Niger Delta Region Of Nigeria Research Articles

Environmental Influence of Gas Flaring: Perspective from the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria

Environmental Influence of Gas Flaring: Perspective from the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria

Thermo‐economic analysis of gas‐to‐wire: A case for utilizing gas flaring in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria

AbstractThis work investigated the thermo‐economics of gas‐to‐wire as a gas flaring mitigation option in a selected gas production facility, in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria, which flares 294 thousand standard cubic feet of natural gas, daily. The thermodynamics and economics aspects of the gas‐to‐wire plant were modeled, and implemented in the Engineering Equation Solver software. The thermodynamics was carried out to ascertain the technical feasibility of the proposed plant, while the economics analysis was done to ensure its cost competitiveness. The findings suggested that 19.2 MW of electricity could be generated from the flare gases. This could be achieved at a life cycle cost of 19.24 billion naira, and a unit cost of energy of 13.47 naira per kWh. Parametric simulation of interest rate, excess combustion air, exit temperature of flue gases, and expansion ratio of gas turbine were also done. Furthermore, the proposed power plant could meet the electricity needs of not less than 60,000 households in Delta State where the gas production facility is located at 550 kWh electricity per capita. The study has shown that gas‐to‐wire is one of the viable approaches to tackle gas flaring activities in Nigeria, to meet both the energy demand of its people and to preserve the environment. Thus, it is recommended that the Federal Government of Nigeria should give gas‐to‐wire a priority in its gas flaring utilization agenda.

Molecular Characterization and Tolerance Potential of Culturable Crude Oil-Degrading Microbes in Santa-Barbara River, Bayelsa State, Nigeria

There has been chronic contamination of the surrounding aquatic and terrestrial environments in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria due to the enormous activities of crude oil exploration. This study aimed to characterize and assess the crude oil tolerance potential of indigenous microbes from crude oil spills in Santa Barbara River, Bayelsa State, Nigeria, that could serve as potential consortia for bioremediation of the crude oil spills. Total crude oil hydrocarbon-utilizing bacteria count (THUBC) and total crude oil hydrocarbon-utilizing fungi count (THUFC) in the samples were determined with a culture-dependent spread plate technique. Bacterial and fungal isolates were characterised using standard phenotypic and 16S/Internal Transcribed Spacer region rRNA gene sequencing techniques, respectively. The tolerance of autochthonous bacterial isolates to different concentrations of crude oil was subsequently determined. THUBC and THUFC in crude oil-polluted water samples ranged from 1.88 log10 CFU/ml to 2.74 log10 CFU/ml and from 0.00 log10 CFU/ml to 1.70 log10 CFU/ml, respectively. Representative strains of Proteus mirabilis, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Micrococcus luteus and Aspergillus flavus isolates obtained from crude oil-polluted water samples were deposited in the GenBank (NCBI) under accession numbers OQ969924, OQ969951, OQ969987, OQ970009 and OQ975908. Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Aspergillus flavus demonstrated the most significant tolerance to crude oil pollutants (minimum crude oil inhibitory concentrations (MIC) = 80%) followed by Bacillus subtilis and Micrococcus luteus (MIC= 40%). The findings from this study are pointers to the potential role of the microbial isolates as bioremediation consortia to remediate the polluted Santa Barbara River.

Biodegradation of bonny light crude oil by plasmid and non-plasmid borne soil bacterial strains using biostimulation and bioaugmentation techniques

