Evaluation of Urban Transport Emission Levels and Air Quality in Kano City

Urban transport emissions are a leading contributor to air quality deterioration in Nigerian cities, where aging vehicle fleets, fuel quality issues, and traffic congestion combine to generate high concentrations of particulate matter and gaseous pollutants. This study evaluates transport-related emission levels and their implications for air quality in Kano City, one of Nigeria's most populous urban centers in the North West geopolitical zone. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining mobile air quality monitoring using handheld PM2.5 and CO2 sensors at 20 monitoring points along major traffic corridors with a survey of 175 road users and residents on respiratory health complaints. Emission monitoring was conducted during peak and off-peak traffic hours at locations including Kofar Nassarawa, Sharada Industrial Area, and Zoo Road. Vehicle emission spot checks were conducted with the support of Kano State Environmental Pollution Control Agency. Findings are anticipated to reveal PM2.5 concentrations consistently exceeding WHO air quality guidelines at major intersections during peak hours, with the highest readings near commercial motor parks. The study examines the contribution of commercial motorcycles and aging diesel buses to total urban transport emissions. Recommendations include enforcement of vehicle emission standards, phased retirement of aged commercial vehicles, investment in compressed natural gas bus infrastructure, and establishment of a permanent urban air quality monitoring network linked to public health response protocols. Keywords: Transport emissions, Air quality, Kano, Particulate matter, Urban environment.