Air Quality Assessment Around Selected Gas Flare Sites in Rivers State, Nigeria
Abstract
The quality of air around some gas flare sites in Rivers State of Nigeria was determined by measuring major air pollutants at different distances from the area. Programmable Multi Gas Monitors, Gas Detection Tubes, Aerosol Mass Monitor, Digital Anemometer and Compass were used. The results showed that the mean levels of pollutants ranged from 155.7±78.3 µg/m3 (Oshie) – 166.1±90.3 µg/m3 (Rumuekpe) TSP, 0.1- 0.15±0.07ppm (Obagi) NO2,
0.1-0.2±0.14ppm (Obagi) SO2, <0.2ppm H2S, <0.1 (Idu and Rumuekpe) -0.2±0.14ppm (Obagi) CO, <0.10.45±0.49ppm (Obagi) VOC and <0.5ppm C6H6 . The highest concentrations of some pollutants such as TSP, NO2, SO2, H2S and C6H6 exceeded Federal Ministry of Environment and United State EPA permissible limits. It was concluded that the quality of air around the flare sites is poor and gas flaring contributed to the levels of pollutants measured. Thus there is need for regular monitoring.
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