INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND SCIENTIFIC INNOVATION (IJRSI)  
ISSN No. 2321-2705 | DOI: 10.51244/IJRSI |Volume XII Issue XI November 2025  
Comparative Analysis of Air Quality Around Gas Flaring Sites in  
Etche And Ikwerre Local Government Areas, Rivers State, Nigeria.  
Opurum, C. N; Ukpere, D. R. T; Nwagwu, A. C; Egbuchilem, B  
Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Port Harcourt, Rivers State  
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.51244/IJRSI.2025.12110149  
Received: 04 December 2025; Accepted: 08 December 2025; Published: 20 December 2025  
ABSTRACT  
This paper examined air quality around gas flaring sites in Etche and Ikwerre Local Government Areas of Rivers  
State, Nigeria. Experimental research design was adopted, imploring the use of primary and secondary data.  
Primary data were generated through field measurements. Air quality parameters of CO, SO2, NO2, SPM2.5, SPM10  
and H2S were measured using an ELE Analox Sensor Gas Monitor Model GC 401, multi–RAE PLUS (PGM-50),  
programmable Multi Gas Monitor and Multi Gas Detector (Defender ®) Model D2-2000 respectively. While Met  
One Instrument, Inc Aerosol Mass Monitor was used to measure Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM) of PM2.5  
and PM10 in the study area. Hand-held digital thermometer, logger (Testo 450), and digital anemometer were used  
to determined micro-climatic parameters of atmospheric temperature, relative humidity, and wind velocity  
respectively. Air quality measurements were collected around 12 randomly selected flare locations of Etche and  
Ikwerre gas flared sites. The study was anchored on the Concept of Environmental Quality, Air pollution  
dispersion and System theories. Inferential statistics was used to analyse the data and hypothesis was tested using  
two sample t-test. Findings showed that the mean concentration of NO2, SO2, H2S and CO ranged from  
1245.69mg/m3 -1555.09 mg/m3, 138.43 mg/m3 - 202.65 mg/m3, 60.43 mg/m3 - 65.24 mg/m3, and 750.0 mg/m3 -  
985.7 mg/m3 respectively. PM2.5 concentration ranged from 0.0237mg/m3 -14.42 while PM10 concentration  
ranged from 0.0848 mg/m3 - 0.094 mg/m3. The study concluded that the concentration of most of the pollutants  
in the selected flared locations exceeded the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) stipulated limits  
while a few others remained within acceptable limits. Thus, the study recommended amongst others installation  
or optimization of pollution control equipment (e.g., scrubbers, flare optimization) to reduce CO, NO₂, SO₂, and  
particulate emissions, well-planned sustainable afforestation programme along these flare locations should be  
encouraged as these trees will act as a sink to these atmospheric pollutants.  
Keywords: Air quality, gas flaring, Etche, Ikwerre.  
INTRODUCTION  
In Nigeria, Gas flaring has been declared illegal since 1984, yet the country still ranks among the top 10 gasflare  
countries with about 7.4billion cubic meters of gas flared in 2018 and about 425.9billion standard cubic feet of  
gas flared in 2019 (Eboh, 2019). Gas flaring has negative impacts on the environment. The consequences of this  
act of excessive flaring are of a large contribution to global warming and climate change due to the emission of  
large quantities of the two major greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide and methane). Another major consequence of  
gas flaring is sour gas (Hydrogen Sulphide) and sulphur oxides emission, the end product of these compounds  
when it combines with atmospheric oxygen and water is acid rain (Odiong et al., 2010).  
Gas flaring has taken an unprecedented effect of heat and noise on the host environments to the extent of making  
most host communities uninhabitable. It has also caused human displacement with the antecedents of a dilapidated  
ecological habitat. In fact, it has been a controversial practice as it became a severe case too delicate to evict. The  
upstream and downstream emissions from gas flaring are rather ubiquitous especially to climatic changes. This  
associated gas flaring is a source of significant amount of global GHGs and other poisonous emissions. The  
volume of pollutant gases emitted depends on the combustion efficiency of the flare system, while the brightness  
and colour depend on the original composition of the generated associated gas. One established factor is the effect  
of proximity to the flare facilities (Rahimpour et al., 2011).  
