Assessment of Ambient Air Quality and Noise Levels around Selected Oil and Gas Facilities in Nigeria

Abstract

The study investigated ambient air quality and noise levels around Oil and Gas facilities in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA), Rivers State. Seven stations including a control were assessed for air quality and noise study. Standard air sampling instruments were used to collect samples with control site located 5km from the study area. The results indicated low noise levels in the host communities; while computed noise Leq around oil and gas facilities in Ebocha, OB/OB and Gas turbine exceeded National Environmental Standards and Regulation Enforcement Agency (NESREA) limit by 10.1%, 5.3% and 1.1% respectively. The study revealed that SO2, NO2, PM10 and PM2.5 particulate matter are the major causes of pollution around the oil and gas facilities. SO2, NO2 and PM2.5 are the main cause of pollution in Omoku town, while PM2.5 is the main cause pollution in Obrikom and Ebocha communities. Computed air pollution indices (API) indicated severe and heavy pollution around the oil and gas facilities; also, API values showed moderate pollution around Omoku town and light pollution around Obrikon town and Ebocha town, which may result in chronic health effects due to continuous exposures of host communities. The study further showed that concentration of PM2.5 did not meet the ambient air primary standards necessary to protect human health in the host communities. The conduct of epidemiological research in the host communities is necessary to assess and determine the health status of the people. Also, regulatory agencies should enforce compliance laws and regulations on the facilities owners.