Contribution of Gas Flare on the Rainwater of the Braced States in the Niger Delta

Abstract

Gas flaring contaminates rainwater, which harms the ecology. Exposure to flared gas turns rainwater acidic. The study examined the rainwater quality in gas flare areas of the BRACED states of the Niger Delta. The study employed an ex-post facto research design to assess the quality of rainwater in the industrial regions of the BRACED Niger Delta states. Rainwater samples were collected from twelve (12) locations in the BRACED Niger Delta states near refineries and gas flaring sites. The results show that the rainwater near GHG-impacted areas of the BRACED states has an average pH of 6.7, which is below the guidelines set by the World Health Organisation (WHO). A pH lower than the required WHO standards suggests acidic rainwater. The temperature is 27.4 °C, the conductivity is 37.1µS/cm, and the phosphate concentration exceeds WHO guidelines. Nitrate and sulphate levels are below WHO guidelines. P<0.05 indicates substantial changes in pH value and temperature amount in rainwater quality. Acidic rains, high temperatures, and high phosphate concentrations characterise the BRACED States, raising concerns about the suitability of rainwater for drinking. The study underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to controlling gas flaring, which includes taxation, anti-acidic coating measures, and infrastructure upgrades.