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INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND SCIENTIFIC INNOVATION (IJRSI)  
ISSN No. 2321-2705 | DOI: 10.51244/IJRSI |Volume XII Issue XI November 2025  
Up to 2013, about 0.456 million tons of the global black carbon emission as part of PM2.5 came from the Niger  
Delta of Nigeria which can be linked to gas flaring and other incomplete combustions of fossil fuel (Giwa, et al.,  
2014). Also, Black carbon’s destructive role in human health, physical visibility and the ecosystem is of immense  
global concern. For instance, notwithstanding that black carbon resides in the atmosphere for few days, 1 g of it  
can warm the atmosphere hundreds of times than 1 g of CO2 floating on the atmosphere in 100 years making the  
contribution of black carbon to global warming to be about 70% that of the CO2 (Giwa, et al., 2014; Giwa, et al.,  
2016). In addition, the residual (unburnt) components consist of methane and VOCs. Findings reveal that within  
20 years of exposure, 1 kg of CH4 is 62 times more damaging compared to exposure to 1 kg of CO2 (Mafimisebi  
& Nkwunonwo, 2014) and 25 times as a potential global warming greenhouse gas than CO2 based on their masses  
(Kaladumo & Ideriah, 2014). Specifically, the GHGs and VOCs have been labelled in photochemical formation  
of Tropospheric Ozone and this bad ozone consequently is harmful to both plant and humans (Nwosisi, et al.,  
2019). Also, more than 250 toxins have been identified within flared gas including dioxin, H2S, toluene, xylene,  
styrene, benzopyrene, naphthalene, benzene and its metabolites etc. (Giwa, et al., 2014; Mafimisebi and  
Nkwunonwo, 2014; Obi, et al., 2021a; Obi, et al., 2021b; Giwa, et al., 2017; Ekpoh and Obia, 2010; Ismail and  
Umukoro, 2012).  
Gas flaring in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria, is responsible for 18 million metric ton of GHGs and other lethal  
emissions (Obi, et al., 2021a). Most of emitted GHGs come from flare stacks and majority of the world’s flare  
sites are localized in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria (Adoki, 2012). This region with exceptional biodiversity,  
is the world’s largest wetland, second largest mangrove in the world and third largest drainage basin in Africa but  
now saturated with over 123 gas flaring sites (Giwa, et al., 2017) currently in operation. A study by Olujobi  
(2020), revealed that, 144 flare sites which adds to pollution of the air, soil and water. In addition, the emissions  
also contain VOCs such as benzene, H2S, toluene and xylene (Anosike, 2010), that make the water highly toxic  
for the ecosystem. The dark coloration and soured taste of this rain water due to saturated PM and soot content  
makes it undrinkable (Adoki, 2012; Nkwocha and Pat-Mbano, 2010).  
Other major opportunity costs of these anthropogenic emissions comprise the rise in sea level, coastal erosion,  
wildlife extinction, loss of biodiversity, acidified water penetration into coastal aquifer and other lethal endemic  
effects of acid rain on the coastal ecosystem in this area as highlighted in Tawari and Abowei (2012).  
It has been proven that the flare system also emits substantial amount of noise and heat 0.5 km from the stack  
base making the flare zone too unlively for human habitation (Obi, et al., 2021a; Abdulkareem, et al., 2012). The  
exothermic combustion of associated gas releases significant amount of heat. Fishes as cold-blooded aquatic  
animals are sensitive to such water temperature rise. Abdulkareem, et al. (2012), also reported that, there is also  
premature hatching of fish eggs before their gestation period due to unusual temperature rise of the aquatic habitat  
and worse still, not hatching at all. In addition, the radiated heat around flare stacks have been noticed to be above  
tolerable limits for certain cash crops to survive. Abdulkareem, et al. (2012), estimated a reduction of 10%, 45%  
and 100% in crop yields for plants at 1 km, 0.6 km and 0.2 km from the flare stack respectively. With these regions  
as a heat sink to the flare stacks, now forces plants to have stunted growth and reduced propensity to pollination  
leading to dwindling agricultural productivity as well as diminishing wildlife and domestic biodiversity  
population (Edino, et al., 2010; Ana, 2011).  
The health implications of gas flaring are enormous. The study of Obi et al. (2021a) and Giwa et al. (2017) show  
that short time human exposure to NO2 can cause breathing complications, increased exacerbation of asthma and  
other respiratory morbidities. Residents exposed to other gas flare pollutants are noticed to suffer different levels  
of hematological, skin and eye deteriorations. Other health issues associated with flared gas which have been  
reported in Niger Delta includes blindness, aggravated Asthma, Chronic Bronchitis, Cancer, Leukemia, reduced  
lung function, Pneumonia, impotency, miscarriages, stillbirths and other reproductive disorders as well as  
dysfunctional immune system (Mafimisebi and Nkwunonwo, 2014; Oni and Oyewo, 2011; Emam, 2016; Ana,  
2011; Anosike, 2010; Osuoha and Fakutiju, 2017). The noise and heat have become major causes of insomnia  
and heat rashes respectively in addition to disruption of wake-sleep rhythm of residents especially those at close  
proximity to flare facilities (Ekpoh and Obia, 2010).  
