Department of Chemical/Petroleum Engineering, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria
Oghenejoboh, K.M., Department of Chemical/Petroleum Engineering, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria
Air and rainwater analyses were carried out within Afiesere, an oil producing community in the Niger Delta area of Nigeria to acertain the deposition of acid rain resulting from gas flaring in the area. The analysis showed that the pH of rainwater some distance away from the flare was 6.13, which is less than the pH of normal rainwater, while that within the oil facilities was 6.58. The concentration of heavy metals (Pb, Zn, Cu, Cr etc) and anions (SOx, NOx, Co etc) in the air were considerably low. However, the presence of extra H+ in the rainwater through diffusional effect of trans-atmospheric aerosol and other gaseous pollutants from the gas flare results in acid rain. The physical effects of acid rain are evident in the deteriorating health conditions and general economic life of the inhabitants of the community. © Enviromedia Printed in India. All rights reserved.