Airborne fine particulate matter (PM2.5) at industrial, high- and low-density residential sites in a Nigerian megacity

Airborne particulate matter PM2.5 was collected in an industrial, a low-density, and a high-density residential area of Lagos from December 2010 to November 2011, and elemental composition was determined by proton-induced X-ray emission. Across the months, mass concentrations ranged from 13 to 237 mu gm(-3), exceeding the World Health Organization guideline value of 10 mu gm(-3). Data on 24 elements were obtained, with maximum values during Harmattan season months; source identification and apportionment studies by positive matrix factorization suggested that petroleum oil combustion (70%) was the major source of PM2.5 and could pose a great hazard to Lagos receptors.