Research article

The impact of gas flaring on heavy metal concentration in Okpai soil, Ndukwa East Local Government Area, Delta State, Nigeria

*Otunkor Oliver Olisemauchei and Ohwovorione Peter Avwerosuoghene

School of General Studies, Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku, Nigeria

*Corresponding Author E- mail: oliseoliver4real@yahoo.com, ohwopet1@gmail.com

Accepted 1 July 2016

Abstract

The work examines the impact of gas flaring on heavy metal concentration in soil of Okpai, Ndukwa East Local Government Area, Delta State, Nigeria. To achieve this, the study employed a systematic sampling technique in collection of soil samples on a linear transit at distances away from the flare site at two different depths of 0-15cm and 15-30cm. A total of 10 samples were collected. Soil samples collected were analyzed in the laboratory for heavy metal concentration in soil. Result from the laboratory analysis shows that gas flaring contributes to the enrichment of heavy metal concentration in soil of the study area with some above the toxic threshold and others within the toxicity threshold. This is with exception of lead that is below the toxic level. Result also shows that heavy metal concentration in soil of Okpai is not a function of distance and depth from the flare site. This is due to the fact that these heavy metal elements are carried by wind and are deposited at different distances.

Keywords: Impact, Gas Flaring, Heavy Metal Concentration, Soil