Environmental Impact Assessment of Selected Oil Production Facilities in Parts of Niger Delta, Nigeria

Abstract

The impact of oil production activities on the chemistry of soil and groundwater was investigated around seven production facilities, ranging from flow stations to wellhead in the western Niger Delta area. The method involved systematic sampling of soil and groundwater within a one kilometre radius of such facilities. The samples obtained were analysed for pH, TOC, TPH, V, Ni and Fe by standard procedures. The results indicate a general conformity of groundwater physico-chemistry to international standards for chemical potability. However, the investigated soil samples reveal in some cases elevated values of TPH (mean: 26.07 mg/kg) and Ni (mean: 8.89 mg/kg) which suggest a negative impact on the soil in the vicinity of such oil production facilities. Although ground-water may show no apparent contamination, pollutants trapped in the soil are in potential transit to groundwater, and may eventually be dissolved and transported through the soil profile to the water table by recharging rainwater. The environmental and health conditions of host communities are thereby endangered.