Environmental and Health Impacts of Crude Oil Exploration in the Niger Delta
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47941/je.1424Keywords:
Crude Oil Exploration, Environmental Impacts, Health ImpactsAbstract
Purpose: This research aims to assess the environmental and health consequences of crude oil exploration in the Niger Delta, focusing on the emission of greenhouse gases and air pollutants and their impacts on public health.
Methodology: Literature search was done independently by the authors. After searching for articles on the identified databases, other sources of available and useful data on the subject such as the print press, student's thesis and dissertation among others were sourced by hand search to augmented resources from the electronic databases.The Literature search was based on the careful evaluation of key words in the title and abstract of identified studies.
Findings: The synthesis of available literature revealed significant insights into the environmental and health repercussions of crude oil exploration in the Niger Delta. The impact of gas flaring emerged as a major concern, leading to the release of pollutants like carbon dioxide, methane, and volatile organic compounds. These emissions contribute to elevated atmospheric temperatures, greenhouse gas concentrations, and the formation of acid rain, exacerbating global warming and disease transmission. The exposed population experiences a range of health problems including chronic respiratory diseases, cardiovascular abnormalities, altered blood parameters, and an increased risk of non-communicable diseases such as hypertension and diabetes. Prolonged exposure to pollutants from oil exploration is linked to disrupted sleep patterns, elevated stress levels, and neurophysiological disturbances, further contributing to adverse health outcomes.
Unique contribution to theory, practice, and policy: This study advances existing knowledge by providing a comprehensive analysis of the multifaceted interplay between crude oil exploration, environmental degradation, and human health in the Niger Delta region. The research offers a substantial contribution to theoretical understanding by illuminating the intricate relationship between anthropogenic activities, environmental factors, and health outcomes. Moreover, the study provides practical implications by proposing a series of recommendations aimed at mitigating the negative impacts of oil exploration. These recommendations advocate for stricter regulations on emissions, increased monitoring and enforcement, adoption of cleaner technologies, community engagement, and investment in healthcare and environmental remediation. The findings inform policy formulation by supplying evidence-based insights to develop robust regulations and interventions that promote sustainable development, protect public health, and safeguard the environment for future generations.
Downloads
References
Aaron KK. (2006). Human Rights Violation and Environmental Degradation in the Niger- Delta, In Elizabeth Porter and Baden Offord (eds), Activating Human Rights, Oxford, Barne, New York.
Adeloye D, Basquill C, Aderemi AV, Sompson JY, Obi FA. (2015). An estimate of the prevalence of hypertension in Nigeria: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Hypertens. Vol. 33 230-242.
Adiembo OM, Nwafor A. (2010). Effect of Prolonged Exposure to Gas Flaring on Some Haematological Parameters of Humans in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria. Journal of Applied Science and Environmental Management, Vol. 4(1): 13-15.
Adienbo, O.M. (2013). Correlation between body mass index and peak expiratory flow rate of an indigenous Nigerian population in the Niger Delta Region. Research Journal of Recent Sciences. Vol. 2(2):28-32.
Agbalagba EO, Avwiri GO, Ononugbo CP. (2013). Activity concentration and radiological impact assessment of 226 Ra, 228 RA and 40 K in drinking waters from (OML) 30, 58, and 61 oil fields and host communities in Niger Delta regions of Nigeria. J. Environ. Radio. Vol. 116. 197-200.
Agbalagba, E. O., Agbalagba, O. O., & Ononugbo, C. P. (2013). Evaluation of natural radionuclides and their radiological impact in oil contaminated soil samples from oil fields in Delta State Nigeria. Journal of Environmental Radioactivity.
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) (2007): Toxicological Profile for Benzene (update).US Department of Health and Human Services, Atlanta, Georgia 200-2004-09793,1-415.
Ajugwo, A. O. (2011). Negative effects of gas flaring: The Nigerian experience. Journal of Environment Pollution and Human Health.
Alani, R., Obi, C. N., & Adeyemo, O. K. (2020). Gas flaring and its implication for environmental accounting in Nigeria. Journal of Environmental Accounting and Management, 8(1), 67-80.
American Association for the Advancement of Science (2011). World population and human capital in the twenty-first century.
