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Artisanal refining Plants are common features of the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria. The effects of heavy metal contamination on soil by non-conventional refining plants were investigated and analyzed using standard methods. Two soil samples were collected at 18 m intervals between Plants A and B and at 24 m intervals between Plant B and C. Then con...
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... Spills, leaks, and improper handling of oil and its by-products can result in soil contamination, rendering the land unsuitable for agriculture and other productive uses. The accumulation of hydrocarbons and toxic substances in the soil can persist for long periods, impacting soil fertility and posing risks to human health through food chain contamination (Njoku et al., 2016). Furthermore, artisanal re neries often operate in close proximity to natural habitats and sensitive ecosystems, leading to deforestation and habitat destruction. ...
Background
Artisanal refinery operations can produce a significant volume of air pollutants, among which are carbon soot particulate matter. Although these operations are widespread, especially in developing countries, the impact of exposure to carbon soot particulate matter on both respiratory and reproductive health remains poorly understood.
Objective
In this study, we aimed to examine the effects of controlled exposure to carbon soot particulate matter on the respiratory and reproductive systems of male albino Wistar rats. To simulate the exposure conditions found in artisanal refineries, we developed an experimental setup where rats were exposed to different concentrations of carbon soot particulate matter for 28 days.
Results
Respiratory health was evaluated by examining the cytoarchitecture of the lungs and quantifying inflammatory markers, including Tumour-Necrosis-Factor alpha (TNF-α), as well as oxidative stress parameters such as Malondialdehyde (MDA) and Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) in the lungs. Haematological parameters were also assessed. The reproductive impact was investigated through a thorough analysis of the cytoarchitecture of the testis.
Conclusions
Our study provides valuable insights into the health risks associated with exposure to carbon soot particulate matter, thus underscoring the urgent need for stricter regulatory measures to control air pollution in areas surrounding artisanal refineries.
... Artisanal refineries in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria have come to be associated with increase pollution of soil and water. The study carried out by Njoku et al. [10] revealed that artisanal refineries operations increased the concentrations of heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) in soil. Ikezam et al. [9] assessed the physicochemical parameters and heavy metals concentration across artisanal refining sites in the core Niger Delta Region and found that soil quality for artisanal refining sites fell below WHO permissible limits. ...
This study aimed to determine the impact of artisanal refinery operations on the physicochemical and microbiological properties of soil and water in Igia-Ama, Tombia Kingdom, Rivers State, Nigeria. Physicochemical parameters along with concentrations of heavy metals, polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH), benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene (BTEX), and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) were determined in soil and water samples using standard methods. Microbial populations were determined using standard plate count. Microbial isolates were identified based on their cultural, morphological and biochemical characteristics. Results show that concentrations of monitored physicochemical parameters differed significantly (p<0.05) between impacted sites and control as well as between dry and wet season. Heavy metals, PAHs, TPH, BTEX and PCB concentrations were higher in the impacted sites than in the control (significant, p<0.05), and also differed significantly between dry and wet season. Microbial counts varied between polluted samples and control as well as between dry and wet season, though not significantly different (p>0.05). Bacterial isolates in polluted soil samples were identified as Enterobacter sp., Bacillus sp., Micrococcus sp., Staphylococcus sp. and Pseudomonas sp. Bacteria in polluted water samples were identified as Staphylococcus sp. and Escherichia coli. Fungi in polluted soil samples were identified as Aspergillus sp., Penicillium sp. Fusarium sp., Rhodotorula sp., Exophiala sp. and Crypotococcus sp. While only Penicillium sp. was isolated in polluted water sample. Artisanal crude oil refinery operations significantly impacted the physicochemical properties of soil and water in the study area but not the microbiological properties. The levels of heavy metals, PAHs, TPH and BTEX in the soil and water suggest the need for remediation of the impacted environment.
... This is lower than the DPR target value of 850 mg/Kg in soil and sediment. Different concentrations of Mn has been observed in other studies on soil where different anthropogenic activities took place [17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29]. In their observations, Mn was observed to be of higher value in the experimental stations when compared to the control. ...
... These values are higher than the DPR [20] target value for As. The values of As observed in the present work are higher than the values observed in soils from farms collected from Umuebulu community, Etche in Rivers State, Nigeria [21], the values observed in soils contaminated with petroleum hydrocarbons due to artisanal refining in some communities in Niger Delta, Nigeria [22] and also higher than those observed in soil from the Raoyanghe Wetland region of China [23]. Cadmium (Cd) concentrations in the asphalt hot mix stations varied from 3.54 ± 2.26to5.84 ...