A laboratory scale study was designed and conducted to assess the biodegradation of Bonny light crude oil by plasmid and non-plasmid borne soil bacterial strains using biostimulation and bioaugmentation techniques. The enrichment technique, turbidometric test, plasmid curing test, molecular identification method, biostimulation test, bioaugmentation test and gas chromatographic technique were carried out using standard analytical techniques. The physicochemical analysis result showed that the pH was slightly neutral, the organic carbon content was higher (2.32 to 4.34%), the conductivity was higher (0.41 to 0.44 μS/cm), and the water holding capacity was lower (0.27 percent and 10.11 kg, respectively). Based on their capacity to use crude oil, the results showed that 22 of the 60 isolated bacterial strains had higher pollutant degrading potentials (A600nm > 0.3).The identified potent hydrocarbon degraders includes: Bacillus spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa KAVK01 and Ochrobacterium E85b strains. The highest degradation efficiency of 91% was found in soil that had been contaminated with 3 % (v/w) crude oil, amended with inorganic salts, and inoculated with plasmid-borne mixed cultures. The result further indicated that the consortium of plasmid borne isolates enhanced the reduction of the crude oil from the initial concentration of 10,318 ppm to 501 ppm (95 %) whereas 64 % decontamination was facilitated by the consortium of plasmid cured isolates. The information gathered from this investigation may be useful in choosing bacterial species, particularly plasmid-borne ones that can be employed to biodegrade soil contaminated by crude oil in Nigeria's Niger Delta region as well as the sample collection locations.

Human security, sustainable livelihoods and development: the case of the Niger Delta region in Nigeria

This article critically examines the complex connections between human security and livelihoods in relation to development in the Niger Delta of Nigeria. This region is pervaded by a web of socio-economic and environmental issues that have severely impacted the lives of people and communities due to environmental degradation. For example, the exploration and exploitation of natural resources in this region has had extensive consequences on the livelihood activities of the people. Moreover, the Niger Delta has been affected by persistent social instabilities and a lack of access to some of the basic assets of security, including personal, health, economic and environmental security. While the concepts of livelihoods and environmental degradation are reasonably well understood in the context of the Niger Delta, the complex links between them in relation to human security remain unexplored. To examine how environmental degradation impacts livelihoods, this article explores the concept of human security, following a rights-based approach in line with the sustainable livelihood framework. Furthermore, it draws from semi-structured interviews conducted in the region on the lived experiences of community members, such as farmers and fishers, and their challenges in bridging generational crises in the context of environmental degradation. I argue that understanding the interconnectedness of security and livelihood issues in the context of such crises provides an innovative approach to considering both environmental and social factors in sustainable development, which is essential for the overall well-being of people in the region.

A reply to ‘Human security, sustainable livelihoods and development: the case of the Niger Delta region in Nigeria’ by Benita Ebindu Siloko

A reply to ‘Human security, sustainable livelihoods and development: the case of the Niger Delta region in Nigeria’ by Benita Ebindu Siloko

SERVICE RECOVERY AND NET PROMOTER SCORE IN THE TRANSPORTATION SECTOR OF NIGERIA

Customer satisfaction and loyalty stand as pivotal determinants of organizational success in the evolving sector of transportation. This study explores the intricate relationship between Service recovery effectiveness and Net Promoter Score (NPS) within the transportation sector, focusing on selected transport companies in Niger Delta region of Nigeria. Through a mixed-methods approach and a sample size of 400 participants, the research identifies key factors influencing customer satisfaction and loyalty in Service recovery scenarios. Findings reveal a significant positive correlation between perceived Service recovery effectiveness and NPS, aligning with the Service Recovery Paradox theory, a Negative NPS score was also observed, indicating improvement on key factors highlighted by factor analysis. This study contributes valuable insights into enhancing service delivery, fostering customer loyalty, and driving organizational growth within the transportation sector. Keywords: Service recovery, Net Promoter Score (NPS), Transportation sector, Customer satisfaction, Service quality.

Ambient Air Pollution and Chronic kidney disease risk in Deltan communities: A Policy Brief, 2023

