The human health implications of crude oil spills in the Niger delta, Nigeria: An interpretation of published studies
Abstract and Figures
The health hazards created by oil exploration and exploitation are covert and slow in action. They are not given the deserved attention in official documents in Nigeria, even as they can be major contributors to the disease burden in oil-bearing communities. This study is an interpretation of the data reported in several published studies on crude oil spills in the Niger delta region, Nigeria.
A manual and Internet search was conducted to extract quantitative data on the quantity of crude oil spilled; the concentrations of the pollutants in surface water, ground water, ambient air and plant and animal tissue; and the direct impact on human health and household food security.
An average of 240,000 barrels of crude oil are spilled in the Niger delta every year, mainly due to unknown causes (31.85%), third party activity (20.74%), and mechanical failure (17.04%). The spills contaminated the surface water, ground water, ambient air, and crops with hydrocarbons, including known carcinogens like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon and benxo (a) pyrene, naturally occurring radioactive materials, and trace metals that were further bioaccumulated in some food crops. The oil spills could lead to a 60% reduction in household food security and were capable of reducing the ascorbic acid content of vegetables by as much as 36% and the crude protein content of cassava by 40%. These could result in a 24% increase in the prevalence of childhood malnutrition. Animal studies indicate that contact with Nigerian crude oil could be hemotoxic and hepatotoxic, and could cause infertility and cancer.
The oil spills in the Niger delta region have acute and long-term effects on human health. Material relief and immediate and long-term medical care are recommended, irrespective of the cause of the spill, to ensure that the potential health effects of exposures to the spills are properly addressed.
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... These issues will be highlighted in this chapter: There are no consistent numbers for how much crude oil has been spilled in the Niger delta, but it is thought that about 13 million barrels, or 1.5 million tons, of crude oil have been spilled there since 1958. This is an average of about 240,000 barrels per year (Ordinioha & Brisibe, 2013). ...
... The oil spills affected at least 1500 communities in the eight crude oil-producing states in Nigeria and were mainly from the 5284 oil wells that were drilled (as of 2006) and the 7000 km of crude oil pipeline that crisscrosses the Niger Delta region (Ordinioha & Brisibe, 2013). More than 30% of the spills were due to unknown causes, while 20.74% were attributed to third-party activity (Ordinioha & Brisibe, 2013). ...
... The oil spills affected at least 1500 communities in the eight crude oil-producing states in Nigeria and were mainly from the 5284 oil wells that were drilled (as of 2006) and the 7000 km of crude oil pipeline that crisscrosses the Niger Delta region (Ordinioha & Brisibe, 2013). More than 30% of the spills were due to unknown causes, while 20.74% were attributed to third-party activity (Ordinioha & Brisibe, 2013). ...
Right from the beginning, man has been intricately linked to his environment. But the quest for survival has made him manoeuvre the physical environment for his sustainability, most recently through oil exploration, as in the case of the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. Paradoxically, the discovery of oil has jeopardised the natural environment and had a significant impact on the sources of livelihood in the region. The activities of oil multinational companies have succeeded in alienating the inhabitants of the region from the natural environment. This is due to the nature of these multinational companies, which is intricately linked to the accumulation of surplus capital to the detriment of the environment, despite the series of environmental laws that prioritised the environment in the process of exploring the natural endowments. It is within this social milieu that scholars were forced to ponder the significance of both international and domestic laws in creating a sustainable environment.
Therefore, this book, "Environmental Laws and Sustainable Development in the Niger Delta Region, Nigeria," explored the impact of environmental laws (both international and domestic laws) in the act of exploring natural endowment within the Niger Delta region. To this end, the book was divided into ten chapters based on the major issues facing the inhabitants of the region. The book started with an "Introduction." It described the relevance of the environment to human sustainability.
