Elemental Analysis of Particulate Matter at Relief Market, Egbu, Imo State

Abstract

Urban markets are often located in high-traffic areas, contributing to air pollution. Particulate matter (PM) in the market poses significant health risks due to the presence of heavy metals, which could cause several respiratory and cardiovascular disease when ingested into the human body. This study focused on the elemental composition of particulate matter deposit at Relief market, Egbu (Owerri North/Egbu area situated around latitude 5°29'41" North and longitude 7°04'23" East), Nigeria. The method of sample collection was direct deposition method under gravity. The mass of particulate matter collected from the market for a period of one week (December 12^th - December 19^th, 2025) is 0.06g. The Atomic Absorption Spectroscopic analyses of the particulate matter samples revealed the presence of 5 metals, which include; magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn) and lead (Pb). Earlier related research have shown that some of these metals constitute serious health issue to human when inhaled, hence there is need for proper air quality monitoring, control and public awareness to mitigate the health risk associated with these metals in the market environment. Regulatory policies should be enforced to ensure cleaner air and safe market. Some emission control activities should be put in place, such as paving road surfaces and banning open waste burning within commercial areas, to reduce health risks to traders and buyers.