EFFECTS OF GAS FLARING ON THE MICROBIAL AND PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF SOILS IN DELTA STATE

Abstract

This study was carried out to determine the impact of gas flaring on microbial and physicochemical characteristics of soil around Ebedei and Kwale Flow Stations in Delta State, Nigeria. Soil samples were collected around Ebedei, in Ukwuani local government area, and Kwale, in Ndokwe West local government area both in Delta State, as well as in their environs. While the soil samples were collected for the analysis of physical, chemical and biological properties of the soil. The highest concentration of the heavy metals was obtained at 10m away from the flaring sites (P < 0.05). In both Ebedei and Kwale, the Fe concentration is significantly higher (1080.33 and 1080.68 mg/kg, respectively) that the other two heavy metals. However, there was a significant difference in the concentration of Zn between Ebedei and Kwale (P < 0.05). In both Ebedei and Kwale, the ECEC concentration is significantly higher (8.16 and 6.57 meq/100g, respectively) that the other chemical parameters. The physicochemical properties were similar at the different distances away from gas flaring sites (P> 0.05). EC decreased from 119.12µs/cm (at 10m) to 50.4 (at 100m) and then to 44.37 (at 200m). pH value remained acidic ranging from 4.97 (at 10m) to 5.9 (at 200m); moisture content ranged from 3.25% (at 10m) to 5.89% (at 200m); organic matter ranged from 1.07% (at 10m) to 1.61 % (at 200m); NO₃ reduced sharply from 10.35 mg/kg (at 10m) to 3.92mg/kg (at 100m) and then to 2.4mg/kg (at 200m); phosphate dropped from 0.91mg/kg at (at 10m) to 0.95mg/kg (at 100m) to 0.42mg/kg (at 200m). There was a significant difference in the amount of some physicochemical properties in the soil samples collected from the gas flaring areas in Ebedei and Kwale (P<0.05). Ebedei, Kwale and environs constitute part of the most vegetative and productive areas of the Niger Delta region, these areas are also rich in several pharmacological properties and water resources. The Government should ensure the enforcement of laws aimed at minimizing the amount of gas flared into the atmosphere. Urgent efforts should be geared at cushioning the effect of gas flaring on the communities affected, probably by compensating them or, by relocating them to a more environmental friendly settlement with compensations.