ASSESSMENT OF NOISE, GASEOUS AND PARTICULATE EMISSIONS IN WARRI, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study examined the impact of emissions on the environment and the inhabitants in Warri. An investigation of air quality in Warri, Nigeria was conducted at three (3) sample points (60m, 200m and 350m) from the major emission sources. Samples were collected, handled and preserved according to the relevant test methods. The data from the well-structured questionnaires administered to 200 respondents who are inhabitants of the area was analysed using standard statistical methods in IBM SPSS Statistics 21. Suspended particulate matters (SPM) averaged values at 60 m, 200 m and 350 m from the flares were 431.65 μg/m3, 300.48 μg/m3 and 199.23 μg/m3 respectively. The average SPM values at the 60 and 200 m distance from the flare were above the regulatory limits of 150 – 230 μg/m3 while the average SPM value at 350 m from the flare was within the limit. Volatile Organic compounds (VOC) results ranged from 314 – 366 μg/m3, 194.40 – 238.42 μg/m3 and 102.39 – 127.84 μg/m3 at 60 m, 200 m and 350 m distances from the flare, respectively. The average estimate of VOC at 60, and 200 m from the flare points exceeded the regulatory limits of 160 μg/m3. All sulphur dioxide measurements in this study were below short-term regulatory limits for 1 h for Nigerian National Air Quality Guidelines for Maximum Exposure. Average nitrogen dioxide value of 166 μg/m3 at 60 m from flare site was not in compliance with the set limits. All measured values for CO were below the short-term regulatory limits for 1 h and 24 h of the FMEnv and DPR set limits. The Noise Level recorded 100% compliance at all the measurement locations. Mean values for flare smoke densities recorded at 60 m, 200 m and 350 m from the flare were Ringlemann number Nos 7.6, 3.5 and 1.4 respectively. The results revealed that oil and gas exploitation had impacted the environment in a negative way and had reduced the air quality to the people of Warri.