Presence of volatile organic compound (VOCs) in the atmosphere of Ilupeju industrial area, Lagos state, Southwestern - Nigeria

Air pollution is the introduction of chemicals, particulate matter or biological materials that cause harm or discomfort to human or other living organisms. The atmosphere has always served as a disposal area. Air samples were collected by passive sampler (ORSA 5). The air samplers were exposed to a height of 1.5 - 2.0 m and sampling was carried out four times a month for a period of 12 months. The adsorbed VOCs were desorbed with carbondisulphide (CS2) and the solution analysed using Gas Chromatography (Gc) fitted with Flame Ionization Detector (FID). The results from analysis of the air samples showed that twenty - Six (26) VOCs were captured in the Industrial area. The VOCs in the industrial area were classified thus: aromatics 43%, halogenated 40%, esters 2%, ketones 6%, alcohols 5%, ethers 4%. There is a significant difference (Pvalue < 0.05) between the levels of VOCs in Ilupeju industrial area. The meteorological parameters showed significant correlations with the ambient concentrations of VOCs. The principal component analysis revealed that the major sources of VOCs in the industrial area are mainly anthropogenic and Six (6) factors were identified as sources of VOCs in the studied industrial areas with industrial emissions dominating.