Amira CO, Sokunbi DOB, Sokunbi A. (2012). The prevalence of obesity and its relationship with hypertension in an urban community: Data from world kidney day screening programme. Inter. J. Med. Biomed. Res. Vol. 1(2):104-110.
Anderson GL, Kaufman JD (2007). "Long-term exposure to air pollution and incidence of cardiovascular events in women". N Engl J Med Vol. 356: 447-458.
Bell, M.L., Belanger, K., Ebisu, K., Gent, J.F., Lee, H.J., Koutrakis, P. and Leaderer, P.B. (2010) Prenatal Exposure to Fine Particulate Matter and Birth Weight. Epidemiology, 21, 884-891.
Bickel C, Rupprecht HJ, Blankenberg S, Rippin G, Hatner G, Daunhauer A. (2002) Serum uric acid as an independent predictor of mortality in patients with angiographyically proven coronary artery disease. American Journal of Cardiology. 2002;89:12-7.
Braide, S. A., Oranusi, S. U., & Akobondu, C. I. (2016). Physicochemical properties of water samples from oil producing areas in Rivers State Nigeria. Journal of Environmental Science and Water Resources, 5(1), 1-6.
Brook R.D, Franklin B, Cascio W, Hong Y, Howard G, Lipsett M, Luepker R, Mittleman M, Samet J, Smith SC Jr, Tager I. (2004). Air pollution and cardiovascular disease: A statement for healthcare professionals from the expert panel on population and prevention science of the American Heart Association. Circulation. Vol. 109. 2655-2671.
Brook RD. (2008). Cardiovascular effects of air pollution. Clinical Science, Vol. 115. 175-187.
Brook, R. D., Rajagopalan, S., Pope III, C. A., Brook, J. R., Bhatnagar, A., Diez-Roux, A. V., "¦ & Peters, A. (2010). Particulate matter air pollution and cardiovascular disease: An update to the scientific statement from the American Heart Association. Circulation, 121(21), 2331-2378.
Chuang KJ, Yan YH, Chiu SY. (2011). Long-term air pollution exposure and risk factors for cardiovascular diseases among the elderly in Taiwan. Occup Environ Med, 2011; 68:64-8.
Coogan PF, White LF, Jerrett M. (2012). Air pollution and incidence of hypertension and diabetes mellitus in black women living in Los Angeles. Circulation. Vol. 125:767-72.
Dettoni JL, Consolim-Colombo FM, Drader LF, Rubira MC, Morstarda C, Borile S, Krieger ME, Moreno H, Lorenzi-Fillio G. (2012). Cardiovascular effect of partial sleep deprivation in healthy volunteers. Journal of Applied Physiology, Vol. 113(2): 226-232.
Dong GH, Qian ZM, Xaverius PK. (2013) Association between long-term air pollution and increased blood pressure and hypertension in China. Hypertension, 61:578-84.
Dugandzic, R., Dodds, L., Stieb, D. and Smith-Doiron, M. (2006) The Association between Low-Level Exposures to Ambient Air Pollution and Term Low Birth Weight: A Retrospective Cohort Study. Environmental Health: A Global Access Science Source, 5, 3.
Egwurugwu JN, Nwafor A, Chinko BC, Oluronfemi OJ, Iwuji SC, Nwankpa P. (2013) Effects of prolonged exposure to gas flares on the lipid profile of humans in the Niger Delta Region, Nigeria. American Journal of Research Communication. Vol. 1(5): 115"145.
Egwurugwu JN, Nwafor A, Ezekwe S. (2013). Effects of prolonged exposure to gas flares on the lipid profile of humans in the Niger delta region, Nigeria. Arch Appl Sci Res, Vol.5:98-104.
Egwurugwu JN, Nwafor A, Nwankpa P, Olorufemi OJ, Okwara JE. (2013). Prolonged gas flaring and water quality in Obiakpu, Egbema Imo State Nigeria. International Research Journal Environmental Science, Vol. 2(4):1-5.
Egwurugwu JN, Nwafor A. (2013). Prolonged Exposure to Oil and Gas Flares Ups the Risks for Hypertension. American Journal of Health Research, Vol. 1(3):65-72.
Egwurugwu, J. N., Nwafor, A., Oluronfemi, O. J., Iwuji, S. C., & Alagwu, E. A. (2013a). Health impact of gas flares on Igwuruta/Umuechem communities in Rivers State. Journal of Natural Sciences Research, 3(9), 147-154.
