Environmental Impacts of Mineral Exploration Activities on Air Quality Index (PM2.5, PM10, SO₂, NH3 and O3) in Jos and Environs, Plateau State-Nigeria

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@article{1722365,
      author = {Bulus Emmanuel Duwongs, Wash Patrick Madugu, Bello Abubakar, Okonkwo-Bruno Chukwunweike; Abah Catherine Jummai, Julia Chundung Chollom; Gono Nanpak},
      title = {Environmental Impacts of Mineral Exploration Activities on Air Quality Index (PM2.5, PM10, SO₂, NH3 and O3) in Jos and Environs, Plateau State-Nigeria},
      journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
      year = {2026},
      volume = {10},
      number = {2},
      pages = {1960-1969},
      issn = {2456-8880},
      url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1722365.pdf},
      abstract = {Mineral exploration and associated activities can significantly influence ambient air quality and pose risks to human health and the environment. This study assessed the environmental impact of mineral exploration on air quality in Jos and its environs, Plateau State, Nigeria, by examining the concentrations of particulate matter (PM₂.₅ and PM₁₀), ozone (O₃), ammonia (NH₃), and sulphur dioxide (SO₂), with emphasis on changes between 2021 and 2025. Air-quality data were obtained using the OpenWeatherMap API and analysed with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US-EPA) 2016 Air Quality Index (AQI) standard. Monthly and annual pollutant patterns were evaluated in relation to the Harmattan, Pre-Rainy, Rainy, and Post-Rainy seasons. The results indicate a substantial overall improvement in air quality by 2025. PM₂.₅ declined remarkably, with February values reducing from 209.66 µg/m³ in 2021 to 28.40 µg/m³ in 2025, while PM₁₀ decreased from 736.26 µg/m³ to 73.42 µg/m³ over the same period. Sulphur dioxide (SO₂) decreased from 1.32 to 0.46 µg/m³ (65%), ammonia (NH₃) from 4.72 to 2.30 µg/m³ (51%), and O₃ from 40.5 to 32.9 µg/m³ (19%) respectively. Despite the observed improvement, elevated particulate matter persisted during some months, particularly in the Harmattan and Post-Rainy periods. The findings suggest that strengthened environmental regulation, improved mining and waste-management practices, control of open burning, continuous air-quality monitoring and sustained public-awareness programmes are important for maintaining and further improving air quality in Jos and its environs. The study also demonstrates the value of integrating accessible atmospheric data with AQI assessment to support environmental monitoring, public-health planning, and evidence-based interventions.},
      keywords = {Environmental Impact, Air Quality index, Mineral Exploration Paticulate Matter (PM2.5, PM10), Ammonia (NH₃), Ozone (O₃), Sulphur Dioxide (SO₂), Jos and Environs, Health, Openweather API.},
      month = {August},
      doi = {https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV10I2-1722365}
  }