Statistical Analysis of the Effect of Air Pollution on Air Quality and Climate Change

Abstract

Climate change is the statistical distribution changes of weather pattern over time and air pollution is the presence of harmful substances in the air. Then, this research work was used to discuss and analyse the effects of air pollutants [Sulphur (iv) oxide (SO₄), Carbon monoxide (CO), Fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) and Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂)] on environment air quality and climate change with respect to rainfall series in Lagos State, South Western, Nigeria. The statistical analysis and test were carried out using Descriptive Statistics, Pearson correlation coefficient, Kruskal-Wallis test (H Test), Mann Kendall test and Mann Whitney statistical tests. The result revealed that the average mean of PM_2.5 under residential and heavy traffic was showed to exceed the international standard. A comparative analysis showed that the average mean of Heavy traffic pollutants had the highest values. Pearson correlation coefficients matrix showed a positive relationship between the air pollutants but little or no relationship with rainfall series. The Kruskal-Wallis test indicated that the effect of air pollutants varies across the land use type. Mann Kendell test revealed mostly an increase in monthly rainfall but no trends and the magnitude of trends range between -0.482 and 4.535 with lowest and highest magnitude occurring in December and April. Mann Whitney test revealed the existence of a significant difference between the two rainfall periods compared and this may be attributed to high level of air pollutants. In conclusion, air pollution with respect to land use types has been shown to have an effect on atmospheric air quality and thus contributes to climate change in Lagos State, South Western, Nigeria. However, proper monitoring should be put in place to reduce and curtail the effects of air pollution in Lagos South Western, Nigeria.