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a persistent, devastating, yet neglected, non-communicable disease in developing and emerging countries. National, regional, and international agencies’ communications and reports on non-communicable diseases intentionally or non-intentionally do not feature CKD. The traditional risk factors for CKD, such as hypertension and diabetes, which have received relatively ample attention, do not sufficiently explain the high burden of CKD in these countries. Ambient air pollution is an emerging significant environmental risk factor for CKD; however, epidemiological data and evidence are lacking for susceptible populations in developing countries. The Niger Delta region of Nigeria is a petrochemical hub known for environmental degradation, including air pollution, and thus, serves as a good case study for investigating the association between air pollution and CKD. This brief is based on the results of a mixed-methods study conducted in four communities situated near an oil and gas refinery in Warri, Nigeria. Air pollutant concentrations measured in partnership with citizen scientists showed that all except one air pollutant (ozone) exceeded the WHO acceptable limits in all four communities. The overall prevalence of CKD was high (12.3%) but even higher (18%) in a socially deprived semi-urban community closest to the oil refinery. Hypertension, diabetes, other behavioral risk factors, and exposures associated with CKD were prevalent among the inhabitants of the four communities. However, public environmental health information and education are lacking. A multifaceted approach is required to mitigate air pollution and the associated health risks in the state. Public inclusion is strongly recommended for the planning and implementation of future interventions. Kidney disease prevention and treatment should be emphasized in health policies and insurance schemes.

Ecological Implications of Non-Standardized Crude Oil Refining Operation on Blue Carbon Resources in the Niger Delta

This study, through a review of existing literature, investigates the implications of non-standardized refineries on the mangrove ecosystem in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. The Niger Delta region is home to one of the largest blue carbon sinks and mangrove ecosystems in the world, providing important habitat for a diverse range of species and playing a crucial role in carbon sequestration. However, the presence of non-standardized refineries in the area has raised concerns about the potential environmental impacts on the delicate ecosystem. These refineries often operate without regulations or oversight, leading to pollution of waterways, destruction of habitat for various species, and disruption of the natural food chain. This study examines the specific ways in which these non-standardized refineries are affecting the mangrove ecosystem and explores potential solutions to mitigate their negative effects. Findings from this study show that non-standardized refineries in the region are significant sources of pollution, leading to mangrove destruction. The study revealed the environmental issues, risks, and ecological significance of mangroves in the Niger Delta. The study emphasized the urgent need for better regulation and enforcement to protect these important mangrove habitats from further destruction. Finally, the study concluded that protecting the mangroves of the Niger Delta is essential for the overall health of the region.

Assessing Tuberculosis and Risk Factors: Population Study in Rivers State, Nigeria's Niger Delta Region, Nigeria

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB), an infectious airborne bacterium primarily impacting the lungs and instigating a chronic inflammatory response, persists as an enduring menace. This study aims to evaluate the interplay between MTB infection and associated risk factors in Rivers State, Nigeria. The study involved 392 participants from three local government areas (LGAs): Eleme, Obio/Akpor, and PHALGA. Data collection involved a structured questionnaire covering socio-demographics variables and associated risk factors. A stratified random sampling method was employed. Statistical analysis, including descriptive statistics and Spearman's correlation coefficient, was performed using SPSS version 25. Correlation analysis of socio-demographic variables revealed no significant associations with MTB, as indicated by non-significant p-values of (p=0.27), (p=0.83), (p=0.42), (p=0.35), (p=0.49), (p=0.28) for age, sex, education, occupation, marital status and geographical area respectively. However, significant positive weak correlations emerged between MTB infection and cough (p=0.00), hepatitis (p=0.01), coughing blood (p=0.00), and fever (p=0.00). Conversely, family TB history (p=0.93), cough lasting 2 weeks (p=0.84), weight loss (p=0.19), contact with a person who has been coughing for 2 weeks (p=0.93), and alcohol consumption (p=0.55) did not show significant associations. While demographic characteristics alone may not be strong predictors of MTB infection, this study highlights the complex interplay between various risk factors Addressing these risk factors through targeted interventions and raising awareness can contribute to reducing the TB burden in Rivers State and the Niger Delta region.

