We investigated the origin, seasonal air quality indices (AQI), and the likely fate of particulate matters (PM10 and PM2.5) across Akure, a metro capital city in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. The analysis included the contributions of meteorological properties to the distribution of the particulates, especially fugitive dust. We observed that the PM concentrations exhibited significant differences in the differential, spatial, and temporal patterns. During the wet season, the air movement zones were turbulence, interception, and divergence, whereas only the interception zone was observed in the dry season. For the wet season, the average daily PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations (in ppm) varied from 7 to 62 and 11 to 85, respectively, while, the respective daily mean concentrations ranged from 11 to 63 and 17 to 86. Furthermore, the fine/coarse ratio (PM2.5/PM10) ranged 0.63-0.83 and 0.65-0.73 during the wet and dry seasons, respectively, with 90% of the ratio being approximate to 0.70. The statistical t-value for PM10, PM2.5, and AQI were 0.60, 0.61, and 0.45, respectively, while their corresponding P-values were 0.56, 0.55, and 0.66, indicating no significant seasonal variations. Overall, Akure's air quality is majorly influenced by environmental conditions (based on anthropogenic activities) and merely by meteorological conditions. Conclusively, to achieve sustainable development, enforced environmental management that involves green and blue economies as the panacea to atmospheric pollution in Akure should be implemented.
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