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VOL. 8, ISSUE 1 (2026)
Integrated assessment of chemical and microbial indoor air quality and associated health risks in a commercial shopping mall in Warri, Nigeria
Authors
Adeyemi Oyeyemi, Bright Mary Iveren, Odesiri-Eruteyan Eunice Asiboroko
Abstract
This study assessed the indoor air quality
(IAQ) of Delta Mall, Warri, Nigeria, using a mixed-method approach combining
instrumental pollutant monitoring and microbial sampling with a structured
questionnaire survey. Air pollutants measured included particulate matter
(PM₂.₅ and PM₁₀), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon monoxide (CO),
carbon dioxide (CO₂), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), formaldehyde (HCHO), halogen
gases, temperature, and relative humidity. In addition, airborne bacteria and
fungi were enumerated and identified. Results showed that several pollutants
exceeded international thresholds. PM₂.₅ reached 58.2 ± 3.1 µg/m³ in the food
court and PM₁₀ peaked at 96.7 ± 5.5 µg/m³ in the parking area, surpassing WHO
24-hour limits. VOCs ranged from 1.10–2.13 ppm, while CO peaked at 18.7 ± 1.2
ppm in the parking area, exceeding WHO’s 9 ppm guideline. CO₂ concentrations
surpassed the ASHRAE 1000 ppm limit in the food court (1150 ± 35 ppm), and NO₂
reached 88 ± 6 ppb. Formaldehyde concentrations (0.28 ppm) in retail shops were
threefold above recommended limits. Microbial analysis revealed bacterial
counts highest in retail shops (3196.67 ± 962.88 cfu/m³) and fungal counts
highest in the food court (710.00 ± 386.57 cfu/m³), with isolates including Staphylococcus
aureus, Bacillus spp., Aspergillus spp., and Penicillium
spp. Occupant surveys supported these findings, with most respondents rating
IAQ as fair or poor and reporting headaches, fatigue, and respiratory
irritation. The study concludes that Delta Mall exhibits compounded chemical
and microbial air pollution risks and recommends urgent ventilation upgrades,
source control, microbial monitoring, and occupant health surveillance to
safeguard public health.
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Pages:1-9
How to cite this article:
Adeyemi Oyeyemi, Bright Mary Iveren, Odesiri-Eruteyan Eunice Asiboroko "Integrated assessment of chemical and microbial indoor air quality and associated health risks in a commercial shopping mall in Warri, Nigeria". International Journal of Biotechnology and Microbiology, Vol 8, Issue 1, 2026, Pages 1-9
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