WAYS OF CONTROLLING ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION, OIL SPILLAGE, AND GAS FLARING


WAYS OF CONTROLLING ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION, OIL SPILLAGE, AND GAS FLARING  

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Human environment is made up of the following aspects: The physical, social, economic, political and technological. The physical environment consists of air, land and water; the social environment consists of the relationships existing among them; the technological environment consists of experiences and practices required for constant adaptation and survival; while the political environment is defined by the degree of authority exercised by some over others. The environment is said to be polluted when there is substantial alteration in form and function of the components of the physical environment which in turn produces harmful effects on human beings. The key word here is “substantial”, which is used to show that no component of the physical environment can be considered to be polluted until it has been altered in form or function in such a way that it can immediately or potentially harm human being directly or indirectly (Akubugwo et al., 2016). 

Environmental pollution is a problem both in developed and developing countries. Factors such as population growth and urbanization invariably place greater demands on the environment and stretch the use of natural resources to the maximum. Such overuse of natural resources often results in nature‟s degradation. 

Environmental pollution may cause short term or long term detriment to the earth‟s ecological balance which lowers the quality of life. Pollutants may cause primary damage with direct identifiable impact on the environment or secondary damage in form of minor changes in the delicate balance of the environment that are detectable over a long period. With the increase in waste production, indiscriminate discharge of untreated industrial and domestic wastes into water ways, the spewing of thousands of tones of particulates and airborne gases into the atmosphere, the “throw away” attitude toward solid wastes, and the use of newly developed chemicals without considering the potential consequences have resulted in major environmental disasters which will eventually force governments, groups, organizations and individuals to undertake more effective environmental planning and adopt more effective anti-pollution measures.

Gas flaring is a widely used method to dispose of natural gas in production of petroleum (Omoweh, 1995), It is an anthropogenic activity that is defined as the “wasteful emission of greenhouse gases (GHGs) that cause global warming, disequilibrium of the earth, unpredictable weather changes and major natural disasters because it emits a cocktail of benzene and other toxic substances that are harmful to humans, animals, plants and the entire physical environment” World Bank, (2007). Necessary infrastructure may be developed to harness natural gas and turn it into a cash Company.

Crude oil spillage and gas flaring are issues in oil producing areas of Nigeria, and they have negatively affected the environment, mostly the pedosphere (Faniran and Areola, 1985). Crude oil spillage could be as a result of accidental discharge of crude oils into the environment through operational mishap, equipment failure, and intentional damage to pipelines conveying the crude oil. In majority of the oil producing communities, large amount of crude oil has been absorbed by agricultural land. Crude oil spillage can cause the reduction of the available nutrients in the soil and adds some toxic elements in the soil, which results to the death of the plants and diminished soil fertility (Aghalino, 2000). Odjugo, (2002) stated that crude oil pollution has deleterious effects on plant growth, soil macronutrients, microorganism and the terrestrial ecosystem in general. As a result of crude oil pollution, soil physical properties such as pore spaces might be clogged thereby reducing soil aeration, infiltration of water into the soil, increased bulk density of the soil which may affect plant growth. Previous studies on crude oil pollution of soil had revealed its adverse effects on soil productivity (Okpowasili and Odokuma, 1990; Aghalino, 2000; Odjugo, 2002). It is not an over statement to say that an ecological war is rapidly destroying human life, flora, and fauna of the area and there is no greater threat on society and development than the continuous degradation of our soil environment through oil spillage and gas flaring.

Human activities and those of oil exploration and exploitation raise a number of issues such as depletion of biodiversity, coastal and riverbank erosion, flooding, oil spillage, gas flaring, noise pollution, sewage and wastewater pollution, land degradation and soil fertility loss and deforestation, which are all major environmental issues. The Niger Delta region has emerged as one of the most ecologically sensitive regions in Nigeria. Oil and gas from the region are the main source of revenue for the Nigerian state, accounting for about 97% of the country’s total export. Since the discovery of oil in the region, oil has dominated the country’s economy. The Niger Delta is highly susceptible to adverse environmental changes, occasioned by climate changes because it is located in the coastal region. Conclusive reports have stated that due to oil exploration and exploitation activities, the area has become an ecological wasteland. It is against this backdrop that this study sought to ascertain possible ways of controlling environmental pollution, oil spillage and gas flaring in Nigeria. 