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The release of soot and other toxic gases emanating from the flare site causes a deterioration effect on air quality.  
Gas flare contains recognized toxins which are confirmed carcinogens like benzene, benzopyrene, toluene,  
mercury and arsenic. High concentrations of nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide and suspended  
particulate matter above international standard have also been recorded around flare sites. This deterioration in  
air quality poses serious health risks to humans living within the area including cancer and lung damage, as well  
as deformities in children, asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, neurological and reproductive problems (Allison et al.,  
2018).  
In the local communities of Etche and Ikwerre Local Government Areas of Rivers State which is a part of the  
Niger Delta region, flare sites still exist till date and associated gases have been flared for over 20 years now  
while the vagaries of gas flaring have been neglected. Despite the negative impacts of gas flaring on the  
environment and health status of residents reiterated above, the oil companies operating within Etche and Ikwerre  
communities are still in the practice of releasing these toxic atmospheric pollutants into the environment.  
Studies have also shown that several pollutants from gas flared cause respiratory problems, insomnia, headache,  
cancer, bronchitis and depression, blood disorders, damage to the skin, asthma and anaemia (Adienbo & Nwafor,  
2010; Ajugwo, 2013; Gobo et al., 2009; Maduka & Tobin-West, 2017).  
Aim and Objectives of the Study  
The aim of this research was to compare air quality around gas flaring sites in Etche and Ikwerre Local  
Government Areas of Rivers State. The objectives of the study include, to:  
1. assess the levels of key air pollutants (e.g., carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulphide, nitrogen oxides, sulfur  
dioxide, and particulate matter) in the study areas.  
2. examine the concentration levels of meteorological parameters (Temperature, relative humidity and  
wind speed).  
3. determine the significant variation in observed meteorological parameters between Etche and Ikwerre  
flared sites.  
Research Questions  
The study is poised to address the following research questions;  
1. What are the levels of air pollutants in Etche and Ikwerre LGAs flared sites?  
2. What are the concentration levels of meteorological parameters in Etche and Ikwerre LGAs flared sites?  
3. Is there any significant variation in observed meteorological parameters between Etche and Ikwerre  
LGAs (flared) sites?  
The Study Area  
The study area (Etche and Ikwerre Local Government Areas) is located in Rivers State, Nigeria. Etche Local  
Government Area is located at the North-Eastern part of Rivers State, Nigeria. It lies within latitude 40 45'N –  
5017'N and longitude 6055'E – 7017'E (Fig. 1.2) and approximately 641.28km2 in size. It is bounded in the north  
by Imo State, east-wards by the Imo River, then Omuma L.G.A. while, Obio-Akpor and Oyigbo in the south.  
Ikwerre L.G.A. is found at the west ward. Ikwerre Local Government Area is located within latitudes 4055´ and  
5015´ N and between longitudes 6040´ and 6055´ E. It is approximately 1,099 km2 in size and shares boundaries  
with Imo State at its north, Emohua Local Government Area in the West, Etche Local Government Area in the  
East, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area in the south.  
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INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND SCIENTIFIC INNOVATION (IJRSI)  
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Conceptual Clarification  
Concept of Environmental Quality  
Quality has been defined as conformance to necessities. Environmental qualities are conformance to fundamental  
requirement of a wholesome land, water and air resources (Agarwal, 2016).  
Johnson (2015) opined that environmental quality is a set of properties and characteristics of the environment,  
either generalized or localized, as they impinge on human beings and other organisms. It is a measure of  
conditions of an environment relative to the requirements of one or more species and/or any human need or  
purpose.  
