ABSTRACT: The purposeful aim of this study is to ascertain the adverse effect of oil spillage on underground water in the oil-producing communities in Nigeria Niger delta. The study aims at unveiling the interplay between oil spillage to water pollution Niger delta. The study took place in the Abachake community located in the local government of Egbema. During the investigation, water samples were collected and sampled. Water samples collected were meant for quality analysis of the water in wells, boreholes at three district places named A, B and C. sites A and B are said to be the places inhabited by a history of oil spillage unlike location C that is said to have no historical traces of oil spillage, the location is based downstream. The sample parameters collected were used to test inorganic constituents like (PH, TDS, conductivity, BOD, DO, and Mg), physical parameters such as (turbidity and temperature) and organic components like total hydro-carbon. The results revealed that some of the parameters tested had an excess of the permitted WHO levels. A comparison showed that samples from locations had lower hydrocarbon levels (0.6 mg/l), unlike samples from locations A and B, which had levels of 0.9mg/l and 1.1mg/l, respectively. Turbidity value from location C sample was 5 NTU, while that of samples A and B were 14 and 18 NTU, respectively. Also, PH results revealed that water samples from location A and B had higher acidic levels of 5.56 and 5.98 respectively than that of sample C. The presence of higher turbidity level and Total hydrocarbon in sample A and B results from oil pollution which is attributed to often oil spillages in the area.
Necessary treatment should be strategized to help avoid adverse health effects and environmental degradation. Also, the medication would prevent intensification of water pollution in the Niger delta. So, it is recommendable that comprehensive monitoring of the underground water in Niger Delta be carried. Cleanup exercises should also be executed in the event of oil spillage as a way of preventing oil infiltrations into underground water.
Keywords: oil spillage, water pollution, groundwater, Niger delta.
1.0 INTRODUCTION TO PROBLEM STATEMENT
Water pollution is addressed as both global and national issues. Its effects affect all living species globally. UN report 2010 termed water pollution as a threat to living things. About the recent study in Nigeria, water pollution in the country has been an adverse national issue. The water pollution results from oil spillage in Niger delta. The purpose of this study is to unveil the interplay between water pollution and oil spillage in Niger delta.
Before the onset of crude oil, Nigeria’s economy was centralized in agriculture and activities that had no adverse effect on underground water and the ecosystem at large. However, recently oil-producing companies in Niger delta have remained as the primary source of revenue to the Nigerian economy since the 1970s up to date (Anazie, 2012). However, little or less emphasis has been paid to the adverse effect of oil exploitation as well as the exploration of the environment and wellbeing of the countries’ citizens. This has led to devastating cases of water pollution as a result of oil spillage in the Niger delta area. Upon spillage to the ground, the oil results in contamination of both surface and underground water as well as harming biotic organisms. Therefore, oil spillage results in severe degradation of socio-economic activities, ecological balance and sustainable developments- As it is in Niger delta.
The idea of oil extraction, Nigeria began in 1960, shortly after independence. The oil sector has accumulated a lot of revenue for the country resulting in its intense growth (Anazie, 2012). According to Awasika 1985, despite this oil significance to the growth of Nigeria, the country has been faced with tremendous health hazards the alter its operations. According to him, one should not lose sight or prank and, at the sight of the effects of oil spillage, the area.
Oil spillage refers to the channelling of liquid petroleum into the environment, mostly in marine areas. Therefore, oil spillage is attributed as a form of pollution that leads to environmental degradation (Vidal, 2003). Oil spillage is an often-instant incidence that has faced Nigeria in Niger Delta. The country notes at about 1,020 oil spillage incidents that are estimated to a loss of at least 1,359,715 crude oil bales deposited to wasteland and water sources in Niger delta, according to Opafunso and Apnea (2000). Over recent times, oil spillage in Niger delta has posed a significant threat to marine life, human life, microorganism, wildlife and the quality of underground water.
The community that inhabits the Niger delta has faced a severe threat pf human existence resulting from water pollution. Oil spillage has corrupted the quality of underground water through seepage and infiltration once deposited in the waste grounds in the Niger Delta region. This has reduced the quality of water, leading to a devastating experience in human health. Anderson et al. 2005, oil spillage on the ground are more controllable, but it has a deadly effect once it infiltrates to underground water. Anderson notes that these percolate the underlying soil layers, thus leading to contamination of underground water.