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Environmental pollution resulting from crude oil spillage and gas flaring phenomenon have not been studied well in Nigeria. The negative impact of this oil exploration activity includes destruction of wild life, loss of fertile soil, pollution of air and water and damage to the ecosystem of the host communities, thereby disrupting the normal functioning of ecosystem service provision (Aghalino, 2000). Roberts, (1997) reported that ecological problems observed as a result of crude oil spillage and gas flaring includes a brownish vegetation, soil erosion, diminishing resources of the natural ecosystem, soil fertility loss and adverse effect on the live, health and economy of the people. And interestingly, there are no studies dedicated to ways of controlling environmental pollution resulting from oil spillage and gas flaring. However, there is need for continuous research on the problems associated with pollution resulting from crude oil spillage and gas flaring and their effects on the soil environment, and also possible ways through which these problems can be addressed permanently. This study therefore sought to fill this gap.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The main objective of this study is to explore ways of controlling environmental pollution, oil spillage and gas flaring. Specific objectives include;

i. Toascertain the extent of environmental degradation resulting from the activities of oil exploration in Nigeria.

ii. To identify ways of controlling environmental pollution resulting from oil spillage and gas flaring in Nigeria

1.4 Research Questions

The study sought to answer the following research questions:

i. What is the extent of environmental degradation resulting from the activities of oil exploration Nigeria?

ii. What are the possible ways of controlling environmental pollution resulting from oil spillage and gas flaring in Nigeria?

1.5 Significance of the Study

The findings of the study would provide useful information on the extent of environmental degradation resulting from the activities of oil exploration in Nigeria. The study would also bring to light possible sustainable solutions to the problem of environmental degradation as a result of oil spillage and gas flaring. This study will be of immense benefit to other researchers who intend to know more on this study and can also be used by non-researchers to build more on their research work. This study contributes to knowledge and could serve as a guide for other study.

1.6 Scope of the Study

This study is on exploring possible ways of controlling environmental pollution, oil spillage and gas flaring. The study randomly covered members of the general public of a typical oil rich community. The study will cover a fair balance of male and female respondents in Ilaje and Ese-Odo LGA of Ondo State.

1.7 Limitations of the study

The demanding schedule of respondents at work made it very difficult getting the respondents to participate in the survey. As a result, retrieving copies of questionnaire in timely fashion was very challenging. Also, the researcher is a student and therefore has limited time as well as resources in covering extensive literature available in conducting this research. Information provided by the researcher may not hold true for all businesses or organizations but is restricted to the selected organization used as a study in this research especially in the locality where this study is being conducted. Finally, the researcher is restricted only to the evidence provided by the participants in the research and therefore cannot determine the reliability and accuracy of the information provided.

Financial constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).

Time constraint: The researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. This consequently will cut down on the time devoted for the research work.

1.8 Definition of Terms

Pollution: Pollution is the introduction of contaminants into the natural environment that cause adverse change. Pollution can take the form of chemical substances or energy, such as noise, heat, or light. Pollutants, the components of pollution, can be either foreign substances/energies or naturally occurring contaminants.

Environmental Degradation: Environmental degradation is a process through which the natural environment is compromised in some way, reducing biological diversity and the general health of the environment. This process can be entirely natural in origin, or it can be accelerated or caused by human activities. Environmental degradation is the deterioration of the environment through depletion of resources such as quality of air, water and soil; the destruction of ecosystems; habitat destruction; the extinction of wildlife; and pollution.

Oil Spillage: An oil spill is the release of a liquid petroleum hydrocarbon into the environment, especially the marine ecosystem, due to human activity, and is a form of pollution. The term is usually given to marine oil spills, where oil is released into the ocean or coastal waters, but spills may also occur on land.

Gas Flaring: Gas flaring refers to the combustion of associated gas generated during various processes including oil and gas recovery, CBM production, petrochemical process and landfill gas extraction. The typical flare used in the oil and gas industry is composed of a boom or stack which collects the unwanted gases to be flared.

.


TYPE IN YOUR TOPIC AND CLICK SEARCH.






