The effects of gas flaring on crops in the Niger Delta, Nigeria

被引：37

作者：

Dung E.J. ^{[1
]}

Bombom L.S. ^{[1
]}

Agusomu T.D. ^{[1
]}

机构：

[1] Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK

来源：

GeoJournal | 2008年 / 73卷 / 4期

关键词：

Gas flaring; Niger Delta; Oil exploitation; Spatial gradient;

D O I：

10.1007/s10708-008-9207-z

中图分类号：

学科分类号：

摘要：

Flaring of associated gas from oil exploitation has several consequences on the environment. This study explores the spatial variability effects of gas flaring on the growth and development of cassava (Manihot esculenta), waterleaf (Talinum triangulare), and pepper (Piper spp.) crops commonly cultivated in the Niger Delta, Nigeria. Data was collected on soil and atmospheric temperature and moisture at a 20-m interval, starting at 40 m from the flare point to a distance of 140 m. Lengths and widths of crop leaves, height of crop plants and cassava yields were measured at the specified distances. The amino acid, ascorbic acid, starch, and sugar constituents of the cassava yields were determined. The results suggest that a spatial gradient exists in the effects of gas flares on crop development. Retardation in crop development manifests in decreased dimensions of leaf lengths and widths of cassava and pepper crops closer to the gas flare point. Statistical analysis also confirms that cassava yields are higher at locations further away from the flare point. In addition, the amount of starch and ascorbic acid in cassava decreased when the plant is grown closer to the gas flare. High temperatures around the gas flare appear to be the most likely cause of this retardation. The waterleaf crop, on the other hand, appears to thrive better around the gas flare point. © 2008 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.

引用

页码：297 / 305

页数：8

共 32 条

[21]

Oluwatimilehin J.O., The Ecological Impacts of the Oil Industry in the Niger Delta Area of Nigeria, (1981)

[22]

Onwueme I.C., The Tropical Tuber Crops: Yam, Cassava, Sweet Potato and Cocoyam, (1978)

[23]

Oseji J.O., Thermal gradient in the vicinity of Kwale/Okpai Gas Plant, Delta State, Nigeria: Preliminary observations, Environmentalist, 27, pp. 311-314, (2007)

[24]

Osuji L.C., Onojake C.M., Trace heavy metals associated with crude oil: A case study of Ebocha-8 oil-spill-polluted site in Niger Delta, Nigeria, Chemistry & Biodiversity, 1, pp. 1708-1715, (2004)

[25]

Osuji L.C., Onojake C.M., The Ebocha-8 oil spillage II. Fate of associated heavy metals six months after, AJEAM-RAGEE, 9, pp. 78-87, (2004)

[26]

Oyekunle L.O., Effects of gas flaring in the Niger-Delta area, Proceedings of the 29th Annual Conference of the Nigerian Society of Chemical Engineers, (1999)

[27]

Polgreen L., Ebocha Journal

[28]

Strangers in the dazzling night: A mix of oil and misery, The New York Times, (2005)

[29]

Sonibare J.A., Akeredolu F.A., A theoretical prediction of non-methane gaseous emissions from natural gas combustion, Energy Policy, 32, pp. 1653-1665, (2004)

[30]

Global Gas Flaring Initiative: Report No. 4: A Voluntary Standard for Global Gas Flaring and Venting Reduction, (2004)

← 1 2 3 4 →