In Nigeria, the primary cause of oil spillage is attributed to tankers which account 50% of all spillage cases, corrosion of pipelines, oil operations (21%), sabotage (28%) one 1% resulting from inadequacy or malfunctioning of equipment (Nwilo et al.,2007). Most of the oil pipelines in Nigeria has been in use for over 30 years. In reference UNEP report of 2006, oil spillage affects Niger delta with devastating cases like impairment of human health, a high mortality rate of aquatic animals, poverty and rural unemployment, loss of industrial and potable water resources, loss of biodiversity, environmental degradation and reduction and farming activities to mention a few. Notably, oil exploitation and exploration bear destructive effects on ecological stability and local biodiversity.
In Nigeria, most communities rely on groundwater as the most influential source of water. Therefore, extended consumption of oil-polluted water results in deleterious health effects on the consumers. Water containing higher levels of hydrocarbons rates might have an adverse and negative impact on the liver and kidneys of the consumers. In addition to the mentioned health complications, oil-polluted water results in the weak reproductive system, reduce blooding clotting, high blood pressure as well as leukemia. And so, it is vital to hold that pollution of groundwater is not always compliable to clean up thoroughly. Therefore, it is wiser and safer to curb its occurrence.
The study carried on the Egbema community in Imo state in Nigeria revealed that water was polluted as a result of oil spillage. The 1973 survey in Egbema discovered the presence of shell that is found in oil-producing areas. Shell Petroleum and Development Company (SPDC), AGIP oil company and Chevron Nigerian limited are the major oil extracting industries in the area.
The Egbema territory has recorded 20 incidents of oil spillage from 1973 to 2007 that led to pollution of groundwater and degradation of the ecosystem. The most devastating and adverse effect of these oil spillage instances is the alteration of traditional lifestyle and livelihoods. This has led to the loss of biodiversity as well as the destruction of habitats, as it is attributed to water pollution and soil degradation (Ogboghodo et al., 2004). The study will focus on evaluating the quality of groundwater in Niger delta as the area of study with a view of asserting the interplay between oil spillage and water pollution in the area. The analysis is based on the WHO-World Health Organization standard for portable water.
- ANALYSIS
2.0 Collection of samples
The samples to be used was done by collecting some sub-sample from the designated location A, B and C. samples collected were appropriately labelled as well as the site of the sample.
2.1.0 Water samples
The water samples from locations A, B and C were grouped and collected in plastic carriers. The carriers were all labelled. A point of common sampling was used in collecting the samples from the three varied locations. The sampling interval was of a hundred meters between the marks. One litter polyethene container was used to tap the water and also collect samples from the surface; the container had a lid. The polythene containers from the three locations were rinsed with water under an assessment or sampling before sample collection. Enough air spaces were made in polythene containers as a mechanism of allowing expansion of water when temperatures increased. Notably, the three containers containing the sampled water were used directly by holding the containers horizontally and letting the water flow gently. For analysis, the water sample carriers were covered with the lid and transported to a laboratory, with each appropriately labelled.
2.3 DETERMINATION OF PHYSICOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS IN THE WATER SAMPLES.
Analysis of the different water samples was used to analyze the physicochemical parameters by analyzing total petroleum hydrocarbon, Ph, total nitrogen, ammonia, nitrite, calcium, sodium, magnesium, total hardness, dissolved solids and suspended solid as well. The determination of the analysis was based on formulae as described in WHO 1992, APHA 1992,1998 and GESAMP 1988. The method is as follows:
- the PH meter was used to determine the basicity or acidity of the sampled water. These two parameters were identified with the use of Jenway 3310 PH meter. the PH electrode was submerged into the sampled water, and the values were read off and noted down.
- TSS total suspended solid was determined by measuring 50ml of the sampled water after it was shaken. After shaking the water sample, it was passed via a quantitative ash-free filter paper. The TSS of platinum was weighed. And the filter paper placed over the crucible, which was after that put in the ruffle furnace that had 5000C. After that, ashing the sample water, the crucible was weighed, and readings noted.
- Notably, increased crucible weight equal to total suspended solids mass
- TDS-Total Dissolved Solid of the sample water was filtered in a beaker and weighed. The filtered water was 50ml, which was evaporated to dryness when the beaker was weighed thereafter, and the readings noted. Increase beaker weight equalled to the mass of dissolved solids.