The chapter also examines the importance of laws in creating a sustainable environment in the Delta region. The formulation of theories helps in predicting social phenomena within the human environment. Thus, theories provide structure to the phenomenon or process being studied and serve to guide the researcher in their analysis and interpretation of the data. By helping to organise and systematise the data, theories provide a way to create a sustainable environment and provide a basis for making predictions on how to create a sustainable environment. The book also explored the fundamentals of international and domestic environmental laws. Environmental laws guide the activities of individuals on how the natural endowment can be explored for a healthy and sustaining environment. International law has long been viewed as a foundation for environmental protection. It plays a critical role in protecting the environment, both directly through the rules it lays down and indirectly through the processes it sets out for the resolution of disputes relating to the activities of man in his environment.
The book also goes on to examine the existing international and domestic laws relating to the environment of Nigeria and the Niger Delta in particular. The various agencies responsible for the implementation of environmental laws in Nigeria were also examined to ascertain their effectiveness in enforcing the environmental laws in the region for sustainable development. To create a sustainable environment, it is important to think about how natural and human systems work together and change over time. Finally, the book examined the contending issues in the Niger Delta region, such as gas flares, land degradation, water and air pollution, soil contamination and erosion, loss of biodiversity, an increase in the incidence of diseases, oil exploration, community crises, and illicit activities. The book explored the challenges to the implementation of environmental laws in the Niger Delta region. At the end of the book, there were some final thoughts that can be used as a road map for making the environment in the Niger Delta region more sustainable.
... According to a story, petroleum hydrocarbon pollution gives rise to the occurrence of certain ailments in areas that have suffered from oil pollution in Nigeria (Bello, 2017). There are several human health risks associated with petroleum hydrocarbon pollution in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria (Nriagu, 2011b;2011a;Ordinioha and Brisibe, 2013;Nriagu et al., 2016;Bello, 2017;McLoone, et al., 2019;Nriagu, 2019). ...
... Recently, some of the environmental problems, human health risks, and safety issues as well as socio-economic problems associated with upstream and downstream petroleum operations have been extensively reviewed Anejionu et al., 2015). The majority of human studies in the Niger Delta region have been concentrated on the social conflict between the local populace and the multinational oil companies as well as the corrosive relationship between oil pollution and poverty in the region (Ordinioha and Brisibe, 2013). Although health-related problems are cited in these studies to support the contention that concern for a clean environment is a reason for community-industry conflicts, there have been few systematic health studies to back up such claims (Gay et al., 2010;Nriagu, 2011b). ...
... Although health-related problems are cited in these studies to support the contention that concern for a clean environment is a reason for community-industry conflicts, there have been few systematic health studies to back up such claims (Gay et al., 2010;Nriagu, 2011b). There is very little reliable information on the effects of oil pollution on the physiological health of people in the Niger Delta region, as reviewed (Nriagu, 2011b;Ordinioha and Brisibe, 2013). There is paucity of information about the psychological effects of residents living with such environmental adversity. ...
Over the past six (6) decades, technological advancements in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry have made a substantial contribution to national economic development and global energy demand. With the oil and gas industry contributing over 90% of the nation’s exports and 80% of the Federal Government’s revenue, it is one of the most significant economic sectors in the nation. Since 1970, the oil and gas industry has controlled the growth rate and structure of Nigeria’s economy. However, the loss of petroleum-derived revenue, owing in part to falling crude oil prices but also to poor governance, corruption, insecurity (militant attacks and/or insurgency), and ineffective government petroleum development policies (non-implementation of relevant legislation and/or environmental laws), has resulted in significant environmental degradation, socioeconomic and sociocultural problems. Although Nigeria’s economy is primarily dependent on revenue derived from oil and gas resources, the majority of petroleum-producing host communities in the Niger Delta region have suffered a wide range of environmental degradation, significant negative impacts on the natural environment, detrimental effects on human health, socioeconomic impacts, and socio–cultural problems. In this review, we delve into the problems and prospects of all the phases of oil and gas exploration and production in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. It will also shed light on the environmental and socioeconomic implications of oil and gas development and production in Nigeria. Furthermore, this research makes some recommendations to promote ethical and sustainable strategies for reducing negative impacts and improving the quality of life in impacted host communities producing oil and gas in the Niger Delta region.
