Title: Daytime thermal changes in mining sites in Ife area, southwest Nigeria

Authors: Iyanuoluwa Fatunmbi; O.O.I. Orimoogunje

Addresses: Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria ' Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria

Abstract: Mining has recently (since 2000) become an important economic activity in southwestern Nigeria but existing studies on their implications have mostly overlooked their capacity to impact the microclimate of neighbouring communities. This study is focused on the evaluation of daytime changes in thermal conditions using field (along N-S and W-E directions) records of air temperature and relative humidity, computed values of heat index and dew point temperature as well as responses of 15 key informants among the residents of the mining community. Warmer air and greater values of heat index and dew point temperatures were obtained at the mine sites than at locations away from them. More than 60% of the respondents argued that heat-related illness (including dry skin and heat rash) has increased since the mining activities began in the area. The study concluded that increase in thermal stress, heat island and associated heat stress are evident in the study area and recommends restoration of mine sites and awareness on heat stress and improved infrastructure for coping strategies in mining communities.

Keywords: thermal conditions; mine sites; air temperature; heat stress; Nigeria.

DOI: 10.1504/IER.2022.125022

Interdisciplinary Environmental Review, 2022 Vol.22 No.2, pp.178 - 187

Received: 08 Sep 2021
Accepted: 17 Apr 2022
Published online: 22 Aug 2022 *

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