Link between Oil Pollution and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria

Oil exploration in the Niger Delta has led to severe environmental pollution. This study investigates the association between exposure to crude oil and adverse pregnancy outcomes. 
 Study Design: This was a comparative cross-sectional study of the differences in adverse pregnancy outcomes of people living in heavily oil polluted and non-polluted communities
 Place and Duration of Study: Kegbara Dere (K-Dere), a rural Community in Ogoniland, Gokana Local Government Area, Rivers State and Obohia community in Ndoki kingdom, Ukwa East LGA of Abia state between June 2022 and Jan 2023.
 Methodology: We recruited 900 study participants (450 each from the crude oil impacted and the non-oil polluted communities) using multi-stage random sampling. Questionnaires were used to collect data on socio-demographics and adverse pregnancy history by case definitions using the adapted WHO indirect sisterhood method of maternal mortality estimate. Data was analyzed using IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. Differences in proportions were compared using Chi Square test. The association between living in an oil polluted community or exposure to crude oil pollutants and adverse pregnancy outcomes was determined using crude odds ratio. Confidence intervals were determined at 95% level and a p-value of less than 0.05 was considered significant.
 Results: Pregnant women in the polluted community experienced a significantly higher prevalence of adverse outcomes, including stillbirth, abortion, and birth defects. The risk of experiencing an adverse pregnancy outcome was 30 times higher in the polluted area.
 Conclusion: This study suggests a strong link between oil pollution and pregnancy complications. Further research with robust designs is needed to confirm causality. Environmental cleanup and protective measures for pregnant women are crucial in these areas.

An Appraisal of the Social- Legal Dynamics of Conflicts in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria

The peculiar position and significance of the Niger Delta region to the economic and political stability of Nigeria is self-evident. As the region with the largest deposit of crude oil and gas which is the mainstay of the economy, the Niger Delta necessarily occupies a central place in the economic destiny of the country. It is pedestrian that the exploration and exploitation of crude oil is now a common phenomenon in the area and the presence of numerous oil locations and gas flare points all over the region is a clear confirmation of the prevalence of oil related activities in the Niger Delta. This paper examines the various types and causes of conflicts pervading the Niger Delta Region till date and notes that unless there is equitable distribution of the proceeds of the petroleum sector and a buy-in of the relevant stakeholders, the drivers of the conflict ravaging the region will continue to thrive.

Comparative Physiognomies of Crude Oil and Petroleum Products from Kwale in Delta State, Nembe, and Kula in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria

This paper investigated selected physiognomies of crude oil and petroleum products collected from Kali in Delta State, Kula in Rivers State, and Nembe in Bayelsa State in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria using the standard procedure of the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). The result shows that the crude oils were different in terms of API gravity and specific gravity. API gravity of 52.17, 46.31, and 45.38 for Kwale, Kula, and Nembe respectively. This shows that they are not heavy crude oil. The low water content and low viscosity of the crude oils lower the risk of pipe and container corrosion and flow difficulty. The result of density, specific gravity, viscosity, and kinematic viscosity shows the value of those parameters increase from light fraction to heavy fraction. The pour point and flash point recorded for light fractions were lowered than that of heavy fractions, for the three samples of crude oil. The flash point is 61.30 C, -340 C, and -310 C while the pour point is 9 0 C, 20 C, and 6 0 C respectively for Kwale, Kula, and Nembe. The level of heavy metal analyzed was generally low but metals such as nickel and vanadium and other elements such as Nitrogen, Oxygen, and Sulphur were in abundance in the samples of the crude oil. The results are discussed in terms of importance and implication.

Rainfall Frequency Analysis of Some Cities in Niger Delta Region of Nigeria

Rainfall frequency analyses for four cities namely Benin City, Port Harcourt, Calabar and Uyo in Nigeria's Niger Delta area were carried out utilizing daily rainfall data from the yearly maxima series for 48 years (1965 – 2012) at each location. The study's goal was to identify the probability distribution model that fit the data the best and applicable to each location from among six candidate probability distribution models namely: Pearson Type III (PIII), log Normal (LN), log Pearson Type III, Generalized Extreme value (GEV), Extreme value type I (EVI), and Generalized Pareto (GPA). The method of moments (MOM) was used to estimate the distributions' parameters applying the outcomes of seven goodness of fit tests, the most optimal fit distribution model was chosen for each site namely Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE), Relative Root Mean Square Error (RRMSE), Maximum Absolute Derivation Index (MADI), Chi–Square etc. The best distribution model at each location was utilized to predict rainfall of desired return periods. Based on our findings, PIII for Benin City, GEV for Port Harcourt, GEV for Calabar and EVI and LN for Uyo are the distribution models that suit the data the best., The Best Fit Probability Distribution Model predicted rainfall return values (RT) at 200 years return period ranging from192.92mm at Uyo, 185mm at Port Harcourt; 218mm for Benin City; and 245 mm at Calabar.. The study's findings are helpful in the planning, designing, and maintaining of hydraulic structures for preventing flood damage and mitigating floods at the locations