Egwurugwu, J. N., Nwafor, A., Oluronfemi, O. J., Iwuji, S. C., & Alagwu, E. A. (2013). Health impact of gas flares on Igwuruta/Umuechem communities in Rivers State. Journal of Natural Sciences Research.
Ekpenyong CE, Udokang NE, Akpan EE, Samson TK. (2012). Double burden, non-communicable diseases and risk factors evaluation in Sub-Saharan Africa: The Nigerian experience. European J. Sus. Dev. Vol. 1(2):249-270.
Foraster M, Basagaña X, Aguilera I. (2014). Association of long-term exposure to traffic-related air pollution with blood pressure and hypertension in an adult population-based cohort in Spain (the REGICOR study). Environ Health Perspect. Vol. 122:404-11.
Friends of the Earth Nigeria. (2008). Fact sheet: Harmful gas flaring in Nigeria. Printed in Netherlands. 1-3.
Goines L, Hagler L. (2007). Noise pollution: a modern plaque. Southern Medical Journal. 100(3):287-294.
Gupta AK, Brashear MM, Johnson WD. (2011). Coexisting pre hypertension and prediabetes in health adults: A pathway for accelerated cardiovascular events. Hypertension Research Vol. 34:456-461.
Heinonen-Guzejev M, Vuorinen HS, Mussalo-Rauhamaa H, Heikkila K, Koskenvuo M, Kapiro J. (2007). The association of noise sensitivity with coronary heart and cardiovascular mortality among Finnish adults. Science of Total Environment. Vol. 372:406-412.
Hui, L., Qu, L., Zhang, Y., & Zhang, G. (2017). Heavy metal pollution and health risk assessment in the Wei River in China. Environmental Science and Pollution Research International.
Idodo-Umeh G, Ogbeibu AE. (2010). Bioaccumulation of the Heavy Metals in Cassava Tubers and Plantain Fruits Grown in Soils Impacted with Petroleum and Non- petroleum activities. Research Journal of Environmental Sciences, 2010; 4:33- 41.
Ikeke MO. (2013). Thomas Berry's idea of technological transformation, its relevance to the management of oil technology in Nigeria' s Niger delta. Thought Pract Assoc Kenya, 2013; 5:141-58.
Ikeke, M. (2013). The impact of oil spills on the environment and human health: A case study of Niger Delta region of Nigeria.
Insider Monkey. (2014). The 10 most polluted countries in the world. Available at www.insidermonkey.com
Irigoyen MC, Morstarda C, Borile S, Krieger EM, Moreno H, Lorenzi- Fillio G. (2012). Cardiovascular effects of partial sleep deprivation in healthy volunteers. Journal of Applied Physiology. 113(2):226- 232.
Ismail, O. S., & Umukoro, G. E. (2012). Global impact of gas flaring. Energy and Power Engineering, 4(4), 290.
Ite, A. E., & Ibok, U. J. (2013). Gas flaring and venting associated with petroleum exploration and production in the Nigeria's Niger Delta. American Journal of Environmental Protection, 1(4), 70-77.
Jennrich P. (2013). The influence of arsenic, lead, and mercury on the development of cardiovascular diseases. Hypertension . ISRN ID234034.
Joffa PKP, Nwafor A, Adienbo MO. (2013). Correlation between body mass index and peak expiratory flow rate of an indigenous Nigerian population in the Niger Delta region. Resea. J. Recent Sci. ;2(2): 28-32.
Kadafa AA. (2012). Environmental impacts of oil exploration and exploitation in the Niger Delta of Nigeria. Glo J Sci Front Res. Vol. 12:19-28.
Kadafa, A. A. (2012). Oil exploration and spillage in the Niger Delta of Nigeria. Civil and Environmental Research, 2(3), 38-51.
Kharas, H., Hamel, K., & Hofer, M. (2018). The start of a new poverty narrative.
Kramer U, Herder C, Sugiri D, Strassburger K, Schikowski T, Ranft U, Rathmann W. (2010). Traffic-related air pollution and incident type 2 diabetes: Results from the SALIA cohort study. Environ Health Perspect. 118:1273-1279.
