Environmental Impact Assessment of Gas Flaring on Groundwater Quality in Ughelli North of Delta State, Nigeria.

Abstract

This study was carried out in Ughelli North of Delta State with a view to unveiling the environmental impact of gas flaring which is a product of oil exploration on groundwater. The study was experimental in nature from which data were generated. Gas flared data were measured through an open-air sampling process using sage thermal mass flow meter. The flared gases measured were carbon monoxide (CO), nitrous oxide and Sulphur oxide. Data on groundwater quality were obtained from two sources (well and borehole). The water samples were collected into sterilized cans and taken to the laboratory for analysis. One hypothesis was tested using multiple regression analysis. The study revealed that most chemical parameters of borehole and well water in Ughelli North communities are lower than the recommended limit by WHO. However, the mean concentration of iron, phosphate and BOD value were higher than the recommended limit value. The study further revealed that gas flaring has a significant effect on the physicochemical properties of the water in Ughelli North. At P<0.05, and r2 value of 0.099 implying that 99% of the water quality in the area is attributed to the presence of SO2. Similarly at P<0.05 and r2 value of 0.98 implies that 98% of the groundwater quality in the study area is attributable to the presence of NO2. It was therefore recommended that an impact prediction and proper assessment of oil companies operating within the area be carried out. This is with a view to touching essentially on the change brought about by gas flaring. All regulatory bodies such as federal environmental protection agency and other agencies responsible for impact assessment should carry out their functions to maximum expectation.