Abstract
Nigeria is an oil and gas producing nation. The Niger Delta is the Nigerian oil and gas province. About 10 – 40% of produced associated gas is underutilized and is flared into the environment. This is the usual trend in the Nigerian oil and gas industry. Gas flaring has adverse impacts on the environmental components and its associated biota. This paper reviews the impacts of gas flaring on the vegetation and water quality resources in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. The study found that gas flaring alters water ions (especially sulphate, carbonate, nitrate), pH, conductivity heavy metals (such as lead and iron) concentration especially in rainwater. It also affects vegetation leading to decrease in growth and productivity probably due to changes in soil quality parameters. The paper concludes by suggesting promulgation/implementation of gas glaring laws in Nigeria.
Highlights
Following the discovery of crude oil in commercial quantity in Nigeria, the mainstay of the nation economy shifted from agriculture to crude oil and natural gas
Water Resources in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria components of the crude oil are released into the air
Nigeria flare significant amount of natural gas into the environment leading to loss of substantial amount of money per annum
Summary
Following the discovery of crude oil in commercial quantity in Nigeria, the mainstay of the nation economy shifted from agriculture to crude oil and natural gas. Two major products are produced include crude oil and natural gas Both have adverse effect on the environment. Water Resources in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria components of the crude oil are released into the air. Most of the impacts are due to indirect effects resulting from acid rain These could affect other biodiversity resources including humans. Noise emanating from the flare could affect humans residing close/ and or working close to the vicinity As such the exploration of oil and gas and flaring of natural gas has several environmental impacts.
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