Air quality impact of diesel back-up generators (BUGs) in Nigeria’s mobile telecommunication base transceiver stations (BTS)
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Date
2017
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Emerald Insight, UK
Abstract
Purpose – The introduction of mobile telecommunication services in Nigeria led to the development of base
transceiver stations (BTS) across the country. Inadequate power supply from the national grid has led to
massive use of diesel-fueled back-up generators (BUGs). The purpose of this paper is to attempt to quantify
and inform relevant stakeholders about air quality implications of BTS BUGs.
Design/methodology/approach – Seven major telecommunication network operators were identified.
Emission factor approach was used to estimate the quantity of important air pollutants such as NOx, CO, SO2,
PM10, PM2.5, PAH and TVOC that are emitted from the use of the BUGs based on fuel consumption
rate and generators’ capacity. Fuel-based emission inventory and emission factor from the United States
Environmental Protection Agency AP-42 and National Pollution Inventory were used to estimate pollutants
emission from diesel-powered generators used in the BTS sites and amount of diesel consumed. Land
distribution and per capita dose of the estimated pollutants load were calculated.
Findings – The study showed that the deployment of BUGs will lead to increase emissions of these air
pollutants. The states that are most affected are Lagos, Kano and Oyo, Katsina and Akwa Ibom states with
respective total air pollutants contribution of 9,539.61, 9,445.34, 8,276.46, 7,805.14 and 7,220.70 tonnes/yr.
Originality/value – This study has estimated pollutant emissions from the use of diesel-fueled BUGs in
mobile telecommunications BTS sites in Nigeria. The data obtained could assist in policy making.
Description
Keywords
Emission, Air pollutants, Base transceiver station, Diesel fuelled