- TPH-Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon was determined by measuring 20ml of the sampling water, which was thereafter shaken. Another sample of toluene and the organic solvent was measured. Both the solvent and the sampling water were poured into a separating funnel, which was shaken after two-five minutes. The separating funnel was mounted on restart stand that made it stable to settle for a given time frame of the test of the parameters. The determination of the TPH was revealed through two noticeable layers. The upper layer of the organic solvent was trailed by aqueous solution. Another separate beaker was used to collect the solution, while a film container to trap the organic solvent. The organic solvent was needed for the determination of the parameters; 420ml absorbers were recorded.
However, oil spillage has widely noticed in Niger delta; their measurements remain in question. After an oil spillage occurs, its adverse effects manifest through increase mortality rate of people due to cancer and respiratory diseases, economic degradation, decimated plants and animals, defaced movements and buildings. GESAMP 1988, oil spillage results in water pollution making this effect global phenomenon contamination of the aquatic environment. According to this report, water pollution as a result of oil spillage occurs when people induce oil or petroleum products to water sources either directly or indirectly. Also, other energy substances can result in these harmful effects of water pollution, which poses adverse health hazards to people, harming the living resources and hindering aquatic activities that lead to reduced amenity value.
Occurrences of oil spillage in Niger delta are common, thus leading to pollution of groundwater. Niger delta experienced a total of 16,476 incidences of oil spillage between 1976 and 2015 (department of petroleum resources-DPR 2015). This is an estimate of approximately 3 million oil barrels of oil spills into the land surface. Seventy of these spills went unrecovered, whereby 69% of the spillage took place offshores and 15% on swamps while 6% on the ground, according to Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation NNPC. Niger Delta experienced over 300 oil spills on average in each year.
Contrary to NNPC, the World Bank notes the region to experience ten times the figure that NNPC posts. To the World Bank, NNPC ignores “minor spills.” In 1980, the Texaco offshore station damped 400,000 barrels of crude oil estimated as 64,000 m3 to the Gulf of Guinea and Royal Dutch Shell and Forcado terminal tank. The incident rated 93000 m3 of the oil spilled in the Niger Delta region.
3.0 MATERIALS AND METHODS
As noted earlier, the study aims at investigating the interplay between water pollution in Niger delta by sampling three distinct water samples A, B and C. the samples were collected for quality analysis. Unlike samples A and B, which gathered from the downstream region, sample C obtained in the upstream area. Notably, public wells were the primary focus of samples A and B, where else open boreholes were the main focus for collecting water sample C.
The three samples were used to test the following parameters; organic constituents (total hydrocarbon), inorganic constituents (P, Mg, BOD, PH, DO and TDS) and physical parameters (temperature and turbidity).
The measurements for PH, dissolved oxygen and temperature were noted on the spot. The use of portable PH meter measured the level alkalinity and acidity, while the use of digital conductivity meter measured the electrical conductivity of the aqueous solution. A 250ml beaker was used to hold 200 ml of the water sample, where a probe was submerged to note the electrical conductivity in µS/cm. The total dissolved solid was assessed through the multiplication of the conductivity factor by 0.55. Turbidity was measured by the use of turbidity meter with the cells be rinsed by distilled water, and the stable value read off after the water sample was poured to the cell.
250ml of water was mixed with 1ml of concentrated HCl acid and heated To determine levels of Mg and Ca. The mixture aimed at reducing the original volume to 1/3 of the original. After the mixture cooled 5oml of ammonium acetate and 2ml of phenanthroline solution was added respectively.
The mixture was then transferred to a 50ml measuring cylinder whereby a spectrophotometer to read the wavelength of 510mm. To determine levels of Mg and Ca, the calorimetric method was employed. To establish BOND, starch indicator Winkler’s solution, sodium triosulphates solution and concentrated HCl were adopted. BOND5 measurements noted as follows;
(D0-D05) P
Where; D0 represents dissolved oxygen at a time
D05 represents dissolved oxygen at five days of the incubation period.
P represents the dilution factor.
Total hydrocarbon was determined by collecting 1000ml from the field and pouring it into a separate funnel thereafter xylems of 50ml were added to the water and shaken thoroughly before the addition of the same quantity. Before taking the results, the mixture of water and xylem had settled for about fifteen minutes. After the set fifteen minutes, the mixture was collected and sent to the spectrum for measurements.