... "The Niger Delta is a fan-shaped area with a surface area of about 112,110 km 2 , located in the southern part of Nigeria, bordered to the south by the Atlantic Ocean, into which the rivers Benue and the Niger drain. The Niger Delta region represents about 12% of Nigeria total land mass with an estimated population of 28 million in 186 Local Government Areas in nine (9) Southern states" [1]. ...
... Unfortunately, more than 70% was not recovered, 69% of these spills occurred off-shore, a quarter was in swamps and 6% were spilled on land" [2][3][4]. Several reports of oil spills in the region has been recorded by some scholars over the years with lots of inconsistency in figures recorded [1] in the Niger Delta [5]. According to Nwilo and Badejo [6] "between 1976 and 1996, approximately 6,000 oil spills occurred in the Niger Delta region and about 2-million barrels of crude oil leaked into the environment. ...
Petroleum exploration and production in the Niger Delta, Nigeria, has been a significant source of revenue and foreign exchange for the country. Nevertheless, this industry has also been blamed for serious environmental pollution in the region. This review aims to shed light on the implications of petroleum exploration in the Niger Delta region and the resultant environmental damage it has caused. One of the most severe consequences of petroleum exploration in the Niger Delta is the frequent occurrence of oil spills. Due to aging infrastructure, poor maintenance, and criminal activities such as oil theft, pipeline spills have become a recurrent problem. Oil spills lead to the destruction of farmland, loss of biodiversity, poisoning of water sources, and widespread contamination of ecosystems. Petroleum exploration and production activities release substantial pollutants into the atmosphere, posing a significant threat to both human health and the environment. The burning of natural gas during oil production, also known as flaring, is particularly prevalent in the Niger Delta. This practice results in the emission of toxic gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, and sulfur dioxide, contributing to climate change, respiratory diseases, and acid rain. Petroleum exploration in the Niger Delta has led to significant damage to forests and mangrove ecosystems. The destruction of these vital habitats has serious implications for species survival. Oil exploration activities often release harmful chemicals and wastes into the region's water bodies. These pollutants infiltrate the groundwater and surface water, leading to contamination that poses severe risks to human health and aquatic life. Contaminated water supplies have been linked to increased instances of skin diseases, as well as liver and kidney problems among the local population. The negative environmental implications of petroleum exploration in the Niger Delta also have severe socioeconomic consequences. Displaced fishermen and farmers face declining livelihoods, while sporadic employment opportunities generated by the oil industry do not compensate for the long-term damage inflicted on the region.
... Nevertheless, the nation has faced recurring oil spills in the Niger Delta area, resulting in significant consequences. The Niger Delta, which functions as the central hub for oil production in Nigeria, has witnessed a notably more significant occurrence of oil spill incidents than other African regions (Ordinioha and Brisibe, 2013;Chinedu and Chukwuemeka, 2018). Hence, one cannot fail to conclude that this region is among the most affected in the whole of the continent. ...
This work documented the effects of oil spills on the aquatic environment by analyzing changes in oil density, water chemistry and species abundance for 15 days in two locations in the Niger Delta. The main rationale was to assess the oil spill's environmental implications and determine the measures that should be implemented. Samples collected daily enabled measurements of the oil content, pH, and dissolved oxygen (DO) on the water surface. Key equipment included spectrophotometers for oil concentration analysis and multiparameter water quality tools for pH and DO measurements. Statistical tools such as regression analysis and ANOVA were employed to evaluate the data. Results indicate a significant decline in oil concentration at both sites. The results of Site A were reduced from 250 µg/L to 170 µg/L, having a regression slope of -5.33 µg/L per day (p < 0.01). Site B's concentration dropped from 320 µg/L to 250 µg/L, with a slope of -4.67 µg/L per day (p < 0.01). Water quality also deteriorated, with Site A’s pH dropping from 7.8 to 6.4 and DO from 8.5 mg/L to 7.1 mg/L. Site B exhibited similar trends, with pH decreasing from 7.9 to 6.5 and DO from 8.6 mg/L to 7.2 mg/L. The results of the ANOVA analysis indicated that the fish population significantly declined at both sites and to this extent, Site A lost eight kinds of fish while Site B lost only 10(p<0.01). Therefore, the study found that the oil spill adversely impacts water quality and the nature of various organisms. These discoveries would help in the current state of knowledge by quantifying the effects of oil spillage and proposing an improved approach to environmental management, which includes but is not limited to effectively mitigating the effects of oil spillage by increasing the monitoring of the effects and rendering timely remediation solutions, and engaging various stakeholders, enforcing strict measures and constantly monitoring the environment.