Evaluation of the degrading potentials of plasmid and non–plasmid borne soil bacterial strains on bonny light crude oil

This study was undertaken to evaluate the degrading potentials of plasmid and non–plasmid borne soil bacterial strains on Bonny light crude oil. Enrichment technique, turbidometric test, plasmid curing test as well as gas chromatographic flame ionization detection technique was adopted for isolating and evaluating the oil degrading capabilities of the selected bacterial strains. The preliminary physicochemical results revealed that pH was recorded slightly neutral, higher conductivity (0.41 to 0.44 μS/cm), higher organic carbon (2.32 to 4.34 %) but lower nitrogen and phosphorus contents (0.27 % and 10.11 kg) as well as lower water holding capacity was noted, respectively. The results indicated that 22 out of the 60 isolated bacterial strains had high crude oil degrading potentials (A600nm > 0.3). The result further indicated that bacterial strains belong to various species which are Bacillus cereus C12, Pseudomonas aeruginosa KAVK01, Bacillus licheniformis 126, Ochrobacterium intermedium E85b, Bacillus subtillis SDDlas, Bacillus subtillis LK4.5, Enterobacter cloacae GEBRI III and Bacillus cereus So24. Plasmid borne P. aeruginosa strain KAVK01 was the best degrader with 88 % remediation efficiency within the period while the plasmid cured P. aeruginosa strain KAVK01 had 65 % degradation with the order of n – alkane hydrocarbon degradation: (n-C8 - n-C17) > (n-C18 - n-C25) > (n-C26 - n-C32). The data obtained from the current study could help in the selection of bacterial species, most especially plasmid borne bacteria that can be employed in the restoration of oil contaminated soil ecosystem in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria.

Heavy metal content and health risk assessment at Akri waste dumpsite, Niger Delta Region of Nigeria

Heavy metal content and health risk assessment at Akri waste dumpsite, Niger Delta Region of Nigeria

Assessment of Metal Concentration and Bioaccumulation Factor in Surface Water and Fishes Sampled From Four Creeks in the Bonny River Estuary, Niger Delta Region of Nigeria

The indiscriminate disposal of industrial and urban waste has added to the concerns of global water pollution. Anthropogenic activities and activities of oil companies (oil spills) have also contributed to the pollution of the aquatic ecosystem in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. This study was therefore designed to evaluate the concentration of Iron, Nickel, Lead, Cadmium and Chromium in our surface waters and our marine life. Samples of surface water were collected into 50 cl sterile plastic bottles and labelled accordingly. Twenty medium-sized tilapia fishes from about a one-kilometre radius of each site were caught and also labelled accordingly. Water and fishes from each site were then kept in a cooler, iced and immediately transported to the laboratories for analysis for heavy metals after these fishes were homogenised using a blender. Atomic absorption spectrophotometer was used for the metal analysis. Standards were prepared using tracecert of each of the above-mentioned metals. The results of these study sites (Akpajo, Okujagu, Woji and Elelenwo) had high concentrations of metals. Fishes from all these sites also had high concentration of these metals. The trend of metal concentration in the surface water as follows: Okujagu–Pb>Cr> Cd>Fe = Ni, Akpajo–Cd>Fe>Pb>Cr>Ni, Elelenwo–Pb>Cr>Fe>Cd>Ni, Woji–Cr>Cd>Pb>Fe>Ni. Results obtained also revealed the trend of metal concentration in fish muscles as follows: Okujagu–Pb>Cr> Cd>Fe = Ni, Akpajo– Cd>Fe>Pb>Cr>Ni, Elelenwo–Pb>Cr>Fe>Cd>Ni and Woji–Cr>Cd>Pb>Fe>Ni. Fishes and surface water sampled from these four creeks in the Bonny estuary in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria had high concentrations of iron, nickel, cadmium, chromium and lead in relation to their concentration in surface water. The results of this study revealed that metal concentration in surface water had some relative effect on their concentration in the fishes. This, therefore, means consumption of these fishes may lead to the accumulation of these metals in man to a toxic concentration. This may be one of the reasons for the increase in some heavy metal-related health issues (diabetes, renal diseases) in this region.

