Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the snowpack of Yamal-Nenetz Autonomous region as indicators of anthropogenic source influence

A study of the content and composition of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the solid fraction of the snowpack is carried out on the territory of the Yamal-Nenetz Autonomous region, the north of Western Siberia. The total content of ten three-six nucleus PAHs was determined in the 51 samples collected at various distances from oil and gas producers and roads, near settlements, and in remote Arctic areas. The total PAH content varies from the lowest 0.3 ng/mg on the Bely Island, increasing to ~ 5 ng/mg in areas of new gas fields, and up to high 15 ng/mg in cities. Characteristic features of PAHs composition under the influence of gas flares emissions in central areas of high technogenic load are identified; they are a total content of up to 144 ng/mg and enrichment with low- molecular weight PAHs. In remote Arctic regions, high-molecular weight 5–6 nucleus PAHs dominate. Profiles of individual PAHs near gas flares, roads and residential sector facilities have been determined. The percentage contribution of the sum of 3, 4 and 5, 6-nucleus PAHs to the total PAH content indicates the gas flaring impact. Ratios of fluorantene to pyrene and benzene(b)fluorantene to benzene(ghi)perylene indicate changes in the snow PAHs composition with a decrease in the gas flaring contribution. The data obtained for the assessment of gas flaring emission impact on the PAHs composition in the snowpack are relevant to polar areas where new fields are being developed.

Public Health Impact of Environmental Pollution in Areas with Gas Flares

Background: A variety of pollutants are discharged during gas flaring and these are detrimental to animals and the environment. These pollutants are linked to a range of adverse health impacts including cancer, neurological, reproductive and developmental effects. Furthermore, some of the pollutants such as sulphur dioxide cause environmental issues including acid rain as well as the production of greenhouse gases and this contributes to climate change. This article evaluates the public health impact of environmental pollution in areas with gas flares. Methodology: This research followed a mixed method approach of quantitative and qualitative analysis. Descriptive statistics were followed with frequency distribution of respondents to the Likert scaled questions. The nominal knowledge level of respondents was determined from their Likert scaled responses to questions. ANOVA comparisons were made between the subgroups of demographic factors to determine differences in knowledge level. MANOVA was also carried out to determine the influence of educational and social levels as well as duration of stay in the community. Outcome: Evaluation of the nominal knowledge level of respondents determined from Likert scale shows no statistically significant differences between demographic subgroups. Further, ANOVA of nominal knowledge between educational subgroups shows gradient increase but no statistical difference. Conclusion: The community has knowledge on the negative impact of gas flaring. This report increases understanding of community awareness about the effects of gas flares on the environment and health.

Thermoelectric Peltier-based Cooler Generatoras the Right Option to Optimize Flare Gas Utilization in Mature Fields

Cepu is a mature field that has been producing since 1877 with a total production of 2,200 BOPD, with the challenge of developing new wells to control the decline in well production coupled with the high water cut in each well. In addition, production facilities in some sub-districts still use conventional equipment with durability and functions that need to be updated and are generally not equipped with the use of gas flares and purification equipment and in actual conditions in which gas is burned directly into the atmosphere. The thermoelectric Peltier is an innovation in the form of a device with a solid-state electric cooling component that functions to pump heat in the air during the cooling process. By being installed on a flowline leading to a flare stack, it is able to maximize the cooling process to enable the collected condensate and sweet gas be reused as a fuel gas engines. On this basis, the use of Thermoelectric Peltier in mature fields has great potential in reducing exhaust emissions of fuel gas/zero flares, heavy hydrocarbons (CH3+) contained in gas flares can be fully condensed and potentially to increase oil recovery from the Cepu field. In addition, the material used is user friendly requires only a power source, easy to be operated as it uses a 9-12 VDC power source, can be applicable in mature fields because it doesn't need spacious place, simply installed on the pipes, low price cost of Rp 5.312 million and is easy to find in the market.

Tectonic constraints on submarine hydrothermal activity, degassing, and subseafloor gas storage (Milos Shallow Water Hydrothermal System, Greece)

