Though the most popular cases of pollution reported in the Nigerian environment have been those of crude as well as refined petroleum spills onto agricultural lands either from petroleum production operations or pollution of farmlands by burst overlaid pipelines conveying crude or refined petroleum products. Both of these have been reported to result in exposure to livestock, games/wildlife, and poultry and invariably cause different degrees of toxicological effects. Other sources of pollution such as leakage of underground tanks in filling stations which invariably can result in underground water pollution are known, a situation which has made many nations enact regulatory requirements for action and clean-up of these compounds. Furthermore, attention has been drawn to the deleterious effect on fuel attendants working in filling stations as well as workers who come in contact with JP-8 jet fuel (a kerosene-based product, known to contain both gasoline and kerosene).
Author(s) Details:
Ayobola Abolape Iyanda
Department of Chemical Pathology, College of Health Sciences, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Osogbo, Nigeria.
John I. Anetor
Department of Chemical Pathology, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.
Also See : Biodiversity Hotspot : A Part from the Book Chapter : Pteridophyte Flora of Western Ghats- A Review
Recent Research Developments in the Environmental Impacts of Petroleum Pollution in Nigeria
“Survey of wastewater issues due to oil spills and pollution in the Niger Delta area of Nigeria: a secondary data analysis” [1]:
- This comprehensive analysis highlights the consequences of wastewater resulting from oil spills and pollution in the Niger Delta region. The study draws on various sources, including research articles, reports, official records, and satellite imagery.
- Key findings:
- Existing regulatory frameworks have not been fully effective due to weak enforcement, inadequate resources, and overlapping responsibilities among regulatory agencies.
- Measures for oil spill response, clean-up, compensation, and remediation have had limited success, leaving affected communities to suffer from the impacts.
- Innovative approaches and technologies (e.g., advanced oil spill detection, bioremediation, and renewable energy) can enhance mitigation efforts.
- Collaboration among stakeholders (government agencies, oil companies, communities, etc.) is crucial.
- Policy recommendations include strengthening the regulatory framework, promoting transparency, community participation, and investment in sustainable development.
“Environmental effects from petroleum product transportation spillage in Nigeria” [2]:
- This critical analysis covers petroleum product transportation spills and their environmental impacts between 2013 and 2023. The study provides updated information.
- The challenges contributing to continued oil spillage in Nigeria include pipeline vandalism, inadequate maintenance, and limited enforcement of regulations.
“Pollution of the Niger Delta with total petroleum hydrocarbons” [3]:
- Investigates seasonal dynamics and pollution with total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPHs), heavy metals (HMs), and nutrient loads in relation to climate-driven variables.
“A Critical Review of the Effects of Oil Spillage on Land in Nigeria” [2]:
- Discusses persistent oil spillage in Nigeria despite implemented measures. Challenges include pipeline vandalism, inadequate maintenance, and regulatory
References
- Ewim, D. R. E., Orikpete, O. F., Scott, T. O., Onyebuchi, C. N., Onukogu, A. O., Uzougbo, C. G., & Onunka, C. (2023). Survey of wastewater issues due to oil spills and pollution in the Niger Delta area of Nigeria: a secondary data analysis. Bulletin of the National Research Centre, 47(1), 116.
- George, I.I., Nawawi, M.G.M., Mohd, Z.J. et al. Environmental effects from petroleum product transportation spillage in Nigeria: a critical review. Environ Sci Pollut Res 31, 1719–1747 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-023-31117-z
- Anyanwu, I. N., Beggel, S., Sikoki, F. D., Okuku, E. O., Unyimadu, J. P., & Geist, J. (2023). Pollution of the Niger Delta with total petroleum hydrocarbons, heavy metals and nutrients in relation to seasonal dynamics. Scientific Reports, 13(1), 14079.