... Crude-oil-producing communities thus often experience devastating consequences of crude oil spills, which include economic loss due to loss of farmlands and wildlife, shortage of drinking water due to surface and groundwater contamination, and health issues resulting from inhalation of fumes and ingestion of contaminated water or food (Chukwuka et al., 2018;Ojimba, 2011;Ordinioha & Brisibe, 2013). Therefore, It is necessary to employ countermeasures to return polluted environments to their natural state. ...
Bioremediation, which involves the use of microorganisms, is an environmentally friendly approach in restoring crude-oil polluted environments. The use of Serratia marcescens (SM) in bioremediation of crude-oil polluted soil was investigated in this study. Soil from a farm was inoculated in nutrient broth for bacterial enrichment. The broth culture was inoculated on nutrient agar and incubated at ambient temperatures (27 – 32 °C). Bacterial isolates with red colonies were selected and identified. Identified SM was used in preparing bacterial-mineral-salts suspension. The bioremediation experiment consisted of two setups: Control (CT) and setup treated with SM (TSM). Both setups contained crude-oil polluted soil. Mineral-salt solution and the bacterial-mineral-salt suspension were added to setup CT and TSM, respectively. Total hydrocarbon concentration (THC), total heterotrophic bacteria (THB), hydrocarbon utilizing bacteria (HUB), total fungi (TF), and hydrocarbon utilizing fungi (HUF) in the setups were determined at various times. About 38.3 % and 46.5 % THC reduction were achieved in setup CT and TSM, respectively. The percentage of THB that are HUB was higher in setup TSM on day 7 (8.8 %) and day 28 (4.4 %) but higher in setup CT on day 14 (1.7 %) and day 21 (6.6 %). The percentage of TF that are HUF was higher in setup TSM on day 14 (98.0 %) and on day 28 (41.6 %) but higher in setup CT on day 21 (85.3 %). It is concluded that SM has a potential for use in bioremediation of crude-oil polluted soil
... The harmful effects of crude oil contamination on humans might not attract attention and it is difficult to fully recognize their contribution to acute and long-term effects on the health of persons living in oil-producing communities. 2 Even though a Post-Impact Assessment is done every year in Nigeria, it does not sufficiently highlight the instant and persistent reproductive health consequences of the associated risk on the people living in the environment. 1 In a review of studies on "human health implications of crude oil spills in the Niger Delta, Nigeria", it was reported that there was a comprehensive existence of components of crude oil in the environmental accessibility of the areas where crude oil exploration and exploitation occur. ...
The study examined the possible effects of environmental exposure to crude oil contaminant on thyroid hormones in mothers and fetus. It assessed the cognitive impacts on newborn infants. Finding suggest that; Exposure of pregnant women to crude oil-related toxicants may significantly affect thyroid functions.
Prenatal exposure to crude oil environmental toxicants may cause thyroid
hormone abnormalities in newborns.
The levels of BPDE in maternal and cord blood of subjects in crude oil-producing
communities were significantly higher than control subjects from non-producing communities. Neurocognitive impairment may be present in newborns that were prenatally exposed to crude oil environmental toxicants as indicated by Fagan’s test of infant intelligence.
... Healthcare facilities in the region have been stretched to their limits due to the prevalence of pollution-related diseases. Artisanal refining often results in toxic chemical exposure, leading to a rise in respiratory illnesses, cancers, and reproductive disorders [76]. Examined how the financial burden of treating these conditions exacerbated the existing economic hardship in affected communities [77]. ...
