Effects of Oil Spills on Aquatic Lives: A Study of Kporghor Community in Tai Local Government Area, Rivers State

Abstract

Oil spill incidents have occurred at different times along the Niger Delta area and Ogoni in particular. These incessant oil spills have caused tremendous pollution and death of aquatic lives. This study therefore, adopted the survey design to investigate the causes, effects, implications, prevention and remediation of the polluted aquatic environment of Kporghor community of Tai Local Government Area in Rivers State. The study population was estimated at 1500 adult men and women of Kporghor community, with a sample size of 316 purposive sampling technique. Questionnaire was used as the research instrument which was validated by experts from School of Community Health while test retest was used to determine its reliability. The results of the findings showed that the aquatic environment of the community has been badly polluted by incessant oil spills, leading to destruction of sea food, contamination of water, devastation of means of livelihood, sicknesses and death of animals and humans of Kporghor community and Niger Delta at large. It is concluded that this incessant pollution could be avoided if the local content act and the standard practices as recommended by international organizations are followed dutifully.