4.0 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Figures 1-3 reveals the test results of inorganic and organic constituents and the physical parameters of the samples—a comparison of the results with WHO portable water guidelines were adopted. Samples from locations A and B reveal high turbidity of 14 and 8 NTU that is higher than the real that of WHO highest value of 5 NTU. Water samples from locations a and B are said to have a relatively higher acidity level compared to water from area C due to their PH levels of alkalinity and acidity. Whereby samples A and B exceeded their acidity level than that of C. The Presence of phosphorous was not found in the water samples. Because soil particles bear a large capacity of fixing phosphorous in immobile forms to the soil, this is attributed to the ability of most solids to be able to filter out soluble phosphorous and thus allowing the water to penetrate through the soil into the ground.
figure 1 physical parameters (Courtesy of AJER, volume 5)
parameter
Unit
Max permitted level (WHO guideline)
Sample A
Sample B
Sample C
Temperature
Celsius
Ambient
25
24.9
25.5
Turbidity
NTU
5
14
8
5
Levels of dissolved oxygen in water samples A and B were noted to be lower and that the two cannot sustain the desirable aerobic cells in the area of study. This effect may degrade the environment and thus encouraging the development of some anaerobic conditions and septic conditions to groundwater. Unlike samples A and B, the level of oxygen dissolved in water sample C is capable of sustaining aerobic microorganisms in the area of study. The difference of dissolved in the three samples, i.e. sample A, B, and C can be attributed to oil spills that affected samples from location A and B. on the other hand; sample C is accorded to have a higher BOD value than that of sample B and A. The more elevated amount and grease content (total hydrocarbon content as shown in figure 3 is a result of water pollution from spillages.
Figure 2. inorganic constituents (Courtesy of AJER, volume 5)
Parameter
Unit
Max permitted level WHO
Sample A
Sample B
Sample C
Conductivity
µS/cm
1000
54.4
21.8
292.7
PH
6.5 – 8
5.98
5.56
6.56
TDS
Mg/1
600 – 1000
30
12
161
D.O
Mg/1
7 -14
3
2
6.5
BOD
Mg/1
0.8 – 5
2.0
2.4
2.668
Magnesium
Mg/1
30
4.1
3.0
20
Calcium
Mg/1
75
2.8
0.4
13.9
Available phosphorous
Mg/1
0.15
–
–
–
The Physico-chemical parameters values of the three water samples are as presented in table 1 and 2. while table 3 up to table 6 ascertains the interplay between PH, total dissolved solids (TDS), total suspended solids (TSS) and total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) and also the concentration of the solution ions.
Figure 3. organic constituents (Courtesy of AJER, volume 5)
Parameter
Unit
Max permitted level (WHO)
Sample A
Sample B
Sample C
Total carbon
Mg/1
0.007
0.9
1.1
0.6
PH is coined to refer to a unit stating the strengths of the solution based on its basic and acidic characteristics. This study unveils that the PH value of the sampled water ranges from 5.81 to 6.02. This shows that the water is acidic. A higher PH value of 6.2 was observed at the leading site of the wellspring, where the oil spillage occurred. On the other hand, the PH value of 5.81 was recorded 200 m away from the main of pollution. And since most of the aquatic organisms can sustain water when having a PH value of 6.5 to 8.5, this means that the PH value from the water samples is out of range. This effect of higher PH value might lead to a decrease in the in-water body diversity, which results in reduced production rate and physiological stress. Water PH is influenced by the presence of dissolved salts, hydrocarbons and metals deposited in the grounds water. The PH value of the water samples was less than the desirable expectations from polluted water. However, the presence of petroleum hydrocarbons in water samples A and B indicates that the water in Niger delta was polluted as a result of oil spillage into the ground.
5.0 CONCLUSION AND RECCOMEDARTIONS
To ascertain the statement that there is massive water pollution due to oil spillage in some communities in oil-producing states in Nigeria. This study investigated the case by sampling water from different locations. The water sampling from the different site was based on the area of study whereby the samples were corrected from boreholes that bears a history of oil spillage incidents. These water samples were further analyzed based on the chemical and physical characteristics. As evident in the analysis, the result showed that there was much THC- total hydrocarbon content from oil-polluted sites in Niger delta. The higher THC value is as a result of oil spillage to the water sources in the area. On the other hand, THC value was lower in the regions that had no cases of oil spillage. Therefore, this indicates that there is water pollution in the oil-producing states in Nigeria.
