Oil Producing Areas Of Nigeria Research Articles

Seasonal and Tidal variations of DO, BOD, and Nutrients in Major Rivers within Eastern Niger Delta, Nigeria

River channels within the Oil producing Area of Nigeria are highly impacted by the activities of the Oil Companies. This work examined the Dissolved oxygen (DO), Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), Nitrate (NO3-), Phosphate (PO43-), and sulphate (SO42-) in Calabar, Cross River, Imo, Great Kwa, and Qua-Iboe Rivers using standard procedures. Results showed that, DO, BOD, NO3-, and SO42- were within their limits by NESREA whereas, PO43- was higher than the limit. Mean levels of NO3-, PO43-, and SO42- were higher during the dry season and low tidal regime while DO and BOD showed higher levels in wet season and high tidal regime. Results also indicated that, DO belong to the slightly polluted class, BOD, NO3-, and SO42- belong to the non-polluted class whereas, PO43- varied between moderately polluted and the severely polluted classes in the studied aquatic channels. Generally, the relationships among the parameters varied from one parameter to the other. Principal component analysis (PCA) identified mainly the anthropogenic factor and moderately the natural factor as being responsible for the levels of the parameters assessed in the studied rivers. Hierarchical clusters analysis (HCA) recorded common associations and sources for the DO and BOD, PO43- and SO42- while NO3- had a separate and personal cluster. The study revealed the existing relationships among the studied parameters and their related impact on the health of the aquatic ecosystems investigated.

Physico-Chemical Properties of Wetland Soils Affected by Crude Oil Spillage in Niger Delta Area, Nigeria

Loss of soil fertility through loss of soil organic matter, leaching of nutrients, loss of the nutrient-laden topsoil, changes in soil-pH, reduction in cation exchange capacity, salinization, water logging and other forms of soil degradation are major problems associated with agricultural productivity in the oil producing areas of Nigeria. This analysis investigated some selected physico-chemical properties of wetland soils affected by crude oil spillage in Bodo city in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. Field reconnaissance survey using a handheld Geographic Positioning system (GPS) and survey technique involving random sampling, was used in siting soil profile pits. The unpolluted samples were collected 50 meters away from the polluted site but in the same geographic region and was used as control site. Soil samples were collected based on degree of horizon differentiation and analyzed using routine and special analytical techniques. Soil data were subjected to analysis of variance using Genstat program. Result shows that soil physical properties of the polluted site: moisture content, soil bulk density, and soil texture were highly significant (p=0.01 and 0.05) when compared to the unpolluted site while some chemical soil properties analysed especially soil pH, organic matter, carbon-nitrogen ratio, available phosphorus were affected by crude oil spillage. Results from this study affirm that crude oil can have detrimental effect on soil physico-chemical properties, which implies low soil fertility and thereby affect crop production and increase food insecurity within the study site. Further studies involving more edaphic properties, biotoxic metals and their bioaccessibility in crops growing on waterside affected by crude oil spill will surely enhance knowledge and management of the these highly industrially influenced soils. Also, international and national oil and gas companies should carry out their activities with international best practice.

Ownership of Oil and Gas in Nigeria: A Need for Paradigm Shift?

Nigeria is one of the African’s largest producers of crude oil. The current capacity of oil production stands between 250-300 million barrels per day. Unfortunately, the country has been and is being going through a lot of crisis especially in the oil producing areas of Nigeria, the reason being that the ownership of oil being in the hands of the state (Federal Government of Nigeria) right from the colonial era to date has brought a lot of dissatisfaction, ill or mistreatment, neglect and under development among the people where the oil is produced. There are various legislations in Nigeria including the present 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which confer the ownership and control of oil and gas in the Federal Government of Nigeria. This research is therefore, to examine these extant laws that confer ownership in the Federal Government and see if there are problems vis-a-vis the various agitations by the indigenes of the oil producing areas and see if there will be a need for paradigm shift in the ownership. This will be done by looking at other jurisdictions where oil is produced and if possible to suggest the best practice rule for Nigeria for a peaceful environment in the oil producing areas of Nigeria.

