Utility of Microwave and Optical Remote Sensing in Oil Spill Detection in the Mangrove Region of Nigeria

Abstract

The mangrove interfaces between land and sea and provides appropriate ecosystem and habitat and breeding ground for fishes and sea animals. However, it is also a fragile ecosystem which is exposed to environmental degradation due to oil exploration activities. Concern for mangrove environment demands that mapping of the mangrove environment should be carried out so as to know its current status. Conventional method is inadequate to achieve this due to the difficult terrain of the region. This research aims at detecting and mapping the presence of oil spill on water and land in the mangroves using microwave and optical remote sensing. The result proves that optical remote sensing has the potentials for detecting oil spill on the waterway. It also has the capability to detect oil spill on ground using the effects of oil on vegetation as proxy. The study is concluded by recommending further research work on radar as it could not discriminate between the backscatter of oil on land and that of soil with high water content.