Low dissolved oxygen from the sampled water is a strong indication of water pollution as a result of oil spillages. Also, the higher PH value of the water that exceeds that of WHO sets standard PH value. An indication that water in Niger Delta is prone to pollution from oil spills. Osuagwu et al., 2014 pointed out that water pollution in Nigeria results from oil spills to the groundwater. Oil infiltration to the soil results in not only water pollution but also to contamination of the ecosystem.
The above results of the study indicate that groundwater in Niger delta water sources is polluted. The pollution is attributed to the numerous oil spillage incidents that have occurred in the place during the event of oil exploitation. If the right treatment is not adopted to adverse health complications may occur in the Niger Delta community. It is no doubt that life expectancy may reduce as a result of continued consumption of these polluted waters and the negative effect of oil spillage on the ecosystem. To curb all these adverse health risks, it is recommendable that suitable and appropriate medical analysis be carried in Niger Delta and Nigeria at large. This will help to ascertain the wellbeing and health of the Nigerian citizens.
Comprehensive monitoring of groundwater should be adopted with an adequate treatment and cleanup exercise be implemented in the oil spilled areas. This would curb the infiltration of oil to water sources. Also, this could help to control the intensification of water pollution in the global environment. The Nigerian government should endeavour to improve infrastructure in the oil-producing equipment. Also, oil spill prevention mechanisms, as well as counterstrategies and containment, adopted.
An effective oil exploitation mechanism should be made since this would control 69% of oil spills that occur in the offshores. Appropriate strategies would curtail oil spills to the ground that in turn helps to curb these effects. Remedy and curtailment of oil spills should be rapid.
In reference above study, a conclusion can be made that Niger delta in Nigerian state bears polluted water that is attributed to oil spills. Also, the area’s groundwater is polluted, posing a health risk to all living organisms. The site’s water pollution can be drawn from the presence of petroleum hydrocarbons, TSS, TDS, and PH values. The presence of these compounds in water indicates water pollution as a result of pollution. The absence of heavy metals in the samples water is a strong indication that water in Niger delta is not polluted by toxic metals but rather oil products.
This study can be concluded that water pollution is due to oil spillage in some communities in oil-producing states in Nigeria. And therefore, the above statement is accurate that Nigeria is faced with a trade-off between water pollution and oil spills.
REFERENCES
Action, E. R. (2010). Shell and the N15bn Oil Spill Judgement Debt. Retrieved from The
Daily Independent (Lagos) accessed on 11th July 2020
Adeogun, O. A., Ogunbadejo, H. K., Ayinla, O. A., Oresegun, A., Oguntade, O. R., Tanko, A., & Williams, S. B. (2007). Urban aquaculture: producer perceptions and practices in Lagos State, Nigeria. Middle-East Journal of Scientific Research, 2(1), 21-27
Albert, O. N., Amaratunga, D., & Haigh, R. P. (2018). Evaluation of the impacts of oil spill disaster on communities and its influence on restiveness in Niger Delta, Nigeria. Procedia Engineering, 212, 1054-1061.
Amazie, E (2012). Pollution in Niger Delta. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/330524890_Effects_of_Oil_Spillage_on_Groundwater_Quality_In_Nigeria. accessed on 11th July 2020
Awosika, L. F., Ibe, A. C., & Ibe, C. E. (1993). Anthropogenic activities affecting sediment load balance along the West African coastline. In Coastlines of western Africa (pp.26-39). ASCE.
Nwachukwu, A. N., & Osuagwu, J. C. (2014). Effects of oil spillage on groundwater quality in Nigeria. American Journal of Engineering Research, 3(6), 271-274.
WHO (1992). international standards for drinking water. World health organization. Geneva, Switzerland
Ogbogbodo A.A, Osemwota I.O. E.K. Chokor J.U. (2000). Environmental Monitoring and Assessment. University of Benin Press.
Vidal. J. 2010. Nigeria’s Agony Dwarfs the Gulf Oil Spill, Macmillan Press, London
Opufanso, J.K. and Apena, A.V. (2000). Development of the oil sector in Nigeria. Heineman Ibadan.