The Influence of Gas Flare Particulates and Rainfall on the Corrosion of Galvanized Steel Roofs in the Niger Delta, Nigeria

An experiment was conducted to determine the influence of air-borne particulates exuded from gas flare chambers and rainfall/rain water pH in the rusting of metallic building materials, particularly the galvanized iron roofing sheets, in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria. Gas flaring and rain fall in this region are rated to be amongst the highest in the world. In this experiment, specimens of the metal (galvanized iron) were exposed in the atmosphere for one year, across four sites within the region. The monthly readings of concentrations of particulate matter (aerosol) and rainfall at the sites were recorded. Equally, the average pH values of the collected rainwater were determined and recorded correspondingly. Multiple linear regression, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Pearson Product Moment Correlation statistical analyses were performed on the obtained data and the outcome indicated that, with an R super( 2) = 0.678, there was significant influence of industrial aerosol concentration, precipitation and pH on the degradation of galvanized iron roofing material in the region. It was also established that their individual influences were less than their joint impact, suggesting synergism. The ANOVA test further indicated that corrosion was severe in the industrial sites of Ibeno and Ebocha while Ekuri (the control station) recorded the least impact. This study recommends a discontinuation of gas flaring in the region while research on environmentally resilient, relatively cheap and sustainable alternative materials should be encouraged.