Environmental Pollution in Relation to Oil Industry: A Case Study of Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State

Abstract

The study examines some of the operation of the oil industries and their effects on soils of surrounding farm land of Ubeji and Ekpan both in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State of Nigeria. Soil samples were collected at four different points in the study area; two from soil which have had spillage and two from soil without spillage. The soil samples were tested for the presence and concentration of selected heavy metals. Relevant information for the study was also sought through questionnaires from workers of the oil industry in relation to the polluting potentials of the industrial activities. The results obtained for soils with oil spillage were compared with those without any such occurrence. It was revealed that variations exist in the concentration level of the heavy metals considered (lead, chromium, cadmium and nickel). Their concentration levels were observed to be relatively higher in soils which have had spillage. Thus, it is evident that the activities of oil industry constitute a threat and if the pollution extent of the area is not checked, the environment, the environment will be highly degraded to the point that human existence will be threatened.

Keywords: Environment, Pollution, Warri South, Oil Industry