Ecological and Human Health Impact of Natural Gas Spill into Ayamasa River, Bayelsa State, Nigeria
Author(s): Josiah Nwabueze Obiefuna; Samuel Uka Ukata; Akim Ogar Okang; Francis Inah Okpiliya
Institute(s): 1,2,4 Department of Geography and Environmental Science, University of Calabar; 3 Environmental Sciences Unit, School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, University of The Gambia
Volume 4 / Issue 2
Abstract
Environmental pollution arising from natural resources exploitation in the Niger Delta area of Nigeria is a common phenomenon. Very often, the consequences are multifaceted impinging on both the biophysical environment and humans, dependent on the natural environment for survival. Against this backdrop, this study examined the ecological and health implications of natural gas spill into Ayamasa River that drains communities in Bayelsa and Delta State (Tuomo, Fouto Roigbene, Isreallo, Isampou, Alieibiri and Isampou federated communities). The study analyzed water samples for physico-chemical properties determination against World Health Organization (WHO) standard, tissue section of contaminated fish species (tilapia) and pollution extent of methane hydrates in the acquatic environment. Oral interview and questionnaire survey were conducted to ascertain the health effects of contaminants on affected local population. The result showed higher values of water quality parameters of biological oxygen demand (BOD) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) to range between (2.07-2.09) and (2.20-2.40) respectively. Also, methane concentration recorded (0.4-0.8mg(l), poisonous enough to cause fish migration. The exposed respondent population manifested symptoms of sore throat, itchy skins, sore eyes, cough, nausea and headache. Other long term effects predicted include birth defects, still birth, infertility, bronchitis, and blood related diseases. The inhabitants suffered occupational injuires, which impacted negatively on their socio-economic livelihoods. The study recommended adequate medical care for affected population, environmental cleaning-up and compensation of victims of the disaster by the gas exploring company.
Number of Pages: 7
Number of Words: 3345
First Page: 37
Last Page: 44