Artisanal crude oil refining remains a significant environmental and health challenge in the Niger Delta. This review examines the long-term impacts of this unregulated practice, focusing on pollution pathways, community health outcomes, ecosystem degradation, and socioeconomic factors that sustain this illicit industry. We assess the extent of air, water, and soil contamination resulting from artisanal refining processes and identify the pollution pathways that contribute to elevated risks for respiratory illnesses, cancer, reproductive disorders, and other health issues within local populations. Additionally, we explore the degradation of local biodiversity and ecosystem health, illustrating the adverse effects on flora, fauna, and traditional livelihoods. Socioeconomic factors, including poverty and limited regulatory enforcement, exacerbate these health and environmental consequences. Finally, we review mitigation strategies and policy approaches aimed at reducing the adverse effects of artisanal refining while considering the socioeconomic realities of affected communities. This review provides comprehensive insights into the scale and complexity of the issue, highlighting the urgent need for holistic, community-driven solutions that address the environmental and health ramifications in the Niger Delta region.
... In 1956, oil was found in Oloibiri, in what is now Bayelsa State in the Niger Delta. 1958 saw the beginning of exports following more discoveries, but largescale production did not begin until 1965 with the completion of pipes to feed a terminal located on Bonny Island in Rivers State (Ordinioha and Brisibe, 2013). ...
This study assessed risk of hydrocarbon impacted surface water, sediments and seafood from
Aleto, Eleme, Rivers State. Physicochemical properties and microbial studies of water were
determined using APHA method, heavy metals using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS),
polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons/volatile organic compounds (BTEX) using Gas
Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy (GC-MS) instrument and total petroleum hydrocarbons
using the Gas ChromatographyFlame Ionization Detector (GC-FID). PAHs concentrations in
water (94.30±0.08 mg/l), sediments (118.96 ± 0.05 mg/kg); TPHs concentrations in water
(954.78 ± 0.03 mg/l), sediments (1341.03±0.11 mg/kg) and VOCs concentrations in water
(41.35±0.03 ppm), sediments (75.25 ± 0.02 ppm) were significantly higher than control sites.
Concentrations of PAHs and TPHs in seafood were significantly higher in Cardisomaarmatum
(68.48±0.09 mg/kg and 36.23±0.02 mg/kg respectively) when compared to Ucatangeri(53.83±
0.07 mg/kg and 32.35± 0.02 mg/kg respectively) and Oreochromisnoliticus(28.21± 0.03 mg/kg
and 14.48± 0.04 mg/kg respectively). U. tangeri had the highest concentration (39.43±0.05 ppm)
of VOC’s when compared to C.armatum (34.88± 0.03ppm) and O. noliticus(19.71± 0.03 ppm).
Total life cancer risk (TLCR) and hazard index (HI) values of water and sediment from Aleto
were higher than the reference values. Target hazard quotient (THQ), hazard index (HI) and
average daily dose (ADD) values of C. armatum and U. tangeri were higher than the reference
values. Microbial analysis revealed the presence of four pathogenic (Vibrio cholerea, Salmonella
typhi, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus) and three hydrocarbon biodegrading (Proteus
mirabilis, Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus) organisms. Surface water, sediment and
seafood from Aleto are polluted posing serious carcinogenic health risk to the populace.
Extensive environmental pollution has affected the water resource, agricultural lands, economy and health of the inhabitants of Ahoada communities of the Niger Delta region, Nigeria. The main sources of pollution are oil spills emanating from pipeline interdiction and production-related spillages. Oil spills in the Niger Delta adversely affects the physical, chemical and biological properties of soil, which subsequently results in food shortages due to the reduction of nutrient contents of soils. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the patterns and the types of contaminants for appropriate remediation of the polluted areas. This study applied a novel DRASTIC model approach, incorporating a data-driven method Weight of Evidence (WoE) to examine subsurface aquifer vulnerability to oil spills contamination and present same as in the maps. Geographic Information System (GIS) in combination with DRASTIC and a modified DRASTIC model called DRAPSTIC were used in assessing the extent and vulnerability of the aquifers of the area to contamination. The maps of the DRAPSTIC show similarity in terms of the distribution and classification of the vulnerability index. Very high and high vulnerability classes covered larger areas in Ahoada east under DRAPSTIC compared to DRASTIC. However, under the same DRAPSTIC, larger areas were covered by low vulnerability class in Ahoada West.