... These values are lower than the DPR [20] target value for Ni. The asphalt soil content of Ni observed in this study are lower than those of Njoku et al. [22], in soils impacted by petroleum products discharges from unapproved refining sites in Bodo, Gokana, Nigeria and also those of Perunović et al., [26], in soil contaminated soils from Kremna Basin in Serbia. However, they are higher than the reported values of Mmolawa et al. [30], in soils from roadsides in Botswana. ...
Soil samples were collected from three asphalt hot mix stations and examined for heavy metals using standard procedures. The results obtained showed that the concentrations of the heavy metals occurred in the order; iron (Fe)>zinc (Zn)>chromium (Cr)>lead (Pb)>copper (Cu)>nickel (Ni)>arsenic (As)>cobalt (Co)> cadmium (Cd). All the metals examined in the soil were lower than the reference value stipulated by DPR except As and Cd and Co in stations 2 (JADAC HMX) and 3 (H & H (HMA) respectively. Contamination factor studies on the concentrations of the heavy metals in the soil showed various degrees of contamination by the heavy metals except As and Cd and Cu in station 3and cobalt in stations 2 and 3 that have stretched to pollution status in the soil. Pollution index analysis showed that the soils from the various asphalt plant stations were slightly polluted with the heavy metals. Contamination factor evaluation of metals varied from considerable contamination degree to high contamination degree in the stations. Modified contamination degree analysis revealed that all the stations were at a level of moderate degree of contamination by the heavy metals. Geo-accumulation findings revealed a variation between non-contaminations to extreme contamination of the soil with individual heavy metals. Ecological risk assessment of the soils suggested varying degrees of risks posed by each metal to the environment. Enrichment factor analysis revealed serious anthropogenic influence on the metal content of the soil. The results obtained from the stations in this study coupled with the different analytical assessments showed that human activities are the major contributors of the heavy metals in the examined soils. Introduction The effect of human activities has substantively amplified the presence of heavy metals content in the environment. These metals, though may be produced or released at very small scale, yet they produce effects that affects the ecological environment at the long run. The effects of heavy metals on ecological atmosphere is noticed more especially when the natural structure and characteristics or functions of both biological and non-biological environment has been destroyed or negatively affected [1]. In the immediate past decades, the pollution of the environment with heavy metals and the management of pollution based issues by the relevant agencies all over the
... heterotrophic bacterial counts in Station 1 around the pot ranged from 2.5 x 10 5 to 1.8 x 10 6 cfu/g, fungal counts ranged from 2.1 x 10 3 to 4.4 x 10 4 cfu/g, HUB (HUB) counts ranged from 4.2 x 10 4 to 6.4 x 10 5 cfu/g and hydrocarbon utilizing fungal (HUF) counts ranged from 1.5 x 10 3 to 4.0 x 10 3 cfu/g. The results of soil samples taken 20m away from the Pot location ranged from 7.0 x 10 5 to 8.2 x 10 6 cfu/g for total heterotrophic bacterial counts, fungal counts ranged from 2.3 x 10 3 to 1.5 x 10 4 cfu/g, HUB ranged from 4.7 x 10 4 to 5.7 x 10 5 cfu/g and HUF ranged from 2.0 x 10 3 to 3.5 x 10 3 cfu/g. ...
... These components greatly impact on plants, animals and microorganisms that depend on the nutrients in the soil for their survival. It reduces plant growth, affects aeration by blocking soil pores, thereby creating anaerobic conditions [4]. When crude oil is refined, various hydrocarbon fractions are produced, which have eco-toxicological impacts on the environment when spilled. ...
