Environmental challenges associated with oil spillage and gas flaring in Nigeria: A review
Date
2014-12
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
U. P
Abstract
A review is presented of the environmental challenges associated with oil spillage and gas flaring in Nigeria. It analyzes the types, causes, and remediation processes, for oil spillage and the prevention and control measures available for minimising environmental problems of oil spills in the oil-producing communities of Nigeria. Generally, Oil spills cause series of severe aquatic and terrestrial pollutions, and they impact negatively on crop production, due to soil infertility that results from the destruction of soil microorganisms, thereby causing dwindling agricultural productivity, plus other side effects on human health. The potential harmful effects of gas flaring on the environment including global warming and human exposure to acute harmful substances that cause respiratory problems (such as asthma and chronic bronchitis) are critically considered. Likewise other chemicals like benzapyrene, which causes cancer, and benzene, which causes leukemia and other blood-related disease are highlighted. Gas’ flaring also causes acid rain which corrodes homes and other local structures. Some techniques that should be utilized to prevent and control these challenges have been outlined and some policy recommendations made to help curb abuses by multinational oil and gas companies operating in the country.
Description
The article is a review
Keywords
Environmental challenges, oil spillage, gas flaring, Nigeria, Department of Biotechnology
Citation
Okereke, J. N., Ogidi, O. I. & Nwachukwu, A. A. (2014). Environmental challenges associated with oil spillage and gas flaring in Nigeria: A review. International Journal of Environmental Health and Human Development, 15(2), 1 - 11