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Impacts of crude oil exploration and production on environment and its implications on human health: South Sudan Review

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Abstract: Crude oil contamination of the environment associated with exploration and production operations, is a common feature in oil producing nations around the world, especially in a developing country including South Sudan. Apart from this, the country has been suffered from civil war for long period of time which severely affected the oil production areas and oil facilities such as pipelines ware out hence causing oil linkages and spill, therefore it has resulted to significant contamination of the total environment (air,soil,water,biota) and negatively impacted human health
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http://dx.doi.org/10.29322/IJSRP.9.04.2019.p8836 www.ijsrp.org
Impacts of crude oil exploration and production on
environment and its implications on human health:
South Sudan Review
Simon GARANG KUCH & Jean Pierre BAVUMIRAGIRA
DOI: 10.29322/IJSRP.9.04.2019.p8836
http://dx.doi.org/10.29322/IJSRP.9.04.2019.p8836
Abstract
Crude oil contamination of the environment associated with exploration and production operations, is a common feature in oil
producing nations around the world, especially in a developing country including South Sudan. Apart from this, the country has been
suffered from civil war for long period of time which severely affected the oil production areas and oil facilities such as pipelines
ware out hence causing oil linkages and spill, therefore it has resulted to significant contamination of the total environment
(air,soil,water,biota) and negatively impacted human health. The contamination occurs during all crude oil production and exploration
processes and negatively affect the environment which in turn reflect risks to human health through food chain such as apparition of
heavy metals ;Lead, and Barium in hair of some of the South Sudanese people.This review examines some the environmental effects
related to crude oil exploration and production in South Sudan and its implications to human health.It has further highlighted some
recommendations that may help sustainable practices for the exploration and production of this resource which may yield in less
negative impact for both environment and human health.
Key words: Crude oil, Exploration, Environment, human health , implications
1. Introduction
Oil is the lifeline of the South Sudan economy now and over the medium term.[1].According to the World Bank (2008) South Sudan
is one of the newest significant oil producing countries in the World, and the third largest oil producer in Sub-Saharan Africa after
Nigeria and Angola. As a result of oil exploitation, the structure of the Sudanese economy has shifted from being being predominantly
reliant on agriculture to oil. It accounted for about half of the country’s GDP, and most of the country’s exports (about 97 %) and
government’s revenue (about 98 %) in the period 2008-2011[2]. Oil production of360 thousand barrels per day in 2011 resulted in
high export earnings, high government revenues and an income per capita level of a lower middle-income country. Natural resources
especially hydrocarbons have become one of the most important resources of energy for mankind. However, the process of extraction
of these natural resources is very complicated and most of the time the pollutant’s products that accompany the process of oil
exploration play a vital role to declare an inconsistency in the ecosystem[3]. This means an increase in the probability of
environmental risk and as a result a widespread of hazardous material in the aquatic environment. An aquatic environment can be
considered as one of the environments that are subjected more to the contamination by crude oil. This seems to be a big issue due to
the spillage of some crude oil into the water. This spillage is due to the leakage which accompanies the process of oil exploration and
transportation [4]. As a result, the aquatic environment becomes contaminated region. This situation is a big threat for the evolution of
macrophyte, and for the life support balance of living organisms in that environment. Air pollution also bear a great concern with
crude oil exploration and production and both mentioned reflect serious human health effects with high rate. Therefore, with world’s
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increasing dependency on the production of crude oil products, crude oil water contamination problem becomes the major factor that
can alter the natural consistency of the outstanding life source in a particular environment [5]. Therefore, in order to decrease or
remedied these effects, oil companies must adopt proper measure that are helpful to minimize the contamination rate to the normal
wedge. This paper reviewed the impacts caused by crude oil exploration and production on environment (water, soil, aquatic plants
and animals and its implications to human health. Oil is currently the backbone of South Sudan’s economy. Available data indicate
that oil alone accounts for 98 per cent of the government budget and in the recent past, contributed between 60 and 80 per cent to
GDP[6] [6]. In 2011, the petroleum sector accounted for 61.3 per cent of GDP, but that proportion declined to 7.4 per cent in 2012
and 14.7 per cent in 2013. The massive decrease in the share of petroleum in GDP in 2012 was due to the shutdown of oil production,
which led to a decline in production in that year and a decline of about 47 per cent in GDP [6]. In June 2014, oil prices dipped from
$112 to $30 per barrel. South Sudan currently produces 130,000 barrels of crude oil per day, down from 350,000 per day before the
war [7] In the foreseeable future, oil will remain a strong driver of investments in the economy. However, it is not a renewable
resource and already declining crude oil reserves point to an urgent need for government investment in other revenue earning sectors
[8]. Crude oil exploration in South Sudan is carried out mainly in the central flood- plains of Jonglei, Lakes and Upper Nile, which are
also endowed with rich terrestrial and aquatic natural resources. The oil blocks include part of Block 4, most of Block 5A, Block 5B.).
The petroleum industry is traditionally divided into three sectors: upstream, midstream and downstream. In South Sudan, the upstream
segment includes exploration activities, field development, and oil and gas production activities. The downstream sector, which
became operational in 2012, comprises activities that refine the crude oil, and the marketing, sale and distribution of any ensuing
products. The midstream sector links the upstream and downstream segments, and includes activities and facilities that enable
processing, storage and transportation of products, such as pipelines and other facilities.
