Harmattan Dust: Composition, Characteristics and Effects on Soil Fertility in Enugu, Nigeria

Abstract

Aim: This study examines the characteristics of harmattan dust and its composition in Enugu, Nigeria. Study Design: Survey Study. Place and Duration of Study: Enugu urban between October – April of 2009/10 and October – April, 2010/11. Methodology: Five different sites were selected as experimental sites where dusts were collected (Achara layout, Abakpa, New layout, Independence layout and Trans-Ekwulu). Atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) bulk scientific 205 model was used to determine the concentration of elements in the dust sample. Also, a modified version of Angstrom -Prescott method of estimating global radiation was employed. Results: The result showed a significant difference in the composition of dust particles brought into Enugu via harmattan and that of soil existing in Enugu urban. The conclusion was reached based on the analysis conducted on the elemental analysis, mineralogy composition and physical properties of the dust. It also showed that solar radiation was depleted during harmattan season by dust particles. Conclusion: Chemical properties of harmattan dust increases the fertility of Enugu soil while the depletion ability of harmattan dust is seen in the drastic reduction of visibility in the city during harmattan period with other multiplier effects.