Liu C, Yang C, Zhao Y. (2016). Associations between long-term exposure to ambient particulate air pollution and type 2 diabetes prevalence, blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin levels in China. Environ Int. 92-93: 416-42.
Miller KA, Siscovick DS, Sheppard L, Sheppard K, Sullivan JH. (2007) Long-term exposure to air pollution and incidence of cardiovascular events in women. N Engl J Med 356: 447-458.
Modesti PA, Morabito M, Massetti L, Rapi S, Orlandini S, Mancia G, Gensini GF, Parati G. (2013). Seasonal blood pressure changes: an independent relationship with temperature and daylight hours. Hypertension, Vol. 61(4):908-14.
Ngwu EE, Ekweogu CN., Egwurugwu JN., Ohamaeme MC, Ugwuezumba PC, Nwankpa P., Alagwu EA., Ogunnaya UF. and Chukwuemeka OG. (2019). Comparative Assessment of Body Mass Index, Blood Pressure and Blood Sugar levels among Residents in Gas-Flaring and Non-Gas-Flaring Communities in Imo State. African Journal of Medical and Applied Sciences, 1(1):25-43.
Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (2015). Annual statistical bulletin.
Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (2015). Oil Production in Nigeria. http://www.nnpcgroup.com/nnpcbusiness/upstreamventures/oilproduction.aspx (accessed 7 December 2018).
Nwafor, A., Mmom, F. C., Obia, O., Obiandu, C., Hart, V. O. and Chinko, B. C. (2015). Relationship between Blood Pressure, Blood Glucose and Body Mass Index and Coexisting Prehypertension and Prediabetes among Rural Adults in Niger Delta Region, Nigeria. British Journal of Medicine & Medical Research, 9(7): 1-12, 2015, Article no.BJMMR.14777.
Nwafor, O. M. (2013). Gas flaring and its implications for environmental accounting in Nigeria: Evidence from the Niger Delta Region. Journal of Environment and Earth Science.
Nwafor, O. M., Nwankwoala, H. O., & Nwankwoala, M. O. (2015). Environmental impacts of oil exploration and exploitation in the Niger Delta of Nigeria. Global Journal of Science Frontier Research Environment & Earth Science.
Nwankwo, C. N., & Ogagarue, D. O. (2011). Effects of gas flaring on surface and ground waters in Delta State Nigeria. Journal of Geology and Mining Research, 3(5), 131-136.
Ogah OS, Okpechi I, Chukwuonye II, Akinyemi JO, Onwubere BJ, Falase AO, Stewart S, Sliwa K. (2012). Blood pressure, prevalence of hypertension and hypertension related complications in Nigerian Africans: a review. World J Cardiol Vol. 4:327-340.
Oghenetega, O.B., Ana, G.R.E.E., Okunlola, M.A. and Ojengbede, O.A. (2020) Oil Spills, Gas Flaring and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes: A Systematic Review. Open Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 10, 187-199.
Omoniyi, T., & Ubale, M. (2015). Gas flaring in Nigeria: Analysis of changes in its consequent carbon emission and reporting. Accounting Forum, 39(2), 150-161.
Oni SI, Oyewo MA. (2011). Gas flaring, transportation and sustainable energy development in the Niger-Delta, Nigeria. J Hum Ecol, 2011; 33:21-8.
Orubu CO. (2002). Oil industry activities, environmental quality, and the paradox of poverty in Niger Delta. In: The Petroleum Industry, the Economy and the Niger Delta Environment. (Eds). 17-31.
Oseji OJ (2011) Environmental impact of gas flaring within Umutu-Ebedei gas plant in Delta State, Nigeria. Arch Appl Sci Res 3: 272-279.
Ovuakporaye SI, Enaohwo MT, Odigie OM, Igweh JC (2019). A Comparative Study on Cardio-pulmonary Markers in Gas Flaring Communities, South-South Nigeria. J Pulm Respir Med 9: 486. doi: 10.4172/2161-105X.1000486.
Ovuakporaye SIL, Igweh C, John I, Aloamaka CP. (2016). Impact of Gas Flaring on Cardiopulmonary Parameters of Residents in Gas Flaring Communities in Niger Delta Nigeria. British Journal of Medicine & Medical Research, 15(6): 1-13.
Owu DU, Udoete UB, Azah N, Eyong EU. (2005). Effects of Bony Light crude oil on some haemtological parameters of Guinea pigs. Biokemistri, 2005; 17 (2): 165-170.
