Gas Flaring, and Its Environmental Impact in Ekpan Community, Delta State, Nigeria

Abstract

In the Ekpan settlement of the Uvwie local government area, Delta state, Nigeria, a study on gas flaring and its effects on the environment was carried out. It was found that hazardous gases have been released into the environment because of air pollution caused by the combustion of methane and other hazardous flue gases during the manufacturing and processing of hydrocarbons. Industrial flue gas flare-ups cause several problems and are harmful to public health and the environment. This study investigated the pH of rainwater, as well as air pollutants (NO₂, SO₂, CO₂, CO, and suspended particle matter). During the dry and wet seasons, samples of air and rainwater were collected at different distances around exposure sites, and they were then examined using established techniques for the air contaminants. Descriptive statistical tools such as mean and standard deviation were used to analyze the variance and degree of effect of pollutants. The obtained results showed that the mean CO₂ concentrations in the dry and wet seasons were, respectively, 0.036 ppm and 0.26 ppm and that the pH of rainwater in the wet season was 6.82, both of which were within the safe limits, indicating that there were little to no negative effects on the environment. However, the average concentrations of suspended particulate matter in dry and wet seasons respectively were 7.92 mg/m₃ and 5.95 mg/m3, NO₂ was 0.15ppm and 0.10ppm, SO₂ was 0.72ppm and 0.10ppm, CO was 11.20ppm and 10.24ppm, and CO₂ 0.036ppm and 0.26ppm. The pH of rainwater was 6.02 for the dry season which exceeded the acceptable ambient air limits set by the DPR (2002) and FMENV (1991), while during the wet season, the pH was 6.82. This study suggested that the activity of continuous gas flaring is one of the main causes of high concentrations of these air pollutants within the examined community. The findings further suggested that the numerous environmental, socioeconomic, and political issues within Epkan were linked to the effects of gas flaring. This study suggests that the challenges caused by gas flares for the Ekpan community are good enough grounds to stop the practice of gas flaring in the area and the government needs to enact strict legislation with penalties for defaulters. The study finally recommended that flared gas could be refined and reused.