Environmental Justice Theory (Robert D. Bullard, 1970)  
Robert D. Bullard is often called the "father of environmental justice" for his pioneering research in the field,  
other key authors include David Schlosberg and Hazel M. Johnson. Environmental justice is the fair treatment  
and meaningful involvement of all people, regardless of race, color, national origin, or income, in the  
development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws and policies. This theory highlights the  
disproportionate impact of environmental degradation on marginalized or less powerful communities. It stresses  
the need for equitable distribution of environmental benefits and risks and acknowledges that environmental  
hazards and benefits are not distributed equitably and advocates for communities to have access to a healthy  
environment and be able to participate in decisions that affect their communities and well-being. The theory  
emphasizes on fair distribution of resources, meaningful involvement, broader scope and origin for the  
communities to enjoy a healthy environment. Communities in Rivers State often face significant environmental  
and health impacts from gas flaring without commensurate benefits, making this theory apt for assessing  
inequality in exposure and responsibility (UNEP, 2011).  
METHODOLOGY  
The experimental research design was adopted for this study. The data for the study was derived from secondary  
and primary sources. Secondary data were obtained from secondary sources. The primary data were obtained  
through field measurements of the concentration levels of carbon monoxide (CO), sulphur dioxide (SO2),  
Nitrogen oxide (NO2), Hydrogen sulphide (H2S) and Particulate matter (PM2.5 & PM10) and prevailing  
meteorological parameters at selected sampling locations. The sampling frame of the present work consists of  
one (1) kilometer each of the two gas flare stations of the Etche and Ikwerre LGA flow stations. Thus, these  
constitute two (2) kilometres away from the gas flare stack as the area of study. The researcher generated a  
sampling frame of all points at 50 metres interval away from the flow station which gives a sampling frame of 40  
sampling points. Hence the researcher made use of sample size of 12 accounting for 30% of the total sampling  
points for the present study using random table numbers.  
Sampling Procedure  
These 12 sample points were collected at twelve (12) different locations at a graded distance of 500m (0.5km)  
away from each flare point (Umuechem and Umuebulu) coded SP1, SP2, SP3, SP4, SP5, SP6 for Etche LGA and  
(Aluu and Igwuruta) coded SP1, SP2, SP3, SP4, SP5, SP6 for Ikwerre LGA respectively. The parameters that  
were measured include air temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulphur dioxide  
(SO2), carbon monoxide (CO), Hydrogen Sulphide (H2S) and suspended particulate matter (SPM).  
Methods of Data Analysis  
The collected data were analysed using SPSS, descriptive and inferential statistics.  
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RESULTS AND DISCUSSION  
The results of the various concentration levels of air quality and micro climatic parameters of the sampling points  
in the study area are shown in Table 1 and 2 below.  
Data presentation  
Table 1: Data of Air Quality and Micro Climatic Parameters in Etche LGAAcross the Sampling Points  
S/N  
Location CO  
PM2.5  
PM10  
NO2  
SO2  
H2S  
Wind  
R.H  
(%)  
Temp  
(oC)  
(mg/m3)  
(mg/m3)  
(mg/m3) (mg/m3) (mg/m3) (mg/m3) Speed  
(m/s)  
1
2
3
4
5
6
SP1  
SP2  
SP3  
SP4  
SP5  
SP6  
1120  
0.030  
0.025  
0.022  
0.031  
0.023  
0.011  
0.089  
0.044  
0.084  
0.170  
0.076  
0.046  
1825.00  
1722.50  
99.74  
105.25  
140.00  
166.25  
143.75  
141.60  
133.75  
94.64  
82.53  
13.39  
87.65  
56.48  
27.88  
2.2  
3.1  
3.2  
3.0  
2.4  
1.3  
66.9  
56.9  
35.8  
67.9  
53.7  
44.6  
33.0  
36.1  
29.7  
31.7  
34.0  
31.1  
1130  
0.00  
1110  
1140  
0.00  
2305.50  
1521.40  
0.000  
Source: Researcher’s Fieldwork Analysis, 2024  
Table 2: Data of Air Quality and Micro Climatic Parameters in Ikwerre LGAAcross the Sampling Points  
S/N  
Location  
CO  
PM2.5  
PM10  
NO2  
SO2  
H2S  
Wind  
R.H  
(%)  
Temp  
(oC)  
(mg/m3)  
(mg/m3)  
(mg/m3) (mg/m3) (mg/m3) (mg/m3) Speed  
(m/s)  
1
2
3
4
5
6
SP1  
SP2  
SP3  
SP4  
SP5  
SP6  
1151.23  
1153.74  
1300.00  
1165.0  
1144.11  
0.000  
22.23  
31.25  
0.022  
21.031  
12.023  
0.001  
0.098  
0.064  
0.098  
0.182  
0.086  
0.035  
2830.00  
936.650  
1834.00  
2407.50  
1322.40  
0.000  
203.22  
230.00  
256.23  
253.65  
231.3  
98.74  
74.62  
16.28  
88.55  
76.46  
36.78  
1.11  
1.10  
1.30  
1.02  
2.32  
3.21  
75.9  
68.9  
45.8  
77.6  
53.7  
45.6  
32.07  
31.13  
31.70  
33.75  
32.67  
31.52  
41.55  
Source: Researcher’s Fieldwork Analysis, 2024  
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DISCUSSION OF RESULTS  
Table 1 above displayed air quality and micro climatic parameters in Etche LGA across the sampling points. It is  
observed that extremely high values of Carbon Monoxide (CO) are recorded at most locations (SP1, SP2, SP4,  
SP5), ranging between 1110–1140 mg/m³, indicating significant CO emissions. CO is absent at SP3 and SP6,  
suggesting genuinely lower emissions at these spots.  
