Overview of Crude Oil Toxicity: A Potential Health and Environmental Hazard in the Niger Delta
Resumen
Overview of the possible toxicity impact of crude oil spillage and retention in the environment was considered. In the Niger delta region where most of Nigeria's crude oil activities are concentrated, the population is constantly exposed to crude oil which contains mixtures of toxic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), heavy metals and other organic and inorganic compounds. Unfortunately, poverty, ignorance and lack of basic infrastructure and social amenities have driven the inhabitants into unconventional and folkloric use of the readily available crude oil. Workers involved in exploration and production activities are in constant contact with it, the urban and rural populations utilize it for different purposes and the frequent incidence of crude oil spill makes it a regular component of the environment. Oftentimes some incidents of oil spillage especially in remote areas are not reported on time and even so they may be rated 'minor' without adequate post-spill remediation measures. This allows the dispersion and retention of crude oil in the environment and increases the chances of human and animal contact with it. This scenario deserves attention owing to the absorption and bio-accumulation of crude oil components in the fauna and flora of impacted areas. The ingestion and absorption of crude oil orally or through consumption of polluted species or by skin contact are pathways for delivery of potential toxicants in the crude oil into the system. Recent epidemiological surveys have revealed there is increasing incidence of degenerative diseases in the Niger delta such that life expectancy is presently on the downward trend.
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Referencias
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