The Ministry of Petroleum oversees this sector in South Sudan. The state oil company is the Nile Petroleum Corporation (Nile pet),
established in 2003 and incorporated in June 2009 under the
New (South)Sudan Companies Act 2003 by the Ministry of Legal Affairs and Constitutional Development. It has joint ventures with
the Nile Delta Petroleum Company Limited (Nile Delta), Diets Mann Nile, East pet Ltd and SIPET[9] . Crude petroleum is produced
by joint ventures of state-owned companies from China, India, Malaysia and
South Sudan. The government, through Nile pet, holds no less than an 8 per cent share in any of these petroleum joint ventures, [10].
Table 1. STRUCTURE OF THE OIL INDUSTRY IN SOUTH SUDAN, 2013
Commodity
Major operating companies and major
equity owners
Location of
main facility
Annual capacity
[bpd]
Upstream industry
. Geological survey
. Mining and drilling
. Manufacturing
Midstream industry
. Storage
. Transportation
(pipelines, rail, truck)
Downstream industry
. Distribution
. Retail outlets
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Petroleum crude
PETRODAR Operating Company (PDOC)
China National Petroleum Corp (CNPC)
41% Petronas Carigali Overseas Shd.Bhd.,
40%: Nile Petroleum Corp (Nile pet),
8%: Nile Petroleum Corp.,
6%: Tri-Ocean Energy,5%
Blocks and 7 in
Upper Nile
91500
First oil production
was in 2001 and the
average current
production is 163 bpd
Petroleum crude
Greater Nile Petroleum Operating Co
China National Petroleum Corp (CNPC)
41% Petronas Carigali Overseas Shd.Bhd.,
30% ONGC Vides LTD
25 %: Nile Petroleum Corp (Nile pet),5%
Blocks,1,2, and
4 in Unit
32 200
Petroleum crude
White Nile Operating Company Co
Petronas Carigali White Nile Petroleum
Petronas Co. Petronas Carigali
Block 5A in
Unit
4,400
Source:(Yager,2015)
Since April 2016, the petroleum sector regulator is the Ministry of Petroleum. The Ministry is guided by the Petroleum Act 2012 and
the Mining Act 2012, as well as the Mineral Title Regulations 2015 and other bills that are currently being drafted to implement its
mandate [11]. e. The Ministry is assisted in its duties by three institutions: The National Petroleum and Gas Commission, the National
Petroleum and Gas Corporation, and the Petroleum Exploration and Production Authority. The National Petroleum and Gas
Commission is the policy-making body for the petroleum sector. It is also in charge of petroleum resources management and
coordinates all petroleum stakeholders at national and state levels, from the private sector and including non-governmental
organizations. The National Petroleum and Gas Corporation is a commercial company limited by shares established by the
government. It is to be the chief policy making and supervisory body in the upstream, midstream and own stream segments of the
sector. The National Petroleum and Gas Corporation handles petroleum agreements for the government while the Ministry of
Petroleum is responsible for the management of the petroleum sector. The Petroleum Exploration and Production Authority is to
oversee day-to-day activities concerning petroleum operations and advise the Ministry.[12]
2.Impacts of Crude Oil and Natural Gas Production on the Environment
Environmental impacts that occur during production of crude oil and natural gas would mostly occur from long-term habitat change
within the oil and gas field, production activities (including facility component maintenance or replacement), waste management (e.g
produced water), noise (e.g from well operations, compressor or pump stations, flare stack, vehicle and equipment), the presence of
workers and potential spills [13]. These activities could potentially impact on the resources as explained below:
2.1. Noise
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The main sources of noise during the production of crude oil and natural gas would include compressor and pumping stations,
producing wells (including occasional flaring), and vehicle traffic. Compressor stations produce noise levels between 64 and 86 dBA
at the station to between 58 and 75 dBA at about 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) from the station[14].The primary impacts from noise would
be localized disturbance to wildlife, recreationists, and residents. Noise associated with cavitation is a major concern for landowners,
livestock, and wildlife [15]
2.2. Soil
Plants germinate, develop and grow in soil medium where water, air and nutrient resources supply plants for healthy growth for
productive and profitable agriculture. Frequent crude-oil spillage on agricultural soils, and the consequent fouling effect on all forms
of life, render the soil (especially the biologically active surface layer) toxic and unproductive. The oil reduces the soil’s fertility such
that most of the essential nutrients are no longer available for plant and crop utilization [16]. The enormity of toxicity by oil spillage
on crop performance is exemplified in mangrove vegetation, which has been dying off in recent times [17]. Spilled crude-oil which is
denser than water, reduces and restricts permeability: organic hydrocarbons which fill the soil pores expel water and air, thus
depriving the plant roots the much-needed water and air [18]. Soil properties involved in soil-plant-water relationship are degradable
and include texture, infiltration, hydraulic conductivity, moisture content and density, which affect root and leaf development and
plant growth and yield [19, 20] .Overall, oil spillage affected crop yield and farm income, and by extension, the social and economic
livelihoods of farming communities [20].
