Comprehensive Analysis of Environmental Pollution in Industrial Area of Aba North LGA, Abia State, Nigeria Using UV, IR, and GC-MS Spectroscopy

Abstract

Abstract: Industrialization in Aba North LGA, Abia State, Nigeria, has intensified environmental pollution, releasing volatile organic compounds (VOCs), pharmaceuticals, and heavy metals into water, air, and soil, posing risks to ecosystems and human health. This study aimed to assess pollutant distribution and interactions in this industrial area using integrated analytical techniques. Methodology involved collecting water, air, and soil samples on April 23-24, 2025, between 10:43 AM and 11:07 AM WAT, followed by UV-Vis and IR spectroscopy to identify molecular signatures, and GC-MS for quantitative analysis of specific contaminants. Results showed water with a UV peak at 300 nm (0.6) indicating conjugated organics, air with a 255 nm peak (0.3) for aromatics, and soil with a 255 nm peak (0.4) for PAHs, while IR revealed water’s O-H stretch at 3400 cm⁻¹ (1.0), air’s CO₂ at 2350 cm⁻¹ (0.5), and soil’s Si-O at 1000 cm⁻¹ (1.2). GC-MS quantified paracetamol at 15 ppb in water, toluene at 150 ppb in air, and toluene at 2.29 mg/kg in Industrial Zone A soil, highlighting a pollution hotspot. Discussion linked these findings to industrial discharges, with soil acting as a VOC sink and water reflecting pharmaceutical runoff. Conclusions affirm a comprehensive pollution profile, contributing to knowledge by establishing a real-time baseline for Aba North. Recommendations include targeted monitoring at Industrial Zone A and correlation with regional standards to guide remediation efforts.