ABSTRACT

The impacts of gas flaring on mild steel, air quality, meteorology and health at Ibeno, Eket, Onna, Esit Eket and Umudike were investigated measuring air quality parameters, corrosion by weight loss technique and water quality parameters by spectroscopic technique and performing statistical analysis. Rain water samples were collected and 2- - - -, 2+ 2+ 2+ analysed for total suspended solids , turbidity, SO4, NO3, Cl , Fe , Ca , Mg and Na for a period of 6 months. Mild steel coupons were exposed to the atmosphere at the sampling sites for eighteen months and processed to obtain data for determining the progress of corrosion. The results showed that the mean concentration of air parameters value were below FEPA and USEPA National air quality standards with exception of carbon monoxide which exceeded the liiiit of 35 ppm in March at Ibeno. Concentration of air parameters at Umudike showed a similar trend to that of study locations at Eket, Ibcno, Esit Eket and Onna. The corrosion rates were found to be within the range of 7.72 — 44.54 jim/yr. The highest value (44.54 jim/yr) was obtained at Ibeno shore line, followed by Uinudike (13.96 jim/yr) and the lowest (7.72 jim/yr) at Ibeno neal-the flare. The rain water quality parameters in all the stations were within WHO and FEPA recommended limits. Statistical analysis of the data showed some correlations between CO, NH3and pneumonia in Esit Eket and a reduced correlation with respiratory  infection (RTI). Air quality parameters (Ci, SPM and SO2) were found to have positive correlation with vapour pressure, humidity and rainfall values in the study areas.