Peretz, A, Sullivan JH, Leotta DF, Trenga CA, Sands FN, Allen J, Carlsten C, Wilkinson CW, Gill EA, Kaufman JD. (2008). Diesel exhaust inhalation elicits acute vasoconstriction in vivo. Environ Health Perspect. 116:937-942.
Perry JC, Bergamaschi CT, Campos RR, Andersen ML, Montano N, Casarini DE, Tufik S. (2011). Sympathetic and Angiotensinergic responses mediated by paradoxical sleep loss in rats. Journal of renin-angiotensin- aldosterone system. DOI:10.1177/1470320310391504.
Qu, C., Albanese, S., Chen, W., Lima, A., & Zuzolo, D. (2018). Heavy metal contamination in soils from a mining area in the South of China: Spatial distribution and health risk assessment. Environmental Science and Pollution Research International.
Rajagopalan S, Brook RD. (2012). Air pollution and type 2 diabetes: mechanistic insights. Diabetes. 61: 3037-3045.
Rosner MH, Bolton WK. (2006). Renal function testing. American Journal of Kidney Diseases, 47(1):174-183.
Satarug S, Scott H, Sens GMA, Sens DA. Cadmium, (2010). Environmental Exposure, and Health Outcomes. Environmental Health Perspective, 118(2): 182-190.
Sram, R.J., Binkova, B., Dejmek, J. and Bobak, M. (2005). Ambient Air Pollution and PregnancyOutcomes: A Review of the Literature. Environmental Health Perspectives, 113, 375-382.
Sughis M, Nawrot TS, Ihsan-ul-Haque S. (2012). Blood pressure and particulate air pollution in schoolchildren of Lahore, Pakistan. BMC Public Health, 12:378.
Tashi D, Xiaoqi F, Stephanie C, Thomas Astell-Burt. (2018). Environmental risk factors for developing Type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systemic review. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health. 15,78,doi:10.3390/ijerph15010078.
Tedla FM, Brar A, Browne R, Brown C. (2011). Hypertension in chronic disease: Navigating the Evidence. International Journal of Hypertension, Article ID 132405,9 pages. Doi:10,4061/2011/132405.
Tsai DM, Riediker G, Wuerzner M, Maillard P, Marques VP, Paccaud F. (2012). Short term increase in particulate matter blunts nocturnal blood pressure dipping and daytime urinary sodium excretion. Hypertension. 60:1061-1069.
U.S Energy Information Administration (EIA). (2015). Nigeria: Country Analysis Brief Overview. US EIA Independent statistics and analysis, :1-20. http://www. eia. gov/ countries/ country- data. cfm? fips= ni (accessed 7 December 2018).
Ubani, E.C., & Onyejekwe I.M.(2013). Environmental impact analysis of gas flaring in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. American Journal of Scientific and Industrial Research.
United Nations Environment Programme. Environmental Assessment of Ogoniland (2011). <http://www.unep.org/disasters and conflicts/Country Operations/Nigeria/ Environmental Assessment of Ogoniland report/tabid/54419/Default.aspx> pp. 1-257. Accessed 8 December 2018.
Uyigue E. and Agho M. (2011). Coping with climate change and environmental degradation in the Niger-Delta of South Nigeria. Benin. Community Research and Development Centre (CREDC).
Vidal J. (2012). Gas flaring is wasting fuel and fueling climate change/climate central. Guardian Newspaper http://www.climatecentral,org/news/gas-flaring-is-wasting-fuel-fueling-climate-change-15163 (accessed 12 December, 2018).
World Bank (2008). Environmental health and child survival: Epidemiology economics experiences.
World Bank (2012). World development indicators.
World Health Organisation (2010). Estimated deaths & DALYs attributable to selected environmental risk factors, by WHO Member State, 2002.
World Health Organization (2011). Health effects of air pollution.
World Health Organization (2014). Obesity and overweight: Fact sheet no. 311.
Yakubu, N. A. (2017a). Oil exploration and environmental degradation: The Nigerian experience.
Zhang YJ et al. (2013). Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in urban soils of Beijing: status distribution source apportionment and health risk assessment. Science of the Total Environment.
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (CC-BY) 4.0 License that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgment of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal.