ECONOMETRICS OF ENVIRONMENTAL VALUATION: THE BAYESIAN INFERENCES ON WILLINGNESS TO PAY ESTIMATIONS

This study applied the Bayesian approach to estimate people’s willingness to pay (WTP) for mitigation of environmental hazards in oil producing areas in Nigeria. The Bayesian approach enabled estimation of the mixed logit model employing the normal and log-normal distributions of WTP parameters. The model estimate indicating a negative WTP values for the status quo (STAQUO) attribute suggests that people in oil producing areas in Nigeria do not like the current welfare situation and environmental condition which are characterised by environmental problems, affecting adequate use of resources and ecosystem services. The results also show a comparatively higher WTP for food safety (FOODSAF), poverty rate (POVERTY) and unemployment rate (UNEMP) respectively, suggesting people’s desire for mitigation of undesirable livelihood (welfare) impacts of resource exploitation. On the other hand, the results also indicate positive WTP coefficients for land and water pollution from oil spills (SPILL), gas flaring (GFLARE) and land occupied by oil and gas pipelines (LOCC), suggesting that majority of the people are in support of mitigation strategies or policy change that would ensure significant reduction in environmental pollution, gas flaring, and land-take by oil and gas companies. Oil and gas companies are encouraged to ensure mitigation of environmental and livelihood impacts of the crude oil and gas extraction, including reduction in gas flaring, based on environmental laws and global best drilling practices. The study further recommends application of the willingness to pay approach as an important strategy for assessing the values of environmental resources and the impact of resource use.

“Oil Injustice” in Nigeria’s Niger Delta Region: A Call for Responsive Governance

The injustice and chaos in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria resulting from the manner in which the oil industry is being run and regulated have since captured the attention of the world. Importantly, the 2011 UNEP Report on the Environmental Assessment of Ogoniland (a Niger Delta community) which revealed shocking levels of ecological degradation has helped to keep the issue on the front burners of international discussion. In this light, this article explores the nature of injustice in the oil producing areas of Nigeria; it assesses the regulatory mechanisms that have been set up to prevent and reverse the injustice in the region; and based on the inadequacies of the present system, it makes recommendations as to how the mechanisms might be better strengthened, and governance executed, all in a manner that is more responsive to the plight of the affected people.

Radiological hazard assessment of natural radionuclides in soils of some oil-producing areas in Nigeria

ABSTRACTThe activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K were measured in soil core samples collected from eight locations with untapped crude oil deposits and two oil fields where crude oil exploration is ongoing in Nigeria. Measurement was carried out using a high-purity germanium (HPGe) detector. The radiological hazard to humans due to the radiation emitted from natural radionuclides in soils collected from the areas studied was assessed. In areas with untapped crude oil deposits, the average values of the absorbed dose rate (D), annual effective dose equivalent (AEDE), radium equivalent activity (Raeq), annual gonadal dose equivalent (AGED), external hazard index (Hex), internal hazard index (Hin), representative gamma index (Iγ), and excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) were 11.40 nGy h−1, 13.98 µSv y−1, 23.39 Bq kg−1, 82.41 mSv y−1, 0.063, 0.076, 0.183, and 0.049 respectively. In areas where crude oil exploration is ongoing, the average values of D, AEDE, Raeq, AGED, Hex, Hin, Iγ, and ELCR were 29.42 nGy h−1, 59.53 µSv y−1, 59.60 Bq kg−1, 206.69 mSv y−1, 0.162, 0.203, 0.455, and 0.209, respectively for workers who spend up to 8 hours per day at the oil fields. For workers who spend 10 hours per day at the oil fields, the average values of the AEDE and ECLR were 75.76 µSv y−1 and 0.266, respectively. Although all the calculated radiation hazard indices are lower than the permissible limits set by ICRP, the values are higher in areas where crude oil exploration is ongoing than areas with untapped crude oil deposits. This shows that oil and gas exploration activities have impacted negatively on the radiological status of the environment of the study area.

