Seasonal and Diurnal Variations in Air Pollutants Emitted from Generator Use in Ilorin Metropolis, Kwarra State, Nigeria

This study investigates the seasonal and diurnal variations in air pollutants emitted from generator use in Ilorin Metropolis, Kwara State, Nigeria using appropriate standard procedures. Air quality parameters reveal CO levels for dry season (42.67 ppm) and rainy season (10.78 ppm). Formaldehyde concentrations in the dry season (1.07 ppm) and rainy season (0.41 ppm). Particulate matter parameters (PM₁₀ and PM₂.₅) during the dry season, [PM₁₀ at 153.92 µg/m³ and PM₂.₅ at 148.88 µg/m³] and rainy season [70.00 µg/m³ and 69.89 µg/m³], while VOCs for dry season and rainy season were(3.70 ppm) and (0.88 ppm) respectively. Results revealed significantly elevated pollutant concentrations in the dry season, with CO and PM₂.₅ levels frequently exceeding NESREA and WHO limits. The findings underscore the environmental and health implications of generator use, particularly in urban industrial settings during the dry season. The study concludes that generator emissions contribute substantially to air quality degradation and recommends improved regulatory enforcement, transition to cleaner energy sources, and localized air quality monitoring systems. This research provides empirical evidence for public health policymaking and contributes to the growing body of environmental health literature addressing air pollution in energy-insecure urban contexts.