Environmental effects of oil spillage on ruralcommunities in Ughelli South local government area of Delta State, Nigeria.

Abstract

The study of the environmental effects of oil spillage was carried out in Ughelli South Local Government area of Delta State over a 6 months period (Jan - June, 2000). Well-structured questionnaires, field survey and personal interviews were used to collect field data for the purpose of the study. Our findings show that despite the phenomenal growth of Nigeria's petroleum industries, which has resulted in a considerable social and economic growth in the country, this sector of the economy has also generated several environmental problems in the oil producing communities. The study shows that the oil producing communities of Ekakpamre, Ekrejegbe and Iwhereka have been seriously devastated by oil pollution. The areas that suffered notable effects were farmlands, fishing sites, drinking water, domestic animals/pets and living houses, in order of magnitude.


Key words: Environmental, Spillage, Pollution, Crude, Petroleum, population, Sample


[JEXT Vol.3 2002: 7-11]