2.3. Air Quality
The primary emission sources during the production of crude oil and natural gas would include compressor and pumping station
operations, vehicle traffic, production well operations, separation of oil and gas phases, and on-site storage of crude oil. Emissions
would include volatile organic compound (VOCs), nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene,
xylenes, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), hydrogen sulfide, particulates, ozone, and methane [21].Venting or flaring of
natural gas (methane) may occur during oil production, well testing, oil and gas processing, cavitation, well leaks, and pipeline
maintenance operations. Methane is a major greenhouse gas. Air pollution during oil and gas production may cause health effects and
reduce visibility.
2.4. Wildlife ecosystem
The adverse impacts to ecological resources during production of crude oil and natural gas could occur from: disturbance of wildlife
from noise and human activity; exposure of biota to contaminants; and mortality of biota from colliding with above ground facilities
or vehicles. The presence of production wells, ancillary facilities and access road reduces the habitat quality, disturbs the biota and
thus affects ecological resources[22]. The presence of an oil or gas field could also interfere with migratory and other behaviors of
some wildlife. Discharge of produced water inappropriately onto soil or into surface water bodies can result in salinity levels too high
to sustain plant growth. Wildlife is always prone to contact with petroleum-based products and other contaminants in reserve pits and
water management facilities [23].They can become entrapped in the oil and drown, ingest toxic quantities of oil by preening (birds) or
licking their fur (mammals); or succumb to cold stress if the oil damages the insulation provided by feathers or fur. In locations where
naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM)-bearing produced water and solid wastes are generated, mismanagement of these
wastes can result in radiological contamination of soils or surface water bodies [24]
2.5. Plants
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Seed germinations seem to be affected by oil at least in two ways. At high level of crude oil pollution, seed germination is prevented
probably by oil soaking through the outer integument of the seeds. At low level of crude oil pollution, seed germination is retarded by
the presence of oil [25]. The effect of crude oil on plant is one that is of great concern as it causes damage to different parts of the
plant that are vital for its well-being and survival and hence obstructs development and growth.[26] showed that the leaves of plants
affected by oil tended to dehydrate and show a general sign of chlorosis, indicating water deficiency. The reduction of leaf area may
be due to dehydration. [27]The study agreed with the work of who found that reduction in photosynthetic rate resulted in the
decreased rate of growth, which led to the reduction of leaf sizes.[28]observed that the volatile fraction of oil had a high wetting
capacity and penetrating power and when in contact with seed, the oil would enter the seed coat and kill the embryo readily, which
will in turn, cause reduction in percent germination.[25] found that the significant reduction in final germination percentage of all the
species may be due to toxic effects of the crude oil on the seed and poor aeration of the soil. From various experiments, it has been
elucidated that crude oil spillage would affect plants in the following ways: Inhibit the germination of plants [29]. Delay germination
by inducing stress, which prolongs lag phase[30] [Inhibit the uptake of water and nutrients by the root of the plant, hence causing
deficiency to other parts as the leaves.[31] Affects regeneration of stumps [32].Affects anatomical features of leaves[33].Causes
cellular and stomatal abnormalities.[34]. Disruption of the plant water balance, which indirectly influences plant
metabolism[35].Causes root stress, which reduces leaf growth via stomata conductance[36]. Causes chlorosis ‘of leaves [37].
Enlargement of cells in various ‘tissues due to oxygen starvation were cells coalesce forming large cells in tissues[38]
2.6. Impact on water quality
When oil is explored in water scarce areas the water resources become stressed. Off-shore oil exploration creates risks for the marine
life while oil distribution and transportation will generate increasing risk for the ecology in case of leakages or accidents[39].
Accidents, leakages and spills are realities in oil drilling, shale gas exploration, pipeline transportation as well as in oil tanker
transportation [40].A serious threat posed by oil-related pollution is the impact on both surface and underground waters. When oil
spills occur or when there is an effluent discharge, it seeps into the ground and becomes mixed in the underground water system[41].It
has been found that polluted underground water takes many years before it can be remedied. Yet this underground water moves into
streams and wells which are the only sources of local water supply in the community which results in the rise of water-borne diseases.
This has affected the traditional relationship of the people with water in the oil-bearing enclaves. There is a perceptible fear that rather
than being the source of life, these water systems have become sources of misery, disease and death. Oil is always pumped together
with water and they must be separated. There are big volumes of produced water stagnant in ponds with apparently inadequate
treatment such as skimming which is less effective[42]. On another hand disposed drilled water may contain much quantity of salts
and this become serious threat to the environment and aquatic ecosystem when salts concentration exceeds threshold levels.
Petroleum pollutants in the African tropical region, consist of complex mixtures of both the aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons [43,
44]. The major pollutants in drinking water supplies fall into three general classes: petroleum hydrocarbons, halogenated
hydrocarbons, and tasteandodour compounds (which comprise of algae and bacteria). Petroleum hydrocarbons consist of the most
ubiquitous pollutants and apart from polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) [45] the most prevalent are the volatile organic
compounds (VOCs): benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes (BTEX) [46, 47]. It is known that BTEX are often found in water
supplies, but certainly not exclusively in groundwaters because of the widespread use of petroleum hydrocarbons and their relatively
high-water solubility (130 1780 mg l-1 at 20°C)[46]. According to Ite and Semple [48], polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)
containing from two to five fused aromatic rings are of serious concern because of their persistence in nature due to their lipophilic
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character and electrochemical stability. It is known that PAHs are relatively recalcitrant in soils and some PAHs have been identified
as carcinogens, mutagens, or teratogens.