Heavy Metals and Proximate Composition of Forest Leafy Vegetables in Oil Producing Area of Nigeria

This work investigated heavy metals content of Forest Leafy Vegetables (FLVs) consumed in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Fresh samples of eight commonly consumed FLV species were obtained from two major markets in Port Harcourt. FLVs were dried, digested and analysed with flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) for heavy metals. Proximate analysis of FLVs was carried out using standard method of AOAC. Concentrations of Iron (Fe) ranged from 4.69ppm (Heinsia crinata) - 8.97ppm (Gongronema latifolia), Manganese was highest in Liasanthera africana (6.03ppm) and lowest in O.gratissimum (0.45ppm) while Magnesium levels ranged from 0.609 – 1.630ppm. P.guineense accumulate highest Pb (1.004ppm) compared to Ocimum basilicum Pb (0.380ppm). Copper was highest in H.crinata (1.165ppm) and lowest in O.gratissimum (0.218ppm). O. gratissimum had lowest Cadmium (0.022ppm), Arsenic (0.003ppm), Mercury (0.002ppm) and Zinc (0.044ppm). P.guineense contains highest concentration of Chromium (3.792ppm) while H. crinata possess the lowest (0.409ppm). Nickel was highest in O.bassilicum (0.665ppm) and least in G.latifolia (0.388ppm). FLVs were rich in crude protein, fat and crude fibre. O.bassilicum (21.00%) was the richest in crude protein while H.crinata has the lowest level (11.55%). Crude fibre content of the FLVs range from 11.0% to 14.0% while fat content varied between 2.4% for O. bassilicum and 4.0% for H. crinata. FLVs sourced from natural forests in crude oil exploration areas in Nigeria is safe for consumption, since heavy metals of FLVs samples were less than maximum limits recommended by FAO/WHO. Proximate analyses showed that the FLVs possess useful nutritional contents required for healthy growth. Key Words: Forest leafy vegetables, Heavy metals, Proximate composition, Nigeria

Germination of Seeds of Selected Leguminous Tree Species Moistened with Varying Concentrations of Crude Oil-Contaminated Soil Water Extracts

The study investigates the germination of selected leguminous tree species (LTS) native to the forest ecosystem and oil producing areas of Nigeria. Germination experiments of 250 seeds from each of the selected members of the Fabaceae family: Bauhinia monandra (Kurz), Delonix regia (Boj. ex Hook.) Raf. and Tetrapleura tetraptera (Schum. & Thonn.) Taubert were conducted in petri dishes double-layered with Whatman No. 1 filter papers for 10 days and moistened with varying concentrations of crude oil contaminated soil water extracts (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 ml), with a view to determining the ability of these plants to germinate and establish in soil polluted with crude oil. The mean percentage germination of each tree species was thus determined. All the LTS germinated, but germination was concentration dependent, as percentage germination decreased with increased oil concentrations. Evaluation of the initial growth responses and tolerances of these LTS in oil-polluted soil may provide useful information about the potential of these plant species for phytoremediation.

Effect of Geology on Soil Radioactivity and Risks to Humans Based on Data from Several Towns in Nigeria

Gamma ray spectrometric technique has been used to determine activity concentrations of some primordial radionuclides in the naturally occurring uranium, actinium and thorium series and of non-series 40K in soil samples collected from five major towns in Oyo State, Southwestern Nigeria. Activity concentration determination was done using a high purity germanium (HPGe) detector. It ranged from 85.83 ± 4.04 Bq kg−1 to 1,850.60 ± 36.83 Bq kg−1 for 40K; 5.23 ± 0.34 Bq kg−1 to 198.31 ± 4.10 Bq kg−1 for 208Tl (indicator for 232Th) and 7.82 ± 0.42 Bq kg−1 to 64.65 ± 2.00 Bq kg−1 for 214Bi (indicator for 238U). The outdoor absorbed dose rate in air due to each of the primordial radionuclides was calculated from the mean values of the activity concentration in each sample. Values ranged from 3.60 ± 0.17 nGy h−1 to 77.73 ± 1.55 nGy h−1 for 40K, 3.48 ± 0.23 nGy h−1 to 132.07 ± 2.73 nGy h−1 for 208Tl and 3.35 ± 0.21 nGy h−1 to 27.73 ± 0.86 nGy h−1 for 214Bi. The absorbed dose rate in air was the highest for rocky areas, while the lowest value came from non-rocky, non-industrialized areas. The estimated annual outdoor effective dose equivalents for the two rocky areas were 385.76 μSv y−1 and 221.28 μSv y−1. The estimated annual outdoor effective dose equivalents for the two industrialized areas were 64.05 μSv y−1 and 47.65 μSv y−1. The value for non-rocky, non-industrialized areas was 19.19 μSv y−1. The average value for the study area was 147.59 μSv y−1. The estimated collective effective dose equivalent for the area was 9.77 × 102 man-Sv y−1. The expected number of people in the study area at risk of incurring cancer per year as a result of radioactivity in the soil was estimated to be 11; this value represents approximately 7% of the estimated 160 people for 18 Nigerian cities, approximately 69% of 16 people estimated for oil producing areas of Nigeria and less than the United States Environmental Protection Agency regulatory limit of 1 cancer case to 10,000 people. Also, this result shows that local variability of natural radionuclides in soil depends on local geology of the area. The incidence number was 2.4 people per million.

