Gas Flaring and Rainwater Composition - A Negative Synergy: A Case Study of Utorogu Community in Niger-Delta, Nigeria
Journal Title: Journal of Environmental and Social Sciences - Year 2016, Vol 3, Issue 2
Abstract
The environment of the Niger Delta has been degraded through oil exploration activities. The soil, ground and surface water have remained the deposit sites for the crude oil/natural gas processing wastes. Although some studies exist on the pollution status of the region, the situation of a number of communities has not been investigated. This study therefore, examined the impacts of gaseous emissions from the flaring of gases at the gas plant located within Utorogu community through rainwater samples collected from the community. The rainwater samples were collected at 500 m, 1000 m and 5000 m away from the flare site of the gas plant (downwind) and analyzed for physico-chemical properties and heavy metals. For a control study, rainwater samples were collected from Okere-a community outside the same local government area with Utorogu. All the parameters were determined in triplicates using standard analytical methods; and the data generated analyzed using correlation test. The rainwater chemistry varied little with time and distance. The findings suggest that rainwater within the Utorogu community are well within acidic pH range (pH < 6.50), contain acidic radicals like PO43-, SO42-, NO2- and HCO3-; and are very rich in both micronutrient elements and heavy metals; while that of the control area are less acidic and less rich in heavy metals. Thus, if flaring of gas by the crude oil processing plant is not checked, there is a tendency of increasing acidic and metal polluted rainwater within this community. The reduction of gaseous emissions whitim this community would significantly decrease or slow down the acidification of water bodies and reduce stress to forests. In addition, the lifespan of building materials and structures of cultural importance would be lengthened. Also, the reductions in emissions would help to protect public health. The present study examines a three year profile (1998-2000) of gas flaring activities in Utorogu oil producing community; and its outcome would provide information on the potential environmental impacts of gas flaring within the given oil producing community.
Authors and Affiliations
Benjamin Chibuzo
Keywords
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