<p>The Milos hydrothermal field is one of the largest known shallow water hydrothermal systems, and shows both fluid and gas outflow through the seafloor. Recent studies based on imagery acquired by both aerial and submarine drones (Puzenat et al., submitted) reveal several types of fluid outflow associated with bacterial mats along the SE coast of the island (Paleochori, Spathi, and Agia Kyriaki bays). From these observations? include: a) zones of polygonal hydrothermal outflow and associated bacterial mats, b) extended white (bacterial) patches, and c) isolated ones. Subseafloor hydrothermal circulation is hosted in sediments with subseafloor temperatures >50°C, and there is a clear association between hydrothermal circulation and active degassing.</p><p>To understand the controls on and relationships between fluid and gas outflow in the area, we need to characterise: a) the nature of the subseafloor (sediment thickness, composition & permeability); b) the distribution of gas and subseafloor fluids, and c) the distribution of gas flares emanating from the seafloor. In November 2020, we conducted a short pilot geophysical study at Paleochori Bay, deploying a towed catamaran with a multibeam echo sounder (iXblue Seapix) to obtain seafloor bathymetry, acoustic backscatter and water column detection of gas flares. We also deployed a sub-bottom profiler (iXblue Echoes 3500 T1) to image sediment architecture and gas/fluid diffusion within the sediment. Our survey focused on Paleochori Bay, surveing areas from ~5 m (nearshore) to ~100 m waterdepth (offshore).</p><p>Preliminary results of this geophysical survey suggest that subseafloor gas accumulations play a major role on the nature and structure of hydrothermal activity at Milos. These gas accumulations within the sediments develop along an onshore/offshore fault system, and likely control the shallow subseafloor thermal structure, establishing a thin thermal conductive layer between the roof of gas pockets and the seafloor.[GJ1] [je2]   We will report on the link between the distribution and geometry (extent, depth, acoustic nature of the accumulations) of gas pockets, fluid outflows, and gas outflows, all of which will be characterised from both seafloor imagery and subsurface geophysical surveys. We will also discuss how gas pocket geometry may be linked to both fluid flow and subseafloor temperature structure. [HA3] </p><div> <div> <div> </div> </div> <div> <div> </div> </div> <div> <div> </div> </div> </div>

Community health perspective of gas flaring on communities in Delta region of Nigeria: narrative review

<p>The Nigerian gas flares emit as many imaginable pollutants that cause several health concerns. However, there is no comprehensive study done on the health impact of gas flaring on humans in Delta state. Hence, this paper seeks to identify the risks associated with gas flaring in relation to human health and the knowledge of gas flaring in the communities of Delta region of Nigeria. Following a non-systematic approach to develop this narrative, <strong>s</strong>tudies that link various diseases such as hypertension, cancers, birth defects, diabetes, respiratory problems, cardiovascular and kidney disease to gas flaring in the region, the risk perception and the policies and regulations were examined. Findings from most of the papers reviewed show an association between gas flaring and the diseases identified and prevalence of most of the diseases in oil and gas communities compared to areas where gas flaring is not practiced. In conclusion, insufficient data on the prevalence and association of diseases such as hypertension, cancers, birth defects, diabetes, respiratory problems, cardiovascular and kidney disease with gas flaring were some of the gaps identified. These results necessitate the need for epidemiological studies on the health effects of gas flaring on humans.</p>

Dispersion modeling of PM10 from selected flow stations in the Niger Delta, Nigeria: implications on soot pollution

Background Gas flaring in the Niger Delta releases particles which are dispersed over a wide area and have impacts on the environment and human health. The study aimed at assessing the extent of dispersion of PM10 emitted from gas flares in flow stations. Eight selected flow stations in Rivers and Bayelsa states were investigated. The concentrations of PM10 emitted from the flare stacks were monitored 60 m away from the flare stack using a hand-held Met One AEROCET 531 combined Mass Profiler and Particle Counter. Meteorological parameters such as wind speed, ambient temperature and relative humidity were monitored during the sampling campaign. PM10 and meteorological data were analysed for simple and descriptive statistics using SPSS for Windows (version 21.0). Hybrid Single Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory Model (HYSPLIT) was adopted to predict the dispersion of PM10 from the flow stations. Results Results revealed the range concentrations of PM10 from the flow stations (FS 1–8) as 19.9 µg/m3 at FS 1 to 55.4 µg/m3 at FS 8. The maximum concentration of PM10 at FS 8 was higher than the World Health organisation limit of 50 µg/m3. The dispersion of PM10 emitted from FS 1, 4 and 7 in April 2017, had a fitting spread over Port Harcourt City. Conclusions The modeling results revealed dispersion of PM10 from the flow stations to 14 states in Nigeria. This suggests possible detrimental health and environmental effects of PM10 on residents in the identified states.

ABOUT THE PALEOCANAL OF THE RIVER ASHAMBA IN BLUE BAY ACCORDING TO THE DATA OF BROADBAND SEISMOACOUSTIC PROFILING

A paleochannel and paleotributary of the Ashamba River at the bottom of the Blue Bay in Black Sea near the city of Gelendzhik were discovered and studied using broadband seismoacoustic profiling. A basic description of the geomorphology of the Blue Bay bottom is presented. The technology for studying bottom paleostructures of the coastal sea zone by means of broadband seismoacoustic profiling with a different directional diagram and GPS navigation is presented. The composition and main characteristics of the equipment used are presented. The results of profiling and transverse profiles of the paleochannel and paleotributary of the Ashamba River are presented, as well as their geomorphological analysis. Gas flares accompanying the paleochannel of the Ashamba River were discovered. A detailed map of the river paleostructures of the Blue Bay bottom and the discovered gas flares has been compiled.