Modeling of Vertical Transport of Hydrocarbons of Crude Oil Spills in Non-Convective Water Bodies Supported by Suspended Sediments: Case of Parts of the Nigerian Niger Delta Mangrove Swamps

Background. Heavy metals are known to elicit toxic effects which negatively affect human health. Crude oil is known to contain heavy metals and oil spills contaminate the environment and can result in human exposures to heavy metals. As the seat of crude oil activities, the Niger Delta region experiences the highest rate of oil spills in Nigeria. Objective. The purpose of this study was to estimate the quantity of oil spilled into the Niger Delta region from 1976 through 2014 and to assess the resulting heavy metals exposures of the local population. Methods. Secondary data from governmental and non-governmental bodies were analyzed and the amount of oil spilled in the Niger Delta region from 1976 through 2014 was determined. The heavy metals present in crude oil from this region and the quantities released into the environment within the study period due to spillage were then extrapolated. Results. The Niger Delta region is continuously exposed to a higher rate of oil spills, and about 3.1 million barrels of crude oil enriched in manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), cobalt (Co), cadmium (Cd) and chromium (Cr) were spilled from 1976 to 2014 in this region. Therefore, the occupants of this region may be at risk of heavy metals toxicity. Conclusion. To minimize heavy metals exposure and toxicity in the Niger Delta region, effective strategies must be adopted to reduce oil spills. In addition, curtailment and remediation of oil spills should be more rapid. Competing Interests. The authors declare no competing financial interests

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The human health implications of crude oil spills in the Niger delta, Nigeria: An interpretation of published studies

Nigerian Medical Journal ◽

10.4103/0300-1652.108887 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 54 (1) ◽

pp. 10 ◽

Cited By ~ 34

Author(s):

Best Ordinioha ◽

Seiyefa Brisibe

Keyword(s):

Crude Oil ◽

Human Health ◽

Niger Delta ◽

Oil Spills ◽

Health Implications

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EFFECTS OF CHEMICAL DISPERSANTS AND MINERAL FINES ON PARTITIONING OF PETROLEUM HYDROCARBONS IN NATURAL SEAWATER

International Oil Spill Conference Proceedings ◽

10.7901/2169-3358-2008-1-633 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 2008 (1) ◽

pp. 633-638 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Kenneth Lee ◽

Zhengkai Li ◽

Thomas King ◽

Paul Kepkay ◽

Michel C Boufadel ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Crude Oil ◽

Water Column ◽

Petroleum Hydrocarbons ◽

Oil Spills ◽

Suspended Sediments ◽

Bulk Water ◽

Natural Seawater ◽

Dispersed Oil ◽

Aliphatic And Aromatic Hydrocarbons ◽

Mineral Aggregates

ABSTRACT The interaction of chemical dispersants and suspended sediments with crude oil influences the fate and transport of oil spills in coastal waters. Recent wave tank studies have shown that dispersants facilitate the dissipation of oil droplets into the water column and reduces the particle size distribution of oil-mineral aggregates (OMAs). In this work, baffled flasks were used to carry out a controlled laboratory experimental study to define the effects of chemical dispersants and mineral fines on the partitioning of crude oil, major fractions of oil, and petroleum hydrocarbons from the surface to the bulk water column and the sediment phases. The dissolved and dispersed oil in the aqueous phase and OMA was characterized using an Ultraviolet Fluorescence Spectroscopy (UVFS). The distribution of major fractions of crude oil (the alkanes, aromatics, resins, and asphaltenes) was analyzed by thin layer chromatography coupled to flame ionized detection (TLC/FID); aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons were analyzed by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The results suggest that chemical dispersants enhanced the transfer of oil from the surface to the water column as dispersed oil, and promoted the formation of oil-mineral aggregates in the water column. Interaction of chemically dispersed oil with suspended particular materials needs to be considered in order to accurately assess the environmental risk associated with chemical oil dispersant use in particle-rich nearshore and esturine waters. The results from this study indicate that there is not necessarily an increase in sedimentation of oil in particle rich water when dispersants are applied.

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NIGERIA: DELTA OIL EXPLORATION POLITICS AND THE PORTRAYAL OF BRUTAL IMPACT IN YERIMA’S HARD GROUND

Conflict Studies Quarterly ◽

10.24193/csq.32.2 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 21-34

Author(s):

Uche-Chinemere NWAOZUZU ◽

Ifeanyichukwu ABADA ◽

Emeka ANIAGO

Keyword(s):

Crude Oil ◽

Niger Delta ◽

Critical Analysis ◽

Interdisciplinary Approach ◽

Oil Exploration ◽

Political Structure ◽

Hidden Agenda ◽

Fault Lines

This study presents an interdisciplinary approach towards a critical analysis of some impacts of crude-oil exploration in Niger Delta and polemics of viable conϐlict resolution framework. This approach involves analysis of Ahmed Yerima’s creative portrayal in Hard Ground which revolves around the variables activating conϐlicting emotional interests in matters concerning ‘black gold’ in Nigeria, and how these variables resonant in debates and demands for Nigeria’s polity restructuring because of perceived resource mismanagement. More so, our scope includes an analytical attempt at illuminating elaborately our interpretation of the dimensions to the loud and shrewd inclinations subsuming what some see as solution to the lingering conϐlict, and the suppositions explaining why others see the debates and demands on polity restructuring as dark convoluted ploys aimed at hidden agenda. Hence, through select theories of victimhood, this study attempts to elucidate on the variables propelling conϐlicting emotional interestsabout oil exploration in Niger Delta, by looking interpretively hard and deep on the perspectives, views and suppositions deϐining the ideologies and inclinations propelling them. In the end, this study notes that the disenchantments and troubles with Nigeria’s polity framework and structure as it relates to oil exploration in Niger Delta are subsumed in Hard Ground’s creativecontribution as a means of assessing the points to the fault-lines that characterize the subsisting socio-political structure upon which Nigeria stands and wobbles.

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