The discharge of produced water causes serious environmental risks to both human and the natural environment and the use of
technologies such as high efficient halophile oil-degrading microorganisms in biological treatment should be combine with
membranes (SBR) biological treatment systems for effective management of produced water since the Dar blend (South Sudan) crude
oil is acidic in nature and contain heavy metals[49], The pipelines are causing major problems from leaking leading to massive oil
spills along the transportation line to the sea terminal at port Sudan requires proper maintenance and monitoring. Today, most oil
producers re-inject produced water or reuse it for onshore wells (98%). However,91% of produced water from offshore wells is
discharged into the ocean.[48]
2.7. Public health impact resulting from crude oil exploration and production
The literature indicates that pollutants from the oil extractive industry are likely to have led to emerging health problems, including
rising rates of female infertility, increases in the number of miscarriages, birth defects, and eye infections and even blindness and skin
problems. Some interviewees mentioned in addition fatigue and stomach pains and an increased incidence of appendicitis [50, 51].
Noxious smells and smoke are also an issue, causing discomfort and distress to people living in or close to production oil fields [50].
Research shows that health workers in Melut and Koch indicate a positive correlation between these health issues and increased
pollution from the oil industry [50]. A study in 2014 showed that 88.5 percent of the women in the oil producing areas had delivered
babies with birth defects. Studies in the U.S. State of Colorado indicate a correlation with proximity to oil and gas fields; and the
occurrence of congenital heart defects and neural tube defects in infants [52].The Mala oilfield shows signs of pipe leakage [53], .Oil
spills from leaking pipelines, refineries or corroded or aging equipment and damage from fighting is common and has increased
exposure to cancerous petrochemicals in the oil producing areas [54]. Emissions from gas flaring are also a significant environmental
issue. During the mining process, gas that is produced along with the oil is flared or re-injected[55] . Although there is a law
regulating against this, the emissions from gas flaring are the products of incomplete combustion. In oil field conditions, many
particulates and other harmful gases are dispersed into the air. Some of these hazardous hydrocarbons include benzene, styrene,
ethynyl benzene, ethynyl-methyl benzenes, toluene, xylenes, acenaphthylene, biphenyl and fluorine. Oil spill around Tharjat oil field,
Unity, some of these are well known carcinogens, while others are thought to contribute to complications in foetuses[56] .The high
lead and Barium concentrations in hair of the volunteers from Koch, Leer and Nyal indicate a serious exposure by this toxic metal
detection of high lead concentrations in local well water samples, suggests that the contaminated water plays an essential role as a
source of the lead hair results.
Apart from acidic precipitation and its negative impact, acid rain precursor gases (N0 2 and SO 2 ) are part of six (6) common outdoor
pollutants [57]. Inhalation of fine particulates that are fallouts from acid precursor gases have been linked to illness and premature
death from heart and lung disorders such as asthma and bronchitis [58]. Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) poses a health threat itself as well as
playing a major role in the formation of the photochemical pollutant ozone. Previous studies have shown that animals exposed to NO
2 have diminished resistance to both bacterial and viral infection [59] while children exposed to high indoor levels of NO 2 may
become more susceptible to critical infections of the lower respiratory tract, bronchial tubes and lungs, and may develop bronchitis
and chest cough with phlegm [60]. Sulphur dioxide (SO 2 ) is a temporary irritant, though research have shown that increased levels
of SO 2 in conjunction with particulate matter may trigger small, but measurable, temporary deficits in lung function[60] problems
such as skin cancers and lesions may be linked to acid rain. Stomach ulcers could also occur, as consumption of acidic water can alter
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the pH of the stomach and leach the mucous membrane of the intestinal walls, this is more so as south Sudanese depends heavily on
rain water for drinking, cooking, laundry and other domestic uses.
Table 2: Health effects of pollutants from oil and gas industry [61]
Short- and Long-term health effects
May cause irritation of the skin, eyes and upper respiratory tract, and blisters on the skin.
Longer term exposure may cause blood disorders, reproductive and developmental
disorders and cancer.
May cause nervous system effects, irritation of the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract,
dizziness, headaches, difficulty with sleep, birth defects.
Short-term exposure may cause throat and eye irritation, chest constriction, and dizziness.
Long-term exposure may cause blood disorders.
Short-term exposure to high levels of mixed xylenes may cause irritation of the nose and
throat, nausea, vomiting, gastric irritation, mild transient eye irritation, neurological
effects. Long-term exposure to high levels of xylene may impact the nervous system.
Short-term exposure to hexane can cause dizziness, giddiness, slight nausea, and a
headache. Long-term exposure to hexane can cause numbness in extremities, muscular
weakness, blurred vision, headaches, and fatigue.
3.Conclusion
The crude oil exploration and production result in more severe risks to both human and the natural environment. The Environment
Bill 2014 Mining companies in some countries are required to follow environmental and rehabilitation codes, ensuring the area mined
is returned to close to its original state. One of the guiding principles of the National Environment Bill 2014 is that the polluters shall
be responsible for paying for the pollution that they cause, according to article 20 on the management of mineral resources[62].
