Authors :
Imiete, Godspower; Kpang, MeeluBari Barinua Tsaro
Volume/Issue :
Volume 10 - 2025, Issue 4 - April
Google Scholar :
https://tinyurl.com/4v5x5nsa
DOI :
https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25apr327
Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.
Abstract :
Oil and gas exploration is characterized with release of gases, particulates and other wastes in the form of gas
flaring which have significant consequences on both humans and the environment. Gas flaring contributes to contamination
and deterioration of the air quality of surrounding areas. Therefore, this study focuses on examining the spatial variation of
air quality in the vicinity of gas flared areas in Rivers and Bayelsa States. The experimental research design was adopted
while the data for this study was sourced principally from primary source particularly air quality parameters recorded at
various sampled locations The data were analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA); and one sample t- test. The volume
of pollutants at different times of the day shows significant reduction in its concentration with respect to distance from the
flare sites at P<0.05. ANOVA also revealed that the spatial variation for gases in the two states under investigation was
significant at the P<0.05 (CO- F=08.1310, sig = 0.00; NOx- F=09.0114, sig = 0.02; O3-F=06.0114, sig = 0.05; SO2-F=1.0211, sig =
0.21; CH4- F=06.1321, sig = 0.23; VOC- F= 17.2131, sig = 0.03; H2S -F=09.3112, sig = 0.01; PM2.5- F=12.8230, sig = 0.00).The
one sample t test showed that there is a significant difference between pollutants measured and WHO standards at p<0.05 in
both states. Consequently, periodic air quality monitoring and reporting, strict adherence to air quality standards,
enforcement of regulatory thresholds and adoption of environmentally friendly technologies were recommended.
Keywords :
Air Quality, Monitoring, Variation, Pollutants, Standards.
References :
- Ajugwo, A.O. (2013) Negative Effects of Gas Flaring: The Nigerian Experience. Journal of Environment Pollution and Human Health, 1, 6-8.
- Akuezuilo, E. O., & Agu A. (2002). Research and Statistics in Education and Social Sciences. Method and Applications. Awka: Newl Centi Publishers and Academic Press Ltd, pp. 131-132.
- Ansa, E. J. and Akinrotimi O. A. (2018). Reactions to Petroleum Exploration From Oil-Bearing
- Communities: What Have We Learned? In: The Political Ecology of Oil and Gas Activities in the Nigerian Aquatic Ecosystem. Ed. Ndimele P. E. Elsevier Inc. Chapter 20:307–322.
- Ayoade, J.F. (2004). Introduction to climatology for the tropics. Ibadan: Spectrum Books Ltd.
- Egwurugwu, J.N., Nwafor, A and Ezekwe, S.(2013): Impacts of prolonged exposure to gas flares on some blood indices in humans in the Niger Delta Region, Nigeria .Archives of Applied Science Research, 5(1):98‐104.
- Gobo, A.E., Richard, G., and Ubong, I.U. (2009) Health Impact of Gas Flares on Igwuruta/Umuechem Communities in Rivers State,” Applied Science & Environmental Management, 13(3), 27-33.
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- Nwagbara M. O and Onwudiwe, H. T (2020). Air quality assessment around horizontal gas flaring sites in Izombe, south east. Nigeria. Journal of Geography and Earth Sciences . 8, (1). 16-23
- Obi, N. I., Bwititi, P. T., & Nwose, E. U. (2021). Evaluation of government’s efforts to mitigate the adverse effects of gas flaring in host communities. Journal of Complementary and Alternative Medical Research, 16(2), 42-50.
- Odu, C. T. I., Enyoh, C.E., Eke, A. C., Afuikwa, J. N. and Adie, G. U (2019). Impact of gas flaring on soil microbial community structure and function in the Niger Delta region, Nigeria. Environmental monitoring assessment 4, 206
- Okotie, S. (2018). The Nigerian Economy Before the Discovery of Crude oil In: The Political Ecology of Oil and Gas Activities in the Nigerian Aquatic Ecosystem, Academic Press, 71-81
- Weli, V., Adegoke, J., and Kpang, M. (2016) The Epidemiology of Cardio-Vascular Diseases in Relation to the Air Quality of Abattoirs in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. World Journal of Cardiovascular Diseases, 6, 94-106.
- World Bank Development Report, 2018
Oil and gas exploration is characterized with release of gases, particulates and other wastes in the form of gas
flaring which have significant consequences on both humans and the environment. Gas flaring contributes to contamination
and deterioration of the air quality of surrounding areas. Therefore, this study focuses on examining the spatial variation of
air quality in the vicinity of gas flared areas in Rivers and Bayelsa States. The experimental research design was adopted
while the data for this study was sourced principally from primary source particularly air quality parameters recorded at
various sampled locations The data were analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA); and one sample t- test. The volume
of pollutants at different times of the day shows significant reduction in its concentration with respect to distance from the
flare sites at P<0.05. ANOVA also revealed that the spatial variation for gases in the two states under investigation was
significant at the P<0.05 (CO- F=08.1310, sig = 0.00; NOx- F=09.0114, sig = 0.02; O3-F=06.0114, sig = 0.05; SO2-F=1.0211, sig =
0.21; CH4- F=06.1321, sig = 0.23; VOC- F= 17.2131, sig = 0.03; H2S -F=09.3112, sig = 0.01; PM2.5- F=12.8230, sig = 0.00).The
one sample t test showed that there is a significant difference between pollutants measured and WHO standards at p<0.05 in
both states. Consequently, periodic air quality monitoring and reporting, strict adherence to air quality standards,
enforcement of regulatory thresholds and adoption of environmentally friendly technologies were recommended.
Keywords :
Air Quality, Monitoring, Variation, Pollutants, Standards.