Aim: To evaluate the effect of illegal crude oil refining activities on soil microorganisms using standard microbiological methods. Study Design: This study employs laboratory experimental design, statistical analysis of the data and interpretation. Place and Duration of Study: Soil samples were taken once a month for three months (May- July, 2018) from Ke in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria, where illegal crude oil refining activities are ongoing. Methodology: Using standard microbiological methods, total culturable heterotrophic bacterial counts, total fungal counts, Hydrocarbon utilizing bacterial and fungal counts were analysed to evaluate the effect of the activities. Total hydrocarbon content of the soil samples was also analysed. Results: The populations of the total heterotrophic bacterial, fungal and hydrocarbon utilizing bacterial (HUB) and fungal (HUF) counts of the contaminated soil were enumerated. The mean total heterotrophic bacterial counts in Station 1 around the pot ranged from 2.5 x 105 to 1.8 x 106cfu/g, fungal counts ranged from 2.1 x 103 to 4.4 x 104cfu/g, HUB (HUB) counts ranged from 4.2 x 104 to 6.4 x 105cfu/g and hydrocarbon utilizing fungal (HUF) counts ranged from 1.5 x 103 to 4.0 x 103cfu/g. The results of soil samples taken 20m away from the Pot location ranged from 7.0 x 105 to 8.2 x 106cfu/g for total heterotrophic bacterial counts, fungal counts ranged from 2.3 x 103 to 1.5 x 104cfu/g, HUB ranged from 4.7 x 104 to 5.7 x 105cfu/g and HUF ranged from 2.0 x 103 to 3.5 x 103cfu/g. Also, the results of total heterotrophic bacterial counts for Station 2 ranged from; 4.3 x 105 to 3.3 x 106cfu/g, fungi 2.0 x 103 to 3.3 x 104cfu/g, HUB ranged from 3.8 X 104 to 5.4 x 104cfu/g and HUF 1.6 x 103 to 3.5 x 103cfu/g, while 20m away from the Pot total heterotrophic bacteria ranged from 1.3 x 107 to 6.5 x 107cfu/g, fungi 5.8 x 103 to 1.4 x 105cfu/g, HUB 5.4 x 104 to 1.1x 105cfu/g and HUF 3.1 x 103 to 4.7 x 104cfu/g. While the control samples taken from inside the community where no such activity is on, ranged from 2.6 x 107 to 7.9 x 107cfu/g for total heterotrophic bacterial counts, total heterotrophic fungal counts ranged from 2.8 x 104 to 5.3 x 104cfu/g, HUB 2.0 x 102 to 3.1 x 102cfu/g and HUF 2.0 x 101 to 2.3 x 101cfu/g. twelve bacterial genera were identified and eight fungal genera: Bacillus, Alcaligenes, Flavobacterium, Acinetobacter, Pseudomonas, Micrococcus, Proteus, Serratia, Enterobacter, Streptococcus, Escherichia, Staphylococcus, Penicillum, Aspergillus, Fusarium, Mucor, Rhizopus, Geotrichum, Candida, and Cladosporium. Total hydrocarbon content ranged from 106 to 281mg/kg across the locations. When compared with the control, it was observed that the microbial population and diversity were adversely affected. These variations observed in the microbial population are indicative of the effect of the illegal refinery on the soil microorganisms. Conclusion: The results of this study indicates that the continuous contamination of the soil environment by the activities of illegal crude oil refining, lead to a decrease in microbial population and diversity. This may result in devastating ecological damage, adversely affecting the ecological balance which may affect food chain and in turn animals and humans.
The study examined the negative effects of climate change on food supply in the Niger Delta region, Nigeria. The variation in weather conditions in the Niger Delta region is principally attributed to anthropogenic activities of the transnational oil companies and artisanal refining in the Region. Presently, the Niger Delta region has experienced a decline in food supply occasioned by high temperature, heavy rainfall, sea-level rise, and flooding emanating from climate change. The study relied on triangulation methods of data gathering techniques. The study administered 400 questionnaires and 20 interviews among respondents in randomly selected clusters in four Niger Delta states while the secondary data was sourced through the internet, journals, and books. Findings revealed that farming and fishing accounted for over 90 percent of the traditional economy of the region. The Region has suffered from environmental degradation emanating from oil production. Consequently, the majority of the crops, forest resources, and seafood in the region have gone into extinction as a result of global warming. The effects of climate change constitute a threat to the existence of many households, who depend on forest resources for their survival. The study concluded that deprivation of the inhabitants from participating in Petrodollar business is one of the reasons for launching artisanal refinery, hence, increased the circulation of greenhouse gas emission in the atmosphere leading to alteration of weather condition and food production.
Background and Aim
In order to achieve improved global health, environmental health risks that could affect this goal have to be reduced as much as possible. This review thus aimed at determining the exposure levels, health risk assessments, and public health effects of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This review was developed using guidelines provided for Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Search was done on Google Scholar, Scopus, and PubMed databases. A study was included if it was carried out in SSA from 2000 to 2020 and written in English language. Fifty-two studies were finally retained and used for the review. Extracted data included the concentrations of 8 selected priority PAHs (including the PAHs prioritized for their carcinogenic potentials), their sources and reported outcomes. In SSA, PAHs exposure has been linked to the use of unprocessed biomass fuels for cooking, release of poorly treated petrochemical effluents into water bodies, and so on. Related public health effects included the occurrence of respiratory, cardiovascular abnormalities, and so on. Others included destruction of natural biodiversity in soil, water, and atmospheric environmental media. Health risk assessments also buttressed the occurrence of these public health effects of PAHs. In SSA, the region is exposed to a substantial amount of PAHs pollution which is associated with deleterious environmental and epidemiological effects. The adoption of healthier forms of energy, a change of attitude to one that favors environmental sustainability, and proper enforcement of environmental regulations are, however, necessary for attaining environmental sanity in SSA.