In terms of Particulate Matter (PM2.5 and PM10), PM2.5 values are relatively low, ranging from 0.011–0.031 mg/m³,  
which corresponds to 11–31 µg/m³. While below dangerous thresholds for PM2.5, these concentrations may still  
contribute to health concerns with prolonged exposure. PM10 values are higher, ranging from 0.044– 0.170 mg/m³  
(44–170 µg/m³), with the highest concentration at SP4. Elevated PM10 levels indicate significant coarse  
particulate pollution, likely from combustion and dust. Furthermore, NO₂ concentrations vary significantly across  
locations, with SP4 showing the highest level at 2305.50 mg/m³. SP6 records no NO₂, which might indicate  
reduced combustion processes or equipment (flow station) shutdown. Sulphur Dioxide (SO₂), levels are  
consistently high at most locations, ranging between 105.25–166.25 mg/m³, except at SP3, where it reaches a  
peak of 166.25 mg/m³. This is expected in gas flare stations, as SO₂ is a major byproduct of sulfur-rich fossil fuel  
combustion. H₂S levels are highest at SP1 (94.64 mg/m³), which may indicate localized sulfur-rich gas emissions.  
Other locations also have moderately high levels, except SP3 and SP6, which show significantly lower H₂S  
concentrations.  
In terms of meteorological parameters, the table 1 above equally revealed that wind speeds range from 1.3 m/s at  
SP6 to 3.2 m/s at SP3, suggesting moderate air dispersion potential. Lower wind speeds at SP6 could lead to  
pollutant accumulation, although measured levels there are relatively low. Similarly, relative humidity levels vary  
widely, from 35.8% at SP3 to 67.9% at SP4, likely influencing pollutant dispersion and chemical reactions in the  
atmosphere, while temperatures range from 29.7°C to 36.1°C, consistent with conditions near gas flaring stations,  
where elevated temperatures are expected.  
Table 2 above displayed air quality and micro climatic parameters in Etche LGA across the sampling points. The  
result of the analysis in the table above showed that carbon monoxide (CO) levels are significantly high in  
locations SP1 to SP5, with concentrations exceeding 1100 mg/m³, indicating heavy pollution likely from vehicular  
emissions, flow station stack emission, industrial activity, or fossil fuel combustion. SP3 has the highest CO  
concentration (1300.00 mg/m³), suggesting that this location has the highest level of combustionrelated activities.  
SP6 has a CO concentration of 0.000 mg/m³, which could indicate a pristine environment. PM2.5 levels are highest  
at SP2 (31.25 mg/m³), reflecting potentially dangerous air quality, as fine particles penetrate deep into the lungs  
and can cause respiratory problems. SP3 and SP6 have the lowest PM2.5 concentration (0.022 mg/m³  
0.001mg/m3), indicating better air quality in terms of fine particulate matter. Other locations (SP1, SP4, SP5)  
showed moderate PM2.5 levels, suggesting the presence of airborne particles from urban or industrial activities.  
Similarly, PM10 levels are relatively low across all locations, ranging from 0.035 mg/m³ (SP6) to 0.182 mg/m³  
(SP4). SP4 has the highest PM10 concentration, which may indicate increased dust, construction activity, or  
coarser particulate pollution in that area.  
Furthermore, it is observed from the table 2 above indicate that NO₂ concentrations vary widely, with SP1  
showing the highest level (2830.00 mg/m³), likely due to industrial emissions or emission arising from flow  
station as a result of gas flare activities. SP6 has no detectable NO (0.000 mg/m³), which could be due to an  
absence of combustion sources or limited activity in that area. SP2 and SP5 show lower levels compared to SP1,  
but still significant enough to impact air quality. SP3 has the highest SO₂ concentration (256.23 mg/m³), which  
may point to industrial processes such as fossil fuel combustion or mining. SP6 has the lowest SO₂ level  
(41.55mg/m³), indicating minimal sulfur-related pollution. Overall, SO₂ levels are moderate to high in other  
locations, suggesting varying levels of gas flare activity.  
