Modeling trace gas pollution from Ebute-Ikorodu abattoir dumpsite, Nigeria using Integrated Waste Management (IWM) tool

Abstract

Animal wastes are valuable resources as fertilizer and suitable to be applied to crops and pastures. Excess application of animal wastes to crops and pastures can result in an enhanced emission of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere resulting in global warming and destruction of the ozone layer. Monitoring gas pollution for attenuation in a period of economic recession ensures a healthy living and indirectly conserves funds for residents. This paper focuses on detecting the amount of trace gas emission from Ebute Ikorodu abattoir, Nigeria analyzing and modeling the data obtained with Integrated Waste Management (IWM) tool, with a view to mitigating air pollution emanating from the study area. The method of study include field work which involves taking sample at different section of Ebute Ikorodu abattoir where they dump animal faeces, horns and remains to detect the emission of NH3, CO2, CO and CH4. Quantities of emission of trace gas were collected in the morning, afternoon and evening for a week using Toxi RAE Pro gas monitors. Data obtained for this five days were fed into IWM software for analysis and simulation of the full components of the waste. The pollution levels of the wastes were determined, thereby providing baseline data for their abatement. The result obtained shows that CO2 was in abundance due to the high population and burning of bones, horns and hooves in that environment. Also CH4 which was not detected by the monitor was present in small qualities during simulation because methane is emitted during anaerobic decomposition of manure. NH3, and CO concentrations were noted to range alternately between 1 and 5 ppm. Findings also show that the emission of gases from the animal waste increases with increasing temperature and the waste volume. It is thus concluded that CO2 emission from Ebute Ikorodu abattoir, Nigeria is immense and can easily contribute to global warming, NH3, and CO not constituting environmental nuisance while CH4 is in negligible quantity. It is recommended that planting of trees should be encouraged in the study area while de-emphasizing open air burning of animal products and fossil fuel.