A review of the effects of gas flaring on the Niger Delta environment

Abstract

SUMMARY This paper is a review of studies on the impact of gas flaring on the Niger Delta environment. The Niger Delta region of Nigeria has suffered all forms of pollution and degradation arising from oil and natural gas exploitation. These include a decrease in agricultural yield, depression in flowering and fruiting in Okro and palm trees, deformities in children, liver damage and skin problems, increasing concentrations of airborne pollutants, acidification of soils and rainwater, corrosion of metal roofs and significant increases in concentrations of sulphates, nitrates and dissolved solids, with associated socio-economic problems. In spite of decree 99, which bans unauthorized flaring, over 75% of the gas produced is still being flared. The paper observes that empirical studies on the impact of gas flaring on the physical, chemical, soil, biological, atmospheric and social environment have not been adequately documented. It concludes that there is urgent need for scientific study and analysis of the effect of gas flaring on the different environmental compartments in the Niger Delta, as this is a necessary ingredient for achieving the dream of sustainable mineral exploitation in the region.