Pollution resulting from oil exploration and Plastic disposal in Niger-Delta Nigeria: biodynamics and artist’s recycling methods as control measures

Abstract

Despite the huge efforts of the government and other key players in Nigeria’s oil industry to reduce the volume of gas flaring during oil exploration; very little progress can be seen. Billions of standard cubic feet (SCF) of gas are still flared quarterly, which puts the country air quality at a risk. The country’s level of particulate matter is still at 10% ratio. This level of particulate matter (PM) is proven to pose high adverse environmental and health implication such as climate change, acid rain, agricultural loss, physiological effects, air pollution caused by burning of petro chemical products causing the destruction of zinc roof, depletion of the ozone layer, decay of concrete walls/ foundations and economic loss. It is therefore the aim of this paper to engage the use of Biodynamic technology and art-oriented approach to see how most of these chemical products could be converted to art forms by way of recycling for aesthetic purposes and also as street furniture instead of resulting to burning them. With these suggestions therefore, the solution to air pollution problems being faced in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria will be reduced to its barest minimum. Through Biodynamic, smog from the atmosphere could be absorbed/ purified via a catalytic reaction with sunlight and then turned the smog into harmless salt. Being that this technology has already been validated by European Union Studies to 75% active and also owing to the fact that it’s basic constituents such as Titanium oxide and Marble mineral is in commercial quantity abundant in Nigeria, is not to rule out the fact that with proper environmental management and control, the Niger Delta Region will be relieved of these menace of pollution. Moreover, the works of art produced from these chemical wastes can also be exported as income generation for the country. Therefore, it is imperative for this technology and creative ventures to be embraced and developed, to allow for not only improvement of air quality but to also see to the emergence of a product that can bring a new face in the diversification of Nigeria’s economy through exportation of these products. This will not only grow the country’s Gross Domestic Products, but will also be in line with the developmental vision of the Federal Government of Nigeria.

Keywords: Bio, dynamic, Air pollution, Aesthetics, Air quality, Recycling, Niger Delta, Particulate matter, Titanium, Marble, Catalyst, Economy, Artists, Gas flaring