ORIGINAL ARTICLE
Gas Flaring and Hydrocarbon Pollutions in Selected Tropospheric Layers Of Niger Delta Basin Nigeria
1
Department of Geology, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria
2
NASRDA, NASRDA-Centre for Basic Space Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria
3
Department of Chemistry, Imo State University Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria
4
Department of Physics, Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria
5
Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria
6
Environmental Management, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria
These authors had equal contribution to this work
Submission date: 2024-11-28
Final revision date: 2025-07-10
Acceptance date: 2025-08-04
Online publication date: 2025-09-15
Publication date: 2025-09-15
Corresponding author
Amarachi Udoka Nkwoada
Chemistry, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Imo State,, PMB, 1526, Owerri, Nigeria
Chemistry, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Imo State,, PMB, 1526, Owerri, Nigeria
Civil and Environmental Engineering Reports 2025;35(4):91-115
KEYWORDS
TOPICS
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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