Possible Contributions of Palm Oil Mill Effluents to Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Nigeria

Aims: Environmental degradation associated with greenhouse gases (GHG) including methane and carbon dioxide which causes global warming is one the challenges facing global environmental sustainability. This study was designed to assess the possible contribution of palm oil mill effluents (POME) to GHGs generation in Nigeria. The paper also discusses emissions from projection of three growth scenarios (current, low and high growth rates).
Study Design: The study used historical oil palm production data for Nigeria and literature values on POME generation and conversion rate to methane and carbon dioxide.
Place and Duration of Study: Wilberforce Island Nigeria. 2013 – 2014.
Methodology: Literature review and projections
Results: Result show that in 2013, Nigeria produced 4.65 million tonnes of fresh fruit bunch and generated 18.75 million tonnes of POME, which resulted in the emission of 341,164,687.5 m3 of methane and 183,704,062.5 m3 of carbon dioxide under anaerobic conditions. Higher values could be generated for the low and high growth rate scenarios when compared to current growth rate. But under aerobic conditions, the values could be significantly lower. The emissions irrespective of the scenario could impact the air quality and still contribute to global warming.
Conclusion: The methane and carbon dioxide emissions from POME contributing to global climate change could be averted through conversion of POME to biogas, where it could be utilized as energy source for heating, cooking and electricity generation. In addition, palm oil mills can recycle POME to minimize the quantity being discharged into the environment.