Oil Spillage and Heavy Metals Toxicity Risk in the Niger Delta, Nigeria

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