A scientific study at the University of Basra, prepared by Dr. Naif Mohsen Aziz and Mr. Hussein Talib Khreibish in the College of Science, Ecology Department, examined the impact of gas flaring on air quality in the Rumaila oil field area in Basra Governorate.

The study, which was published in the Environment Asia journal classified within the Scopus Q4 containers, showed that the negative environmental impact of natural gas flaring led to all pollutants exceeding the permissible limits, indicating significant air pollution. The concentrations of pollutants varied based on their proximity to flaring sites and other industrial activities.

The study included measurements of air pollutants at six sites and the use of one-way analysis of variance and correlation analysis to assess pollutant levels, wind speed and temperature.

The study recommends the implementation of stricter regulations to control natural gas flaring and for oil companies to adopt environmentally friendly practices to reduce flaring and pollution.