Pollution Research Paper


Vol.17, Issue 03, 1998

Page Number: 287-290

IMPACRIL OF GAS FLARING AND CRUDE OIL SPILLAGE ON NATIVE VEGETATION AND SOIL PHYSIO-CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

DJ. RAJICHOWA, H.P. BORTHAKUR AND I.C. BARUA

Abstract

A study conducted in some oil fields of Oil India Limited revealed that population and dry weight of the vegetation were increased with increasing distances from the gas flaring point. The diversity index of the plant comminutes was least within 50 m distance from the flare point and the same was maximum at the control site, free from flaring effect. The similarity index between the plant communities showed declining trend with the increase in distances. Grasses were dominant near the gas flaring point, whereas, sedges and broad leaves increased with increasing distances from the flare point. The soil pH, EC, OC, available N, P. K. Mn'1 and Nla* contcnts were significantly higher and the same were decreased with increasing distances from the flare point. Further, the soil p1-1, EC, Fc24 and Na+ showed higher degree of negative correlation with plant dry weight and the diversity index.