Answer to Question #130915 in General Chemistry for Eny

Question

1.Gas flaring leads to loss of revenue. Explain
2. How does gas flaring lead to loss of human and plant lives

Answer 1

1. Government loses billions of dollars worth of gas which is literally burnt off daily in the atmosphere. Much of this can be converted for domestic use and for electricity generation. By so doing the level of electricity generation in the country could be raised to meet national demand.

2. The implication of gas flaring on human health are all related to the exposure of those hazardous air pollutants emitted during incomplete combustion of gas flare. These pollutants are associated with a variety of adverse health impacts, including cancer, neurological, reproductive and developmental effects. Deformities in children, lung damage and skin problems have also been reported.

The flares associated with gas flaring give rise to atmospheric contaminants. These contaminants acidify the soil, hence depleting soil nutrient. Studies have shown that the nutritional value of plants within such vicinity are reduced. In some cases, there is no vegetation in the areas surrounding the flare due partly to the tremendous heat that is produced and acid nature of soil pH.