Sustainable Development and Gas Flaring Activities: a Case Study of Ebedei Area of Ukwuani LGA, Delta State, Nigeria

<b> </b><b> </b>The impact of gas flaring on the sustainable development was examined. The presence crude oil and natural gas is expected to serve as socio-economic driver of accelerated sustainable development of an area but the situation of oil producing areas of Nigeria is a far cry from the expected. Data was collected from eight (8) experimental sites around the gas flaring station including Obiaruku (control site), which has no gas-flaring station. Temperature and concentrations of air quality indices were determined. The temperature and air quality measurements in Ebedei were made, at least, 50 meters away from the bund wall of the flare. The data were analysed using the Multiple Regression and bivariate correlation. Results revealed that there is a significant relationship between ambient temperature and the gases (CO, NO<SUB>2</SUB>, SO<SUB>4</SUB> and CH<SUB>4</SUB>) flared in Ebedei at F value of 20.069 which is greater than the critical value of 9.12. An increase in flared gases results to a corresponding increase in temperature. Strong negative relationship exists between distance from the bund wall of the flare and temperature at r=0.855. Recommendations: (FEPA) should constantly monitor and evaluate the level of damages done by gas flaring to ensure compliance and sustainability of the environment.

Grain yield and yield components of maize (Zea mays L) as affected by crude oil in soil

A field experiment on the effect of crude oil levels: 0.0 (control), 5.2, 10.4, 20.8 and 41.6 ml applied at different stages of growth on maize yield and yield attributes, with a view to making appropriate recommendation to maize growers in the oil producing areas of the Niger Delta, was conducted in Ozoro, Delta State during the 2003 and 2004 cropping seasons. Seven maize varieties: Composite (suwan 1), Hybrid 3x-yx, AMATZER w, TZBRSYN w, AMATZBR y, TZBRSYN y and Ozoro local were evaluated. The current study has objective of evaluating the yield and yield components of seven varieties of maize grown in soil contaminated with crude oil with a view to identifying and selecting the tolerant ones and recommending the same to farmers in the Niger Delta region where oil industrial activities are predominant. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with five treatments replicated four times. Crude oil application (ring application) was carried out at three weeks after planting (3 WAP), 5 WAP and 7 WAP. Plants were harvested at 112 days after planting and assessed for grain yield, 1000-grain weight, cob girth and shelling percentage. The results showed that crude oil treatment significantly reduced (P > 0.05) grain yield, grain weight and cob girth but increased shelling percentage at P < 0.05. Significant differences at the 5% probably level in the responses of maize varieties to crude oils were also recorded at 5 and 7 WAP with Hybrid 3x-yx recording highest grain yield and weight whereas Ozoro local produced the highest cob girth and shelling percentage. Based on the results obtained from this investigation, Hybrid 3x-yx appeared to be susceptible to soils affected with crude oil as death was eminent at higher oil doses. The open pollinated varieties (AMATZER w, TZBRSYN w, AMATZBR y, TZBRSYN y) are better in terms of relative tolerance hence should be recommended to farmers and maize growers in the oil producing areas of Nigeria. There is therefore the need to test the open pollinated varieties on farmers’ field to determine their adaptability to oil pollution. Furthermore, the need for further studies to determine the level of pollution at which maize growth and yield are adversely affected cannot be overemphasized. The study established varietal differences with respect to maize response to crude oil level and this provides a basis for future breeding work by plant breeders.