Polluters will also pay a pollution tax to the Environment Fund (article 52), that will be used to finance environmental programmes at
the local, state and national levels. The Environment Protection and Management Bill 2012 has provisions for Environmental Impact
Assessments and Environmental Audits for projects in mining, all aimed at reducing environmental degradation and ensuring
pollution control. The National Environment Policy 2012 also aims to control pollution and ensure protection of the environment and
water bodies that may arise from mining activities [11]. For instance, it requires that riverbanks be protected from mining activities
through the construction of embankments and to avoid sand harvesting too close to the banks and in vegetated areas. It also requires
the restoration of landscapes after the conclusion of the various mineral extraction activities. Although South Sudan is endowed with
abundant mineral resources and the potential for secondary and tertiary industries, the only modern industrial sector is the oil industry.
The limitations to industrial development include the lack of geological exploration.
4. Recommendations
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To remedy the oil pollution problem in South Sudan, a number of measures, both short terms and long terms, ought to be
expeditiously undertaken before the situation spirals out of control. As short-term measures,
(1) The oil companies in conjunction with the government and the local communities who have been impacted by the oil pollution
ought to urgently conduct environmental health awareness campaigns in the oil-rich areas to sensitize the local populations on the
danger of oil contaminants in the environment. If this is properly done, the locals’ exposure to environmental contaminates c ould be
reduced, and the long terms impacts of oil pollutants on the health of the people living in the oilfields could be drastically reduced.
(2) Construction of wastewater treatment plant for the produced oil wastewater, which is poorly managed, to undergo series of
treatment (primary, secondary and advanced treatment processes) to meet discharges standards before released to the environment
(3) Air pollution control measures such as the use of air bag filters and electrostatic precipitators should be used to trap particulate gas
matter from flaring process
(4) All the drilling chemicals that have been left decomposing in the environment need to be removed and destroyed.
(5) All the Produced Water (PW) ponds need to be fenced off so that the locals’ livestock won’t have access to them. In the long
terms, there is a need for a complete Environmental and Social Audit (ESA) in all the South Sudan oilfields ostensibly to know the
extent of environmental damage that has been caused by oil exploration dating back to the times when South Sudan and the Sudan
were one country.
(6) Environmental and biological samplings need to be undertaken so that the extent of environment pollution and the exposure of the
local populations to oil pollutants could be quantified regularly for proper monitoring.
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... The primary causes of the environmental effects caused by generating oil and gas are production activities (such as the upkeep or substitution of facility components), the handling of waste (such as produced water), noise from well operations, compressor or pump stations, flare stack, automobiles and machinery, worker presence, and potential spills ( Fig. 9.1). Kuch and Bavumiragira [29] elucidate the potential impact of these activities on available resources. Drilling in the Arctic Ocean would expose aquatic organisms to additional environmental stressors, such as pollution, noise pollution, and disturbances from other sources. ...
... Residents, tourists, and wildlife would all experience localized disturbances as a result of noise. According to Kuche and Bavumiragira [29], noise resulting from cavitation poses a significant threat to cattle, wildlife, and land owners. ...
... These properties affect root and developmental stages of leaves, plant growth, and yield. Overall, crop output and farm income were impacted by oil spills, which in turn had an impact on farming communities' socioeconomic livelihoods [29]. ...
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The world economy depends on oil and gas for the generation of electricity, transportation, polymers and chemicals, and heating. However, there is a significant environmental impact associated with the extraction and processing of gas and oil, which contaminates the air, water, soil, and human health. This chapter comprehensively examines the impacts of oil exploration and gas flaring on the Arctic environment and its diverse life forms. Oil exploration activities, including seismic surveys, drilling operations, and the construction of infrastructure such as platforms and pipelines, pose significant risks to Arctic ecosystems. This chapter analyzes the potential environmental consequences of oil exploration, including habitat destruction, oil spills, and pollution of air, water, and soil. Seismic surveys, which use high-intensity sound waves to map subsurface geology, can disturb marine mammals, fish, and other marine life, leading to changes in behavior, communication, and feeding patterns. Drilling operations, particularly offshore drilling in the Arctic Ocean, carry the risk of oil spills, which can have devastating impacts on marine and terrestrial ecosystems. Oil spills can contaminate water bodies, coat shoreline habitats, and harm wildlife through direct contact, ingestion, and inhalation of toxic substances. This chapter assesses the ecological and socioeconomic impacts of oil spills on Arctic communities, including disruptions to traditional subsistence activities such as fishing and hunting, loss of biodiversity, and long-term environmental damage. Gas flaring, the controlled burning of natural gas released during oil production, is another concern for the Arctic environment. Gas flaring releases greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere, contributing to climate change and global warming. Additionally, gas flaring can emit air pollutants such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, which can have adverse effects on human health and ecosystems. This chapter evaluates the environmental impacts of gas flaring on air quality, climate, and biodiversity in the Arctic region and discusses potential mitigation measures to reduce flaring emissions. This chapter thus underscores the importance of addressing the environmental risks associated with oil exploration and gas flaring in the Arctic region. It emphasizes the need for stringent regulations, effective monitoring and enforcement mechanisms, and sustainable energy policies to minimize the ecological footprint of oil and gas activities and protect the fragile Arctic environment and its unique biodiversity for future generations.