Terrestrial environmental sensitivity index mapping (TESIM) of the coastal areas of the Niger Delta region of Nigeria

It can be argued that despite years of research, the true impacts of oil spill pollution on the environment and human sources of livelihoods are yet to be completely understood. Tools such as environmental sensitivity index (ESI) mapping can provide useful information that can significantly mitigate or help eliminate the known impacts of crude oil pollution, by proactively identifying environmentally sensitive areas. This study adapted the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and geographic information systems (GIS) based multiple criteria analysis (MCA) approach in the objective determination of sensitive sections of the NDR coastal areas, by combining several competing and or related evaluation criteria. The AHP was used to determine and assign relative weights to the data layers through a pairwise comparison evaluation matrix of mutually exclusive evaluation criteria using the Delphi technique, while the MCA was used to aggregate the evaluation criteria into a single map. The results of the MCA analysis show that over 57 % of the study area is sensitive to oil spill pollution in one form or the other. 68 % of the identified sensitive areas are classified as extremely environmentally sensitive with 11,752.14km2, while 7.1 % are classified as less sensitive. This relative classification of environmental sensitivity in the study area is termed the Niger Delta Relative Environmental Sensitivity Index (NDRESI). The implication of these results is that more has to be done if the very sensitive environment of the NDR is to be conserved by tougher environmental legislations, environmental monitoring and environmental education.

Crude Oil Contaminated River Fishes arising from the Activities of Illegal Petroleum Refining in Oshika and Egbalor Communities in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria

Crude Oil Contaminated River Fishes arising from the Activities of Illegal Petroleum Refining in Oshika and Egbalor Communities in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria

Prevalence and risk factors of hypertension and diabetes mellitus in riverine communities in Nigeria’s Niger delta: implications for community-based interventions

Background: The global burden of non-communicable diseases is enormous, especially in low- and middle-income countries. This study assessed the prevalence of hypertension and diabetes mellitus and associated factors among adult residents of riverine communities in Niger delta region of Nigeria. Methods: A community-based descriptive cross-sectional study. Adults aged 18 years and above residing in riverine communities who attended a free medical outreach programme were screened for hypertension and diabetes mellitus. Anthropometry and measurements were done using standard methods. Data was analysed using SPSS version 26. Results: Of the 1597 participants, 1066 (66.6%) were females, 470 (29.4%) overweight and 356 (22.3%) were obese. Their mean age was 41.0±14.5 years. The prevalence of hypertension diabetes mellitus and hypercholesterolemia was 37.6%, 3.9% and 65.6% respectively. Significant predictors of hypertension were age ≥40 years (OR =3.86, CI: 2.59-5.75, p<0.001), male sex (OR=1.78, CI: 1.19-2.65, p=0.005), overweight (OR=1.92, CI: 1.19-3.11, p=0.008) and obesity (OR=1.73, CI: 1.05-2.85, p=0.032). No statistically significant association between demographic characteristics and diabetes mellitus was observed. Conclusions: The high prevalence of hypertension and diabetes mellitus in the riverine communities calls for an urgent need to set up community based noncommunicable diseases prevention programmes and then develop and implement effective targeted interventions to help residents of the riverine communities diagnosed with these conditions to better manage the disease.