Trace Metal Contents of Selected Seeds and Vegetables from Oil Producing Areas of Nigeria

The concentrations of accumulated trace metals in selected seeds and vegetables collected in the oil producing Rivers State of Nigeria were investigated. The values were compared with those of seeds and vegetables cultivated in Owerri, a less industrialized area in Nigeria. The lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) contents of the seeds obtained from Rivers State ranged between 0.10 and 0.23 microg/g dry weight, while those of the seeds cultivated in Owerri fell below the detection limit of 0.01 microg/g dry weight. The highest manganese (Mn) level (902 microg/g dry weight) was found in Irvingia garbonesis seeds cultivated in Rivers State. Similarly, the highest nickel (Ni) value (199 microg/g dry weight) was also obtained in I. garbonesis, however, in the seeds sampled in Owerri. The highest copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and iron (Fe) levels (16.8, 5.27, and 26.2 microg/g dry weight, resp.) were detected in seeds collected in Rivers State. With the exception of Talinum triangulae, Ocinum gratissimum, and Piper guineese, with Pb levels of 0.09, 0.10, and 0.11 microg/g dry weight, respectively, the Pb and Cd levels in the vegetables grown in Owerri fell below the detection limit of 0.01 microg/g dry weight. The trace metal with the highest levels in all the vegetables studied was Mn, followed by Fe. The highest concentrations of Ni and Cu occurred in vegetables collected from Rivers State, while the highest level of Zn was observed in Piper guineese collected in Owerri, with a value of 21.4 microg/g dry weight. Although the trace metal concentrations of the seeds and vegetables collected in Rivers State tended to be higher than those of the seeds and vegetables grown in Owerri, the average levels of trace metals obtained in this study fell far below the WHO specifications for metals in foods.

Grain yield and yield components of maize (Zea mays L.) as affected by crude oil in soil

A field experiment on the effect of crude oil levels: 0.0 (control), 5.2, 10.4, 20.8 and 41.6 ml applied at different stages of growth on maize yield and yield attributes, with a view to making appropriate recommendation to maize growers in the oil producing areas of the Niger Delta, was conducted in Ozoro, Delta State during the 2003 and 2004 cropping seasons. Seven maize varieties: Composite (suwan 1), Hybrid 3x-yx, AMATZER w, TZBRSYN w, AMATZBR y, TZBRSYN y and Ozoro local were evaluated. The current study has objective of evaluating the yield and yield components of seven varieties of maize grown in soil contaminated with crude oil with a view to identifying and selecting the tolerant ones and recommending the same to farmers in the Niger Delta region where oil industrial activities are predominant. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with five treatments replicated four times. Crude oil application (ring application) was carried out at three weeks after planting (3 WAP), 5 WAP and 7 WAP. Plants were harvested at 112 days after planting and assessed for grain yield, 1000-grain weight, cob girth and shelling percentage. The results showed that crude oil treatment significantly reduced (P > 0.05) grain yield, grain weight and cob girth but increased shelling percentage at P < 0.05. Significant differences at the 5% probably level in the responses of maize varieties to crude oils were also recorded at 5 and 7 WAP with Hybrid 3x-yx recording highest grain yield and weight whereas Ozoro local produced the highest cob girth and shelling percentage. Based on the results obtained from this investigation, Hybrid 3x-yx appeared to be susceptible to soils affected with crude oil as death was eminent at higher oil doses. The open pollinated varieties (AMATZER w, TZBRSYN w, AMATZBR y, TZBRSYN y) are better in terms of relative tolerance hence should be recommended to farmers and maize growers in the oil producing areas of Nigeria. There is therefore the need to test the open pollinated varieties on farmers’ field to determine their adaptability to oil pollution. Furthermore, the need for further studies to determine the level of pollution at which maize growth and yield are adversely affected cannot be overemphasized. The study established varietal differences with respect to maize response to crude oil level and this provides a basis for future breeding work by plant breeders. Key words: Crude oil, grain yield, yield components, Zea mays.

