Gas Flaring and Hydrocarbon Pollutions in Selected Tropospheric Layers Of Niger Delta Basin Nigeria

This study analyzes spatiotemporal variations of atmospheric pollutants (CO, CH₄, SO₂, NO₂) over the Niger Delta using two years of OMI and AIRS remote sensing data, supplemented by HYSPLIT source-sink modeling. Results show CH₄ concentrations in Oguta, Warri, and Akpabuyo exceeded Port Harcourt by 30.7%, 24.9%, and 29.2%, respectively, while Port Harcourt surpassed Eket by 3.13%. SO₂ levels rose by 10.8% in Port Harcourt and 11.6% in Eket. Statistical analysis (Z-scores: 1.76–1.8; P < 0.05) confirmed stable temporal emission trends. CH₄ and CO dominated pollutant loads, with minimal contributions from NO₂ and SO₂. Findings implicate gas flaring from hydrocarbon activities as the primary emission source, highlighting the need for targeted mitigation policies.