Exposure, geochemical, and spatial distribution patterns of an oil spill in parts of the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria

Abstract

Large-scale and small-scale spilt oil is as old as exploration activities in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. There is a need to provide the exposure, geochemical and spatial characteristics in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria because of the effects of the spilt oil on the communities and the environment. Some of the spilt oil-disaster impacts for exposed communities include psychological effects and socio-demographic characteristics. In this study, the characteristics, sources, spatial and socio-demographic risk predictions of the spilt oil discovered by Kolo Creek coastal residents are examined. A random sample of 900 residents of Kolo Creek coastal communities included exposure characteristics linked to health, the social and economic lifestyle of the communities. The demographic characteristics included age, gender, literacy, and occupation as covariates in the analyses. Respondents provided varied information on the amount of health, the social, and economic impacts. The highest and lowest direct exposure impact accounts 94.65±2.0% and 5.95±1.52% for smoggy weather and obstruction to watercourses respectively. The geochemical distribution pattern was examined using standard laboratory procedures. This investigation included the determination of the physical and chemical characteristics of water samples at the oil spill sites. Also, the biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total hydrocarbon content (THC), and total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) of both water and sediment samples were carried out. A strong correlation exists between these parameters (i.e. at p < 0.01) and indicate communalities greater than 0.5. The pollution distribution maps support the spatial distribution pattern and correlate significantly (p < 0.01) with the exposure distribution, and the geochemical distribution patterns.

GIS Analysis of Organo-Contaminants and Iron Linked to Groundwater and Sediment at Boreholes in Aluu, Delta Region, Nigeria

“…The THC was computed using a pre-weighted flask shortly after the solvent was evaporated to dryness. All analyses were triplicated in a standard laboratory format as provided [4].…”

“…The concern of residents of Aluu in recent times is the damage to the environment and human health caused by the occurrence of oil spills and migration of organo-contaminants into water courses [1][2][3][4]. Water is essential to the sustenance of life in Aluu and access to safe drinking water is crucial for the human health and well-being of this community [5].…”

“…Water and soil play a crucial role in the migration of contaminants in the food chain. Migration of the contaminant to an aquifer is a function of the mineralogical and textural characteristics of the sediment [1][2][3][4][5][6][7]. The highly clayey soil impedes the migration of contaminants and may act as a barrier system.…”

Impacts of Contaminants on Groundwater Quality in Rukpokwu, Delta Region of Nigeria

“…Spatial data mapping and GIS studies provide insight into the distribution of contaminants to the recipient bodies. Also, the data is useful to environmental regulators and water agencies in understanding the non-point source, point and real sources of contaminants within the area for comparative analysis [16][17][18].…”