... Although the search and discovery of crude oil in Africa has unquestionably benefited the continent's economy, it has also had a detrimental influence on the air, land, water, and all living creatures. Oil spills, noise pollution, gas flaring (which releases a variety of gases), and inappropriate waste management (solid and wastewater) are a few preventable events that are frequently handled poorly in Africa [118]. The primary causes of environmental contamination linked to the exploration and extraction of oil and gas are: (i) effluent water contaminated with drilling fluid solids, chemicals, and oily effluents (oil and grease); (ii) formation water produced in conjunction with crude oil; and (iii) gaseous emissions containing hydrocarbons, CO, SO2, NOx, and fine particulate matter from gas flares. ...
... Studies conducted by health workers in Melut and Koch reveal a positive association between these health problems and elevated pollution levels from the oil industry [9]. According to study in 2014, high percent of the women in the oil-producing regions gave birth to children who had birth defects, Additional study conducted in the US state of Colorado found a link between the prevalence of congenital heart defects and nearby to oil and gas fields [10]. ...
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Although the detrimental effects of crude oil on many types of plants and animals have been broadly studied, not enough research has been done on how exposure to oil affects human health. In the present work, we tried to inspect their effect on the liver and kidney functions of the Al-Ahdab field workers as well as the local population living close to the oil drilling sites (Fadak city). A randomly selected 150 subjects they don’t suffer from chronic diseases (50 subjects from workeres of Al-Ahdab field They have been working in the field for more than ten years and 50 subjects from Fadak city they don’t work in the Al-Ahdab field and 50 subjects from Al- kut city far from the Al-Ahdab field also they don’t work in the Al-Ahdab field as control) aged higher than 40 years were taken under consideration. The level of urea, creatinine, bilirubin, aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase enzymes in serum were evaluated by spectrophotometer. Where it was found that the levels of urea, creatinine, liver enzymes, and bilirubin were higher among the Al-Ahdab field workers than the control. We also found that the residents of Fadak City, which is very close to the Al-Ahdab field oil extraction, were also high compared to the control but less than the Al-Ahdab field workers. The study reveals that long-term exposure to the pollutants produce from oil extraction may lead to harm effect to liver and kidney functions of workers in oil extraction field and populations living in polluted sites
... Individuals working in industries related to oil extraction, transportation, and cleanup efforts are at heightened risk of exposure to crude oil contaminants. Inhalation of volatile organic compounds, dermal contact with oil-coated surfaces, and ingestion of contaminated water during occupational activities can lead to various health issues (Kuch & Bavumiragira, 2019). ...
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provides a concise summary of a comprehensive review paper investigating the multifaceted impacts of crude oil spills on water ecosystems. Delving into the chemical composition, mechanisms of water contamination, ecological consequences, human health implications, and mitigation strategies, the paper aims to offer a holistic perspective on the challenges and solutions associated with crude oil spills. The chemical composition analysis forms the foundation, unraveling the intricate interplay of hydrocarbons, heavy metals, and contaminants in oil-water interactions. The diverse mechanisms of water contamination, including spills and atmospheric deposition, highlight the dynamic pathways through which crude oil affects aquatic environments. Ecological impacts range from immediate disruptions to long-term alterations in biodiversity and habitat degradation, underscoring the vulnerability of ecosystems and the need for proactive conservation measures. Simultaneously, the paper delves into the spill's human health repercussions, emphasizing the interconnectedness of environmental and public health concerns. The exploration extends to preventive measures, emergency response strategies, and ongoing technological innovations. Stringent regulations, advanced monitoring technologies, and autonomous vehicles showcase the capacity for swift and effective spill mitigation. The restoration phase involves habitat rehabilitation, reintroduction of species, and community engagement, aiming to heal ecosystems and support affected communities. Technological innovations, from nanotechnology to blockchain, play a pivotal role in monitoring, containment, and cleanup efforts.
... The growing need and desire for energy from petroleum crude oil globally with the attendant unruly exploration and production operations have contributed to the pollution of its operation's environment Kuch and Bavumiragira, (2019). The consequences of these operations are normally and generally attributed to poor production management, pipeline and equipment failures due to aging and faulty designs. ...
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The evolution of illegal refining was briefly discussed leading to an experimental research of its effects on cassava plant which is a major staple food in the region. Two deactivated illegal refinery sites were selected for the studies; cassava plant (tubers, stem and leaves) samples were taken from these sites with a control and then analyzed for the concentrations of Heavy Metals, BTEX, PAHs and THC. The results show that the mean concentration of heavy metals in cassava tuber were Pb (5.31±0.17 mg/kg), Cd (6.44±0.23mg/kg), Cr (5.25±0.02 mg/kg), As (9.27±0.04 mg/kg), Zn (5.30±0.17 mg/kg), Cu (4.17±0.06 mg/kg), Ni (13.52±0.01 mg/kg) and Co (40.66±0.00) (mg/kg) for site A; while site B has Pb (0.15±0.03 mg/kg), Cd (0.107±0.06 mg/kg), Cr (0.167±0.03 mg/kg), As (1.83±0.02 mg/kg), Zn (0.063±0.02 mg/kg), Cu (0.079±0.04 mg/kg), Ni (0.113±0.01 mg/kg) and Co (0.082±0.05 mg/kg). The mean concentration values of heavy metals in cassava tuber were higher than the control mean values. Plant Concentration Factor was also calculated from the studies. Result also showed higher mean concentration values of BTEX and PAHs for cassava plant (tuber, stem and leaves) when compared with control values and WHO permissible limits for plants. The overall result indicates the contamination and pollution of cassava plant from both studied sites due to illegal petroleum crude oil refining activities.