The result further revealed that hydrogen sulphide (H₂S) in SP1 has the highest concentration (98.74 mg/m³),  
which might indicate the presence of industries or natural gas activities emitting sulfur compounds. SP6 has the  
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lowest concentration (36.78 mg/m³), suggesting minimal exposure to this pollutant. The variations across  
locations may reflect industrial or natural sources of H₂S emissions.  
In terms of meteorological parameters, SP6 has the highest wind speed (3.21 m/s), which can help disperse  
pollutants and improve air quality. SP4 has the lowest wind speed (1.02 m/s), potentially contributing to stagnation  
and higher pollutant concentrations in the area. Relative Humidity levels range from 45.6% (SP6) to 77.6% (SP4).  
Higher humidity (SP4, SP1) may contribute to the formation of secondary pollutants like smog. Lower humidity  
(SP6, SP3) may reduce these processes but could allow particulate matter to remain airborne longer while  
Temperatures are relatively consistent across locations, ranging from 31.13°C (SP2) to 33.75°C (SP4). Higher  
temperatures (SP4) can enhance photochemical reactions, leading to increased levels of ozone and other  
secondary pollutants.  
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS  
The followings are the summary of the findings of the study:  
1. There is significant spatial variation in the concentration levels of carbon monoxide (CO), sulphur  
dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxide (NOx), and hydrogen Sulphide (H2S) between Etche and Ikwerre flared  
sites.  
2. The research also revealed exceedances in particulate matter concentration in Ikwerre selected flared  
sites in the study area.  
3. The study revealed statistically significant difference in the meteorological data between the flared sites  
in the area. This implies that the meteorological variables in Etche LGA flared sites significantly varied  
from those in the Ikwerre LGAs flared sites.  
4. This research also established exceedances in the mean concentration level of sulphur dioxide and  
Nitrogen dioxide in Etche and Ikwerre LGAs selected flared locations while the mean concentration  
levels of carbon monoxide and hydrogen sulphide did not exceed the National Ambient Air Quality  
Standards (NAAQS) stipulated limits.  
CONCLUSION  
This study has shown that sulphur dioxide and Nitrogen dioxide in Etche and Ikwerre LGAs selected flared  
locations exceeded the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) stipulated limits. It is therefore  
pertinent to say that this poses a great health hazard to residents who resides in that area. SO₂ concentrations are  
uniformly elevated, ranging from 105.25 to 166.25 mg/m³, except at SP6 (133.75 mg/m³). These values far exceed  
the WHO 24-hour guideline of 20 µg/m³ (0.02 mg/m³), indicating high sulphur content in the flared gas. SO₂  
poses health risks, particularly for individuals with respiratory conditions, and contributes to acid rain. The study  
has also shown that despite the role gas flaring contributes to air pollution in the study area, the concentration of  
most of the pollutants have remained within acceptable limits. This can be as a result of the trees and vegetation  
predominant in the study area which acts as carbon sink and aids in the dispersion and absorption of these  
pollutants.  
RECOMMENDATIONS  
Based on the findings of this study the following recommendations are put forward:  
1. Increased awareness and enlightenment on the health impact of gas flaring through key stakeholders  
(policy and decision makers, journalists and industrialists) should be encouraged.  
2. A well-planned sustainable afforestation programme along these flare locations should be encouraged as  
these trees will act as a sink to these atmospheric pollutants.  
3. Adequate health facilities should be put in place in communities close to flare locations in order to cater  
for the urgent health needs of residents who may be exposed to sulphur dioxide exceedances.  
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4. The study recommends periodic monitoring of air quality parameters most especially during both wet and  
dry seasons to ascertain seasonal variations.  
5. Further work on this research study should be carried out to find out if there is any technological  
equipment or tool that the major International Oil Companies (IOC) that flare gas installs on their gas flare  
stack to reduce atmospheric pollutants to barest minimum in a such a way that it does not impact on the  
environment.  
6. Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂) and Sulphur Dioxide (SO₂) control system should be mounted at sampled gas  
flare stations. vii.) There should be installation or optimization of pollution control equipment (e.g.,  
scrubbers, flare optimization) to reduce CO, NO₂, SO₂, and particulate emissions.  
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