Tropospheric Concentrations of Methane Around A Quarry Site in Uturu, Abia State, Nigeria

Abstract

Measurement of methane (CH₄) concentration in ambient air at Setraco quarry site, Abia State (latitude 05⁰33 N and 06⁰03 N, and longitude 10⁰E and 07⁰29 E) was carried out in this work. The gas was measured using an automatic air sampler (EM-4 Type Multi-P detector). The measurements were made at three sampling points; the engine house, petrol/gas dispense station and crushing site for 12 weeks (7^th August – 6^th November, 2018) at one (1) hour interval per session for three sessions (morning, afternoon and evening) in a day. The results obtained indicated that concentrations of methane were higher in the quarrying sites than in the control and exhibited highest concentrations of methane in the petrol stations and in the crushing site of the quarry. Therefore, future risk of continuous engagement in the quarrying activities is advocated in this work and it is recommended that continuous monitoring of levels of methane around the quarry should be embarked upon.