Predictive Model for Pollutant Dispersion from Gas Flaring: A Case Study of Oil Producing Area of Nigeria

Nigeria has recorded a long history of petroleum exploration, but gas flaring associated with this activity is contributing immensely to air pollution in the Niger-Delta area and beyond. Hence, this work is aimed at quantifying the extent of air pollution from gas flaring, i.e., CO2, CO, SO2, NO2, and THC. Volume of gas flare and conditions of flare as well as experimental data on concentration were collated. The dispersion model based on the principle of Gaussian distribution was developed. The simulated results of the dispersion model shows the dispersion pattern of pollutants from gas flaring, and the effect of changes in the volume of gas flared, stack efficiency, wind speed, and atmospheric stability on the concentrations of pollutants from gas flaring were investigated. It was observed that the simulated result is in good agreement with dispersion pattern and that continuous gas flaring irrespective of the quantity will, in the long run, lead to change in the quality of the physical atmosphere.

Presenting visual acuities in a referral eye center in an oil-producing area of Nigeria

Objectives:To determine the pattern of presenting visual acuities at an eye center in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria.Study Design:Retrospective chart reviewMethods:A retrospective review of patient records attending a private referral eye center providing services for company patients and the general public in the region. Information was obtained from computerized medical records of 6533 patients who attended the center for various eye concerns in a 5-year period (January 1998 to December 2002).Results:A total of 6533 patients were seen in this 5-year period of which 2472 (37.8%) were company patients and 4061 (62.2%). were private patients. There were 3879 males (59.4%) and 2654 females (40.6%). A visual acuity of 6/6 or better was seen in 50.8% of the patients. In 76.6% of patients, a visual acuity of 6/18 or better was recorded. There were 21.4% of patients in the low vision group. Bilateral blindness occurred in 2.1% of patients. Monocular blindness occurred in 3.7% of patients. Low vision occurred in 16.9% of company patients and 24.1% of private patients. Bilateral blindness occurred in 0.9% of company patients and 2.7% of private patients, while monocular blindness occurred in 1.2% of company patients and 5.2% of private patients. The main ocular problems were refractive error, glaucoma, conjunctivitis, headaches, ocular trauma, retina and related pathologies, cataract, uveitis, pterygium and corneal problems.Conclusion:The incidence of low vision and blindness is high in the oil-producing area of the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. Low vision and blindness were more common in private patients than in company patients.

Livelihood Diversification Strategies: Effects and a Pathway Out of Poverty - Case Study of Farming Households in Crude-Oil Producing Communities of Ondo State Nigeria

High incidence of poverty in the oil-producing areas in Nigeria has been adduced to the intervention of oil exploration of oil spills on agricultural land and incursion into freshwater, leading to depletion in crops and fishes output. This study assesses the effect of this intervention on the profitability of crop-farming and fishing enterprises, measures the level of livelihood diversifications and estimates the effect of livelihood diversifications to non-farm on net income. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected through purposive sampling on polluted and non-polluted areas identified through secondary sources. The result of the analysis indicated that the average gross margin from cropping enterprise in non-polluted is higher by N62,400.93. For fishing enterprise N33,265.56 difference were calculated in polluted over non-polluted areas The estimated farmer that made losses in farming activities in polluted areas is higher by 14.1% than in non-polluted areas. Diversifications to non-farm enterprises were higher in polluted areas by 15.22% in polluted than non-polluted areas. Income from diversification is significant to net income by 57.04% in polluted areas. Thus, suggests that diversification has positive effects on net income. Promoting the development of these identified non-farm enterprises can generate meaningful income and could offer a pathway out of poverty.

Sociological dimension in the handling habit and sanitary quality of hand-dug well water from oil-producing area of Nigeria

A previous report showed that the physical and sanitary quality of hand-dug wells from an oil-producing area of Nigeria was poor in spite of the presence of well protective features. The hypothesis that handling habits is associated with the well water quality was therefore, tested. A structured questionnaire with scales for measuring handling habits was administered to 60 female (>18 years) hand-dug well users/owners randomly selected from three towns in the oil-producing area. The respondents' wells were analysed for coliform bacteria. The findings showed that poor handling habits were the trend (habit score: Mean, 9.23 vs. 20 total available points). Handling habit indicated by scores, significantly negatively correlated (-0.89; P < 0.01) with coliform counts (indicator of poor sanitary quality). While the data collected and discussions with respondents indicated awareness of the risk of drinking well water, widespread skepticism of the potential hazards of non-drinking domestic uses (e.g., cooking, washing of plates, cups, cutleries etc.) was evident. Discontent with some aspects of science was indicated. It is concluded that there is need for social discourse and more public health campaign aimed at transforming skepticism to consent.

