September 19, 2025Open Access

Gas Flaring and Hydrocarbon Pollutions in Selected Tropospheric Layers Of Niger Delta Basin Nigeria

LCLeo Chukwudobe AOAlexander Iheanyichukwu OparaFederal University of Technology Owerri NONnaemeka OnyeuwaomaUniversity of KwaZulu-Natal

Key Points

CH₄ concentrations were significantly higher in Oguta, Warri, and Akpabuyo compared to Port Harcourt, showing the impact of gas flaring.
Statistical analysis confirmed stable temporal emission trends for pollutants, with emissions of SO₂ rising notably in both Port Harcourt and Eket.
Remote sensing data from OMI and AIRS was utilized to assess spatiotemporal variations of atmospheric pollutants in the Niger Delta.
Findings suggest a strong correlation between gas flaring and hydrocarbon activities, highlighting the urgent need for targeted mitigation measures.

Abstract

This study analyzes spatiotemporal variations of atmospheric pollutants (CO, CH₄, SO₂, NO₂) over the Niger Delta using two years of OMI and AIRS remote sensing data, supplemented by HYSPLIT source-sink modeling. Results show CH₄ concentrations in Oguta, Warri, and Akpabuyo exceeded Port Harcourt by 30.7%, 24.9%, and 29.2%, respectively, while Port Harcourt surpassed Eket by 3.13%. SO₂ levels rose by 10.8% in Port Harcourt and 11.6% in Eket. Statistical analysis (Z-scores: 1.76–1.8; P < 0.05) confirmed stable temporal emission trends. CH₄ and CO dominated pollutant loads, with minimal contributions from NO₂ and SO₂. Findings implicate gas flaring from hydrocarbon activities as the primary emission source, highlighting the need for targeted mitigation policies.

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