Impact of Gas-Flaring on the Quality of Rain Water, Groundwater and Surface Water in Parts of Eastern Niger Delta, Nigeria

Abstract

The environmental and health impact associated with over 50 years of oil exploration and exploitation in Eastern Niger Delta region of Nigeria is of great concern. Flaring is the controlled burning of the natural gas associated with oil production. This study has clearly shown that gas-flaring constitutes a major source of water pollution in the oil producing region of Eastern Niger Delta. The results of the laboratory analysis of the water samples revealed that the water sources in the area have been negatively impacted acid-rain and NO2, SO2 and CO2 from the burning gas. The sulphate, bicarbonate and nitrate content of rain water samples within the radius of 20 km from the gas-flaring station are high but the concentration decreases away from the gas-flaring stations. It was ascertained that the acidity and hence the nitrate, sulphate and bicarbonate content of rain water is a function of the frequency and duration of the rainfall as well as the direction of the prevailing wind prior to the rainfall and it gives rise to the formation of acid-rain. Corrosion of buildings, the dominance of respiratory problems and skin diseases are some of the signatures of gas flaring on the host communities. However, there may be a serious long term effect on the water resources in region in terms of quality if gas-flaring in the area does not stop.