀ concentrations also frequently exceeded both WHO and national thresholds, indicating widespread exposure to unhealthy air. Strong seasonal patterns were identified. The highest PM₂.₅ and PM₁₀ concentrations occurred during the dry season, particularly the harmattan period (December-February), when mineral dust transport from the Sahara significantly increased ambient particulate loads. Peak PM₂.₅ levels reached 179 µg/m³ during severe harmattan episodes, accompanied by drastic visibility reduction. In contrast, wet season concentrations were markedly lower (36-79 µg/m³), reflecting enhanced atmospheric scavenging, wet deposition, and dilution by moisture laden air masses. Seasonal decomposition confirmed that seasonal forcing was the dominant driver of PM variability, accounting for the majority of observed fluctuations, while random residual components were minimal. Meteorological parameters exerted significant influence on particulate behavior. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that humidity was the strongest negative predictor of PM₂.₅, consistent with its role in particle coagulation and removal through wet deposition. Temperature exhibited a weaker but positive influence, while visibility showed a strong inverse relationship with particulate concentration. Collectively, temperature and humidity explained 84% of the variance in PM₂.₅ concentrations (R² = 0.84, p < 0.001), highlighting the importance of meteorology in shaping pollution levels. Correlation analysis further demonstrated strong positive associations between PM₂.₅ and PM₁₀, and strong negative associations with humidity and visibility. Inter annual comparisons showed statistically significant differences between 2024 and 2025 mean PM₂.₅ levels (F = 34.50, p < 0.001), suggesting year to year variability driven by changes in meteorology, dust loading, and human activity patterns. Air Quality Index (AQI) evaluation revealed that more than 93% of monitored weeks exceeded recommended health thresholds, with approximately 44% classified as unhealthy or worse. Overall, the findings indicate that Abuja faces substantial and recurring particulate pollution challenges. The study provides critical empirical evidence for policy development, air quality management, and urban planning, and underscores the urgent need for improved emission control, strengthened monitoring infrastructure, and public health interventions to mitigate exposure in vulnerable populations.},
      month = {May},
      doi = {https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I11-1717942}
  }