ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF OIL SPILLS ON MARINE ECOSYSTEMS: A CASE STUDY OF THE NIGER-DELTA ENVIRONMENT.

Abstract

This work documented the effects of oil spills on the aquatic environment by analyzing changes in oil density, water chemistry and species abundance for 15 days in two locations in the Niger Delta. The main rationale was to assess the oil spill's environmental implications and determine the measures that should be implemented. Samples collected daily enabled measurements of the oil content, pH, and dissolved oxygen (DO) on the water surface. Key equipment included spectrophotometers for oil concentration analysis and multiparameter water quality tools for pH and DO measurements. Statistical tools such as regression analysis and ANOVA were employed to evaluate the data. Results indicate a significant decline in oil concentration at both sites. The results of Site A were reduced from 250 µg/L to 170 µg/L, having a regression slope of -5.33 µg/L per day (p < 0.01). Site B's concentration dropped from 320 µg/L to 250 µg/L, with a slope of -4.67 µg/L per day (p < 0.01). Water quality also deteriorated, with Site A’s pH dropping from 7.8 to 6.4 and DO from 8.5 mg/L to 7.1 mg/L. Site B exhibited similar trends, with pH decreasing from 7.9 to 6.5 and DO from 8.6 mg/L to 7.2 mg/L. The results of the ANOVA analysis indicated that the fish population significantly declined at both sites and to this extent, Site A lost eight kinds of fish while Site B lost only 10(p<0.01). Therefore, the study found that the oil spill adversely impacts water quality and the nature of various organisms. These discoveries would help in the current state of knowledge by quantifying the effects of oil spillage and proposing an improved approach to environmental management, which includes but is not limited to effectively mitigating the effects of oil spillage by increasing the monitoring of the effects and rendering timely remediation solutions, and engaging various stakeholders, enforcing strict measures and constantly monitoring the environment.