A Review of the Environmental Impact of Gas Flaring on the Physiochemical Properties of Water, Soil and Air Quality in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria

Abstract

The Niger Delta region of Nigeria is of great socio-economic importance due to its huge crude oil reserves. However, the process of exploration has been of great detrimental effect on the physiochemical properties of the soil, water and air quality in the region and has caused several public health issues. This review article is focused on readdressing the extent of the impact of one of the processes, gas flaring on the environment, using some physiochemical parameters of rain water, soil and air quality in some selected communities in the Niger Delta region based on series of previous researches. The results show that gas flaring has negatively impacted the physical and chemical properties soil, water and air components of the environment, most especially impacting areas very close to the flaring site. Also, recommendations were made as to how the flaring of gas can be reduced to a very minimal level as well as how these gases can be utilized making it more economical than the flaring process which is a very good case for further research.