Comparative Study of Air Quality Assessment in Bonny, Bille And Degema Communities in The Niger Delta Region, Nigeria

Purpose: This study was undertaken to ascertain the air quality in the oil-producing towns for the purpose of making recommendations that address the health challenges of the inhabitants Gas flaring has a negative impact on air quality in oil-producing towns.  Methodology: This paper adopted Robert King's Exposure Risk Theory from the late 1970s, this research employs an experimental design to analyze air quality in Bonny, Degema, and Bille towns located in Rivers State. Data was collected from these towns, followed by rigorous laboratory analysis to evaluate air quality. A comparison of these findings with the air quality guidelines established by the World Health Organization (WHO) was made to facilitate an understanding of potential health implications associated with air quality issues in the study area. Findings: The study reveals that nitrogen (IV) oxide (NO2) concentrations spanned from 0.006 to 0.085 ppm in Station 3 and 0.018 to 0.006 ppm in Station 1. Notably, statistically significant differences (P < 0.05) in NO2 levels were observed across the diverse towns of the Niger Delta investigated in this study. The high recorded levels of nitrogen (IV) oxide (NO2) can potentially be attributed to heightened vehicular emissions in Bonny relative to Degema and Bille. Furthermore, the study identifies hydrogen sulphide (H2S) concentrations ranging from 0.001 ppm to 0.123 ppm, with the highest levels in Bonny. Carbon (II) oxide (CO) levels varied between 0.032 and 3.355 ppm in Degema and Bonny, respectivelyy. No statistically significant difference (P > 0.05) was found. The study also identifies ammonia (NH3) levels ranging from 0.001 to 0.008 ppm in Degema, Bille, and Bonny communities. Notably, no significant variance in ammonia concentration was observed among the study's locations. In conclusion, the study underscores the detrimental impact of oil-related activities, including gas flaring, on air quality within the examined areas, consequently endangering residents' well-being. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy (Recommendations): This study offers a forward stride in the Exposure Risk Theory's application by contextualizing it within the study area. Through this lens, we uncover the ramifications of prevalent practices such as gas flaring on air quality. Practical implications emerge as valuable guidance for stakeholders including industries and regulatory bodies to sculpt targeted pollution control strategies addressing specific pollutants. Moreover, local communities and health agencies stand to harness these insights to champion cleaner air and enhanced living conditions.