Crude oil production and its uses are considered very important for human needs. The major waste components in crude oil are petroleum hydrocarbons and other toxic substances, which affect the soil fertility, nature, and its physical and chemical properties to a considerable degree. Therefore, this complication is significant for the community and environment. By remediating the soil damaged by the oil contaminant, microbial-mediated remediation is extensively viewed as an eco-friendly and potent technology for the degradation of the contaminated substance in crude oil. Different types of bacteria, fungi, and algae are used in this bioremediation technology, and strategies are being developed to solve this problem. By improving the relationship between these microorganisms and crude oil-contaminated soil, new biotechnologies can be used to improve the organisms that degrade these toxic substances and develop their pathways. And by exploring its functional genes and creating new forms through molecular activity and microbial modification, we can develop a way to degrade this crude oil-contaminated soil. Future research should concentrate on ways to improve bioremediation technology efficiency in order to further alleviate environmental stress on land and aquatic ecosystems.
The total hydrocarbon (THC) levels in the surface waters, sediments and biota in an oil polluted mangrove wetland located in the Niger Delta Nigeria, were studied between November 2001 and October 2002. Result showed elevated THC mean levels in water (23.6 + 4.3mg/l), sediment (386.44 ± 50.28μg/g), Tympanotonus fuscatus (Periwinkle) (449.30 ± 55.42μg/g) and Periophthalmus papillio (Mudskipper) (278.57 ± 34.57μg/g), indicating a polluted environment. THC levels in water at the wellhead stations were above 10mg/l being the maximum recommended limit by the Federal Ministry of Environment (FMENV) Nigeria. There was a pronounced seasonal variability with the highest being in the dry season (P < 0.05) due to the higher level of increased oil activity in that season. THC levels in water correlated significantly (r = 0.927) with THC levels in the sediment (P < 0.01). The implication is that as the THC remains within the surface water column in relation to the sediment the more the organisms in the environment are impacted. This is shown by the significant correlations (P<0.01) of THC between the organisms and their surrounding media. The high levels of THC in the surface water and sediments of these stations suggest that aquatic life water quality may adversely influence biological functions of exposed species, while the level in the Tympanotonus fuscatus and the Periophthalmus papillio calls for concern as it can have some health-risk implications in man who is the final consumer.
This study investigated the physicochemical status of groundwaters of the oil-rich Ekakpamre community in Ughelli, Nigeria. Ten borehole water samples located about 1 km apart and soil samples around them were collected and analyzed by standard methods. Clay, sand and silt compositions in overlaying soils appeared to influence the DO (r=-0.999), TPH & toluene (r=0.998, each), and K + ion (r=-0.999) levels in groundwaters at P<0.05. Three PCs which accounted for 100% variability in the original 27 variables formed the extraction solution and were most correlated with Cr (0.995), Pb (0.989) and PO 4 2-ions (0.947). Though the high compositions of clay (72.67 ± 2.33%) and low compositions of sand (24.33 ± 2.60%) in the study indicates slight possibility of migration of surface pollutants to aquifers, the exceedances of Pb and Cd levels over regulatory limits portends public health hazards to consumers of groundwaters in the area.
The composition and distribution of the volatile aromatic components: Benzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene, Xylene (BTEX) and the variations in the concentration of the trace metals within the sampling interval of two months and five months were studied in an oil impacted soil at Ukpeliede in the Niger Delta area, Nigeria. This was done with a view to assessing the level of attenuation of this particular group of crude hydrocarbons and the changes /effects of some trace metals in the impacted soils. The aromatic hydrocarbon levels were all above the target level of 0.05mg/kg after two months post impact period. There was a complete disappearance of the BTEX after the second sampling interval of five months, paralleling a marked reduction of about 71% in the concentration of zinc within the same sampling period suggesting a common attenuation process or conditions.