Physical and Sanitary Quality of Hand-Dug Well Water from Oil-Producing Area of Nigeria

The physical (pH, Dissolved Solids, Dissolved Oxygen, conductivity, water depth temperature) and bacteriological (Total coliforms, Faecal coliforms) characteristics of 22 hand-dug wells in oil-rich Niger Delta of Nigeria were investigated. All coliforms counts (Log(10) MPN/100 ml) varied from well to well ranging from 0 to 6.0 although faecal coliform counts were markedly lower (0-3.5 vs 1.0-6.0). When both seasons were compared, faecal coliform counts were significantly higher (t test; P < 0.05) during the wet season whereas no significant difference was observed in respect of total coliforms. Unlike the total coliforms, faecal coliform counts increased in wells close to septic tanks during the wet season. Although a declining trend was observed during the wet season, the values of the physical parameters were within WHO limits. The pH was slightly acidic (Mean +/- SD: dry season, 6.04 +/- 0.66; wet, 6.43 +/- 0.62) and may be attributed to emissions from gas flaring and petroleum refining activities, which is common in the area. While the total coliform counts reflected the unsanitary habits of the well users, the detection of faecal coliforms exceeding recommended numbers in 63% of the wells render them unfit for domestic use. The public health implication is obvious considering the increasing number of people using the wells due to the rapid urbanization of the oil-rich region.

Globalization and Environmental Conflict in Africa

This paper examines the relationship between the processes of globalisation, mineral/resource extraction in Africa, and the deepening of environmental conflict on the continent since the late 1970s, and especially with the onset of structural adjustment which imposed the hegemony of the free market on the African ecology. It is based on case study of the interface between global oil capital and the intensification of environmental conflict in Nigeria's oil-produci ng communi ties mainly located in the Niger Delta. Specifically, it examines the ways the social contradictions and scarcities of resources spawned by global conglomerates operating in the Nigerian oil industry, provoke conflict. The subordination of the rights of the populations of the oil producing areas in Nigeria by oil multinationals and their partner the state, in the quest for profit is thus critical, explosive element in the linkage between politics and the ecology. Environmental conflict in the Nigerian oil industry, particularly in the oil-rich region of the Niger Delta, is globalised in the sense of the presence of global actors in the local communities; the integration of the communities via oil production into the global economic system and the connections being forged by local social movements to the global human rights agenda; and international human and environmental rights groups in the fight against the state-global oil alliance. At another level, it reflects how globalisation defined as a process of global integration in which diverse peoples, economies, cultures, and political processes are increasingly subjected to international influences, and people are made aware of the role of these influences in their everyday lives (Midgeley, 1997), finds expression in the identities, constituents, and modalities of the various social forces immersed in the environmental conflicts in the Niger Delta. For

Waste drilling-fluid-utilising microorganisms in a tropical mangrove swamp oilfield location

Waste drilling-fluid-utilising microorganisms were isolated from drilling-mud cuttings, soil and creek water from a mangrove swamp oilfield location in the Delta area of Nigeria using waste drilling-fluid as the substrate. Eighteen bacterial isolates obtained were identified as species of Staphylococcus, Acinetobacter, Alcaligenes, Serratia, Clostridium, Enterobacter, Klebsiella, Nocardia, Bacillus, Actinomyces, Micrococcus and Pseudomonas, while the genera of fungi isolated were Penicillium, Cladosporium and Fusarium. Even though drilling-fluid-utilising genera were in higher numbers in the soil than in the two other sources examined, the percentages of the total heterotrophic bacteria that utilised waste drilling-fluid were 6·02 in the drilling-mud cuttings, 0·83 in creek water and 0·42 in soil. The screen tests for biodegradation potential of the bacterial isolates showed that, even though all the isolates were able to degrade and utilise the waste fluid for growth, species of Alcaligenes and Micrococcus were more active degraders of the waste. The significance of the results in environmental management in oil-producing areas of Nigeria is discussed.