ASSESSMENT OF AIR QUALITY IMPROVEMENT POTENTIALS OF URBAN TREES IN KANO METROPOLIS, KANO STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The study aimed at assessing air quality improvement potentials of urban trees in Kano
Metropolis. Air pollutants considered include; CO, and CO2
. Temperature and relative humidity
were also monitored. Sampling sites were identified and mapped out across the Metropolis using
the ArcGIS software tool, the sampling sites where geo referenced using high sensitivity
etrexgarmin GPS. Pollutant concentration and temperature were monitored using Air Quality kit
in the sampling sites with many trees and sampling sites with few trees for a period of twice a
day (morning and evening), three days a week for four weeks. Data were analyzed descriptively,
while T test and ANOVA were carried out to determine if there is a significant difference
between the sampling sites. The result obtained showed variations in the study area, where sites
with many trees have lower concentration of pollutants and temperature than sites with few trees.
The analysis indicated that there is a significant difference in the amount of air pollutant and
temperature between sampling site with many trees and sites with few trees. This study has
demonstrated that urban trees reduce the concentration of air pollutants and temperature in Kano
Metropolis, thus improving urban air quality and consequently improve human health. The study
recommends serious tree planting programme, review and enforcement of laws, harmonization
and synergy between responsible authorities.