RESEARCHWAP.COM

Researchwap.com is an online repository for free project topics and research materials, articles and custom writing of research works. We’re an online resource centre that provides a vast database for students to access numerous research project topics and materials. Researchwap.com guides and assist Postgraduate, Undergraduate and Final Year Students with well researched and quality project topics, topic ideas, research guides and project materials. We’re reliable and trustworthy, and we really understand what is called “time factor”, that is why we’ve simplified the process so that students can get their research projects ready on time. Our platform provides more educational services, such as hiring a writer, research analysis, and software for computer science research and we also seriously adhere to a timely delivery.

TESTIMONIES FROM OUR CLIENTS


Please feel free to carefully review some written and captured responses from our satisfied clients.

  • "Exceptionally outstanding. Highly recommend for all who wish to have effective and excellent project defence. Easily Accessable, Affordable, Effective and effective."

    Debby Henry George, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, USA.
  • "I saw this website on facebook page and I did not even bother since I was in a hurry to complete my project. But I am totally amazed that when I visited the website and saw the topic I was looking for and I decided to give a try and now I have received it within an hour after ordering the material. Am grateful guys!"

    Hilary Yusuf, United States International University Africa, Nairobi, Kenya.
  • "Researchwap.com is a website I recommend to all student and researchers within and outside the country. The web owners are doing great job and I appreciate them for that. Once again, thank you very much "researchwap.com" and God bless you and your business! ."

    Debby Henry George, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, USA.
  • "I love what you guys are doing, your material guided me well through my research. Thank you for helping me achieve academic success."

    Sampson, University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
  • "researchwap.com is God-sent! I got good grades in my seminar and project with the help of your service, thank you soooooo much."

    Cynthia, Akwa Ibom State University .
  • "Great User Experience, Nice flows and Superb functionalities.The app is indeed a great tech innovation for greasing the wheels of final year, research and other pedagogical related project works. A trial would definitely convince you."

    Lamilare Valentine, Kwame Nkrumah University, Kumasi, Ghana.
  • "Sorry, it was in my spam folder all along, I should have looked it up properly first. Please keep up the good work, your team is quite commited. Am grateful...I will certainly refer my friends too."

    Elizabeth, Obafemi Awolowo University
  • "Am happy the defense went well, thanks to your articles. I may not be able to express how grateful I am for all your assistance, but on my honour, I owe you guys a good number of referrals. Thank you once again."

    Ali Olanrewaju, Lagos State University.
  • "My Dear Researchwap, initially I never believed one can actually do honest business transactions with Nigerians online until i stumbled into your website. You have broken a new legacy of record as far as am concerned. Keep up the good work!"

    Willie Ekereobong, University of Port Harcourt.
  • "WOW, SO IT'S TRUE??!! I can't believe I got this quality work for just 3k...I thought it was scam ooo. I wouldn't mind if it goes for over 5k, its worth it. Thank you!"

    Theressa, Igbinedion University.
  • "I did not see my project topic on your website so I decided to call your customer care number, the attention I got was epic! I got help from the beginning to the end of my project in just 3 days, they even taught me how to defend my project and I got a 'B' at the end. Thank you so much researchwap.com, infact, I owe my graduating well today to you guys...."

    Joseph, Abia state Polytechnic.
  • "My friend told me about ResearchWap website, I doubted her until I saw her receive her full project in less than 15 miniutes, I tried mine too and got it same, right now, am telling everyone in my school about researchwap.com, no one has to suffer any more writing their project. Thank you for making life easy for me and my fellow students... Keep up the good work"

    Christiana, Landmark University .
  • "I wish I knew you guys when I wrote my first degree project, it took so much time and effort then. Now, with just a click of a button, I got my complete project in less than 15 minutes. You guys are too amazing!."

    Musa, Federal University of Technology Minna
  • "I was scared at first when I saw your website but I decided to risk my last 3k and surprisingly I got my complete project in my email box instantly. This is so nice!!!."

    Ali Obafemi, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Niger State.
  • To contribute to our success story, send us a feedback or please kindly call 2348037664978.
    Then your comment and contact will be published here also with your consent.

    Thank you for choosing researchwap.com.