A study in Nigeria's Niger Delta found that oil spillage negatively impacts groundwater quality. Water samples from areas with a history of spillage showed higher levels of hydrocarbons and turbidity, and were more acidic than samples from uncontaminated areas. This suggests the need for water treatment and comprehensive groundwater monitoring in the region.
Additional Information
The purpose of the study was to ascertain the effect of oil spillage on groundwater quality in the oil producing Niger Delta region of Nigeria. The study was carried out in Abacheke community in Egbema Local Government area, Imo state.Water Samples were collected forquality analysis in boreholes/wells at three locations A, B, C. Locations A and B are areas with history of spillage while C is a location downstream with no history of oil spillage. The following parameters were tested for; physical parameters (temperature and turbidity), inorganic constituents (Conductivity, PH, TDS, DO, BOD, Mg, and P) and organic constituents (Total hydro-carbon). The results showed the some parameters exceeded the WHO permissible levels. Comparatively, Sample C had a lower value of hydrocarbon content (0.6 mg/l) while Samples A and B values were 0.9mg/l and 1.1mg/l respectively. The Turbidityvalue for sample C was 5 NTU compared to values of 14 and 18 NTU from samples A and B respectively. Results of pH test also showed that samples A and B were more acidic (5.56 and 5.98 respectively) than Sample C. The higher level of Turbidity and Total hydro-carbon for samples A and B is an indication of oil pollution which is attributable to incessant spillage. It is therefore necessary that appropriate treatment be carried out on the water samples to avoid adverse health effects. We also recommend that comprehensive groundwater monitoring should be carried out in the Niger Delta area and cleanup exercises carried outwhenever there is an oil spill to prevent infiltration of oil into the ground water.