... Studies conducted by health workers in Melut and Koch reveal a positive association between these health problems and elevated pollution levels from the oil industry [9]. According to study in 2014, high percent of the women in the oil-producing regions gave birth to children who had birth defects, Additional study conducted in the US state of Colorado found a link between the prevalence of congenital heart defects and nearby to oil and gas fields [10]. ...
Article
Full-text available
Although the detrimental effects of crude oil on many types of plants and animals have been broadly studied, not enough research has been done on how exposure to oil affects human health. In the present work, we tried to inspect their effect on the liver and kidney functions of the Al-Ahdab field workers as well as the local population living close to the oil drilling sites (Fadak city). A randomly selected 150 subjects they don’t suffer from chronic diseases (50 subjects from workeres of Al-Ahdab field They have been working in the field for more than ten years and 50 subjects from Fadak city they don’t work in the Al-Ahdab field and 50 subjects from Al- kut city far from the Al-Ahdab field also they don’t work in the Al-Ahdab field as control) aged higher than 40 years were taken under consideration. The level of urea, creatinine, bilirubin, aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase enzymes in serum were evaluated by spectrophotometer. Where it was found that the levels of urea, creatinine, liver enzymes, and bilirubin were higher among the Al-Ahdab field workers than the control. We also found that the residents of Fadak City, which is very close to the Al-Ahdab field oil extraction, were also high compared to the control but less than the Al-Ahdab field workers. The study reveals that long-term exposure to the pollutants produce from oil extraction may lead to harm effect to liver and kidney functions of workers in oil extraction field and populations living in polluted sites.
... This has heightened youth restiveness and apprehension on the importance of oil and gas in the region. Spilled oil reduces the soil's fertility, dead of plants, reduces and restricts permeability when hydrocarbons fill the soil pores expel water and air, degradable soil texture, infiltration, hydraulic conductivity, moisture content and density, which affect root and leaf development and plant growth and plant yield thereby affecting farm income, and by extension, the social and economic livelihoods of farming communities (Brian, 1977;Michael, 1978;Odugwu, 1987;Henry and Gary, 1996;Macdonal and Gilman, 2007;Abii and Nwosu, 2009 all cited in Simon and Jean, 2019). These have caused death and destruction of both biotic and abiotic components of the ecosystem, and have made the environment unproductive without commensurate alternative means of livelihood. ...
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il and gas extraction generates economic benefits, which leads to jubilation among the people of Kolmani. However, the lack of awareness regarding the detrimental environmental consequences of unsustainable oil and gas extraction renders this jubilation worthless. It is on this drawback that this review paper presents experiences of the environmentally unsustainable impact of oil and gas extractions pictorially, in order to build a sense of environmental safety, consciousness, and a desire for a sustainable environment. To achieve this, experiences of the Niger Delta expressed through militancy where militants attacked oil and gas installations, a response to the feelings of being exploited and demanded a share of the revenue, kidnapping, and hostage-taking, a tactic in getting the government to address their grievances, secure release of detained members and for ransom, vandalization of oil and gas installations a consistent strategy used to command government attention, oil bunkering an illegally siphoning oil from the pipelines, loss of livelihood sources affecting the social and economic lives of the people, the degraded environment which posed health risks and reduced biodiversity, and water pollution which contaminate the drinking water and harmed the aquatic life were reviewed and presented pictorially. It is therefore concluded that environmental safety and sustainability are essential for present and future generations and recommend ways to protect the environment from oil and gas activities, such as community awareness, conflict resolution, regulatory enforcement, and environmental impact assessment.
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: This paper assesses the impact of oil exploitation on children in Imbolo Mbue’s How Beautiful We Were. Using ecocriticism and psychoanalytic criticism, it aims to show that children are the first and most victimized among the people suffering from physical and psychological consequences of environment degradation. As a result, Mbue’s novel is part of eco-literature foregrounding the pertinent issue of the sustainable development. Her literary creativity is undoubtedly a call for considering the grim effects of environmental pollution on children as a crime. She strongly rouses the “green consciousness” of oil corporations and governments so as to participate to the environmental safety, a way to enable children to grow without worry.
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The global use of petroleum hydrocarbon for domestic and industrial purposes has necessitated the occurrence of the contamination of the living and non-living components of the environment. This study investigated the influence of water insoluble fractions of crude oil on physicochemical properties and microbes of soil obtained from a tertiary institution in Benin City, Nigeria using standard procedures. The result for soil physicochemical properties showed a significant increase (p ≤ 0.05) in total hydrocarbon, nitrate, phosphate and sodium ion, however nitrate ion decreased in day 28 and 42. Soil pH, electrical conductivity, calcium, potassium and magnesium ion concentration significantly decreased, although with very minute variations. Soil bacteria and fungi count also decreased significantly (p ≤ 0.05), with some variation in fungi count (p ≤ 0.05). The result suggest that treatment with water insoluble fraction of crude oil induced changes in the soil physicochemical and microbial component, which infers alterations in soil structure and component. This could negatively affect plant cultivation and growth, as well as animals and human that consume contaminated plants. Oil contamination should therefore be avoided or properly managed to prevent its detrimental effect on the non-ling and living soil component.
