Research Article
Environmental and Health Influences of Crude Oil Spills in Niger Delta, Nigeria: Case Study Oporoma Community
Ozogu Agbe Nanadeinboemi*
,
Modebe Lucy Uju,
Chukwurah Ndubisi Christopher,
Olabimtan Olabode Hakeem,
Daniel Saba David
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 2, June 2024
Pages:
29-40
Received:
18 February 2024
Accepted:
7 March 2024
Published:
3 July 2024
Abstract: Oil spills have been reported over several decades in many parts of the world including Nigeria. The region of Niger Delta is greatly affected by oil spills in recent years, Oporoma inclusive. About 635 persons (both females and males) from different groups e.g farmers, fisher men and women, community representatives, and youth leaders, were interviewed between the age of 18 and 90 years old. About 25 persons representing farmers and 25 persons representing fisher men and women from each of the twelve compounds that made up Oporoma community, 25 persons were randomly selected for community representatives, and 10 youth leaders were interviewed. The interview focused mainly on health and environmental impacts of crude oil spills in the community. The data and responses gotten from the interview shows negative health and environmental impact on crude oil spill in the community. The presence of crude oil and their constituents in the environment are capable of causing some acute and long-term adverse health effects. Some carcinogens like pyrene, benzene, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are always found in crude oil, which contaminates the surface water and soil. Therefore, affecting the environment through soil, water, and air, which directly or indirectly harms humans, plants and marine ecosystem. The influence of