The haematological effects following ingestion of shellfish exposed to crude oil polluted water or the pollutant perse were investigated in albino Wistar rats. Feeding of four groups of rats for 28 days duration with two reference casein or shellfish protein control diets (Group A and B), and two test diets (Group C and D) supplemented at varying levels with shellfish which had been previously exposed to crude oil polluted water and the oral gavaging with crude oil at the rate of 3, 6 and 9 ml/kg body weight per day to three groups (groups II, III and IV respectively) of rats for 7 days duration resulted in changes in packed cell volume (PCV), red blood cell (RBC) and white blood cell (WBC) counts, and haemoglobin concentration (Hb) of rats. Group C and D respectively fed 10% and 20% polluted shellfish diets recorded significant (P < 0.05) decreases in PCV and RBC counts while Hb concentration and WBC counts increased. Groups II, III and IV gavaged with varying doses of crude oil recorded significant (P < 0.05 – 0.01) dose dependent decrease in PCV and RBC counts when compared to controls (group 1). Hb and WBC counts also increased for these groups but the increase was only significant for WBC counts (P < 0.05) when compared with controls. The results suggest that the ingestion of shellfish exposed to crude oil polluted water or the polluted perse results in haematotoxicity.
A six years of radiation impact assessment in an oil spillage environment and the host communities in Ughelli region of delta state have been conducted, using a digilert nuclear radiation monitor meter and a geographical positioning system (GPS). Measurements were made in 20 sites, 6 host communities and a control sample spread across the affected area. Measured average location values ranged between 0.010 mRh-1 (0.532 mSv y-1) to 0.019 mRh-1(1.010 mSv y-1). The yearly exposure rate ranged between 0.013±0.006 mRh-1(0.692±0.080 mSvy-1) to 0.016±0.005 mRh-1 (0.851±0.100 mSv y-1) in the oil spillage area. The host communities' values ranged between 0.011 mRh-1(0.585 mSv y-1) to 0.015 mRh-1(0.798 mSv y-1) with an average value of 0.010 mRh-1(0.532 mSv y-1) recorded at the control sample. The radiation levels within these oil spillage areas and the host communities were of 55% and 33.3% respectively above the normal background level of 0.013 mRh-1. The average equivalent dose rate obtained was higher than the 0.478 ηSv/y normal background level but was within the safe limit of 0.05 Sv y-1 recommended by ICRP and NCRP. These values obtained will not pose any immediate radiological health hazard to the host communities and workers within this environment.
Epidemiological studies in several countries have indicated that exposure to polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons especially benzo(a)pyrene increases the risk of cancer. A study by the World Health Organization recommended a guideline value of 0.7ug/liter for benzo(a)pyrene in drinking water, corresponding to an excess life time cancer risk of 10-5. Benzo(a)pyrene being a component of crude oil, we studied 18 water samples from crude oil polluted Niger Delta region for the presence of this compound. The analysis was carried using a gas chromatograph coupled with ion trap mass spectrometer (GC-MS). Two – third of the studied samples were found to contain benzo(a)pyrene. The highest concentration found in samples was 4.0ug/liter.NQJHM Vol. 14 (3&4) 2004: pp. 288-293
The present study, evaluate pollution status and the physico-chemical characteristics of Ughoton stream water as it affects the quality of water and its impact on Ughoton stream ecosystem. Surface water samples were collected at various distances, 50,100, 250, 500m downstream from an oil well. The potentially toxic elements, Fe, Mn, Zn, Ca, Cr, Cd, Ni, Pb were analyzed. Other parameters including cations, coliforms, heterotrophic bacteria and Total hydrocarbon were analyzed. The study reveals most of the parameters; pH, DO, BOD, and COD are within limits set by World Health Organization (WHO) for surface water. The heavy metal concentrations in the stream water are also below the threshold levels associated with the toxicological effects and the regulatory limits. However, the high concentration of nutrients, coliform and heterotrophic bacteria confirmed high pollution status. The coliform and heterotrophic bacteria count ranged from 96 to 520 and 48 to 284 per 100ml respectively. Pollution nature of Ughoton stream water is further confirmed by its oil films coated environment. The pollution load exceeded tolenrance limit of stream that empties into major river. Therefore, The Ughoton stream water is considered as a threat to Ughoton natural ecosystem.