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Frequent oil spills in the Niger Delta have severely influenced the environment in oil production and transportation areas. Vegetation degradation is one of the remarkable results of oil spills in the region. Hence, GIS was used to build an Oil Spill Risk Assessment Model for Vegetation (OSRAMV) in the southern part of the Rivers state, mainly in the Bonny district to define areas under high levels of oil spill hazard and vegetation areas under high oil spill risk. Oil Spill Hazard Model (OSHM) was examined to ensure its accuracy by recorded oil spill impacted areas; 71.6% of impacted areas pixels were in severe hazard areas. Whereas none of impacted areas were located in very low, or low oil spill hazard areas. The final OSRAMV showed that 66.5% of the examined oil spill sites were located in high risk areas.
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Birth defects are a leading cause of neonatal mortality. Natural gas development (NGD) emits several potential teratogens and US production is expanding. We examined associations between maternal residential proximity to NGD and birth outcomes in a retrospective cohort study of 124,842 births between 1996 and 2009 in rural Colorado. We calculated inverse distance weighted natural gas well counts within a 10-mile radius of maternal residence to estimate maternal exposure to NGD. Logistic regression, adjusted for maternal and infant covariates, was used to estimate associations with exposure tertiles for congenital heart defects (CHDs), neural tube defects (NTDs), oral clefts, preterm birth, and term low birth weight. The Association with term birth weight was investigated using multiple linear regression. Prevalence of CHDs increased with exposure tertile, with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.3 for the highest tertile (95% CI: 1.2, 1.5) and NTD prevalence was associated with the highest tertile of exposure (OR = 2.0, 95% CI: 1.0, 3.9, based on 59 cases), compared to no gas wells within a 10-mile radius. Exposure was negatively associated with preterm birth and positively associated with fetal growth, though the magnitude of association was small. No association was found between exposure and oral clefts. In this large cohort, we observed an association between density and proximity of natural gas wells within a 10-mile radius of maternal residence and prevalence of CHDs and possibly NTDs. Greater specificity in exposure estimates are needed to further explore these associations.
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Petroleum exploration and production in the Nigeria’s Niger Delta region and export of oil and gas resources by the petroleum sector has substantially improved the nation’s economy over the past five decades. However, activities associated with petroleum exploration, development and production operations have local detrimental and significant impacts on the atmosphere, soils and sediments, surface and groundwater, marine environment and terrestrial ecosystems in the Niger Delta. Discharges of petroleum hydrocarbon and petroleum–derived waste streams have caused environmental pollution, adverse human health effects, socio–economic problems and degradation of host communities in the 9 oil–producing states in the Niger Delta region. Many approaches have been developed for the management of environmental impacts of petroleum production–related activities and several environmental laws have been institutionalized to regulate the Nigerian petroleum industry. However, the existing statutory laws and regulations for environmental protection appear to be grossly inadequate and some of the multinational oil companies operating in the Niger Delta region have failed to adopt sustainable practices to prevent environmental pollution. This review examines the implications of multinational oil companies operations and further highlights some of the past and present environmental issues associated with petroleum exploitation and production in the Nigeria’s Niger Delta. Although effective understanding of petroleum production and associated environmental degradation is importance for developing management strategies, there is a need for more multidisciplinary approaches for sustainable risk mitigation and effective environmental protection of the oil–producing host communities in the Niger Delta.
Chapter
Although the main goal of biological drinking-water treatment is production of a biologically stable drinking water, biological processes can also remove organic micropollutants that are of a health concern or that cause tastes and odors. Micropollutants are usually removed as secondary substrates, which means that their oxidation does not provide sufficient electrons or energy to support biomass growth and maintenance. This article develops the biochemical fundamentals and quantitative tools for describing the secondary utilization of micropollutants in biofilm processes. It connects the removals of the secondary substrates to the main goal of treatment, removal of biodegradable organic matter. The article critically reviews the biochemical potential for degrading micropollutants commonly found in drinking-water supplies: petroleum hydrocarbons, chlorinated hydrocarbons, and taste-and-odor compounds.
Article
The effect of crude oil pollution of soil on the growth of plants and uptake of nutrients was investigated by growing corn (Zea mays L.) on a soil polluted by crude petroleum. The levels of the crude oil application varied from 0 to 10.6 percent by weight of soil. Three corn crops were raised in succession, each for a period of 6 weeks, in the same soil. The yeilds and plant contents of N, P, K, Ca, Fe, and Mn were determined. The soil was analyzed for organic C, total and available N, extractable P, and exchangeable K, Ca, Fe and Mn after each cropping. Germination and yields were drastically reduced as the level of pollution increased. At 4.2 percent crude oil pollution level, the average reductions were 50 percent and 92 percent in germination and yield, respectively. The amount of organic C, total N, and exchangeable K, Fe, and Mn increased in the soil with level of crude oil addition, while extractable P, NOâ-N, and exchangeable Ca were reduced. The poor growth was attributed to suffocation of the plants caused by exclusion of air by the oil or exhaustion of oxygen by increased microbial activity, interference with plant-soil-water relationships, and toxicity from sulfides and excess available Mn produced during the decomposition of the hydrocarbons.