Fine particles less than 2.5 μm in diameter (PM 2.5) included both primary particles from emission sources and secondary particles produced in the atmosphere by photochemical reactions. Gases and particulate matter varied daily, consistent with the onset of source activities during the day. The annual diel characteristics were emission-dependent and were modulated by meteorological variability, including the sea breeze and the seasonal changes associated with monsoons and Harmattan winds. The average diel variations in concentrations indicated well-known local photochemistry resulting from the presence of combustion sources, including motor vehicles, petroleum production and use, and open burning.

Samples were collected and analyzed for speciated volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and particulate chemical composition including inorganic and organic chemical species.

The observations included continuous concentrations for CO, SO 2, NO x, O 3, PM 2.5, and PM 10. The sites were selected to represent near seacoast conditions, urban sites, and inland locations near agricultural and grassland ecosystems. A year-long study, between August 2020 and July 2021, included measurements of gas-phase and aerosol processes, with surface meteorology at six urban sites. The Nigerian city of Lagos experiences severe air pollution as a result of emissions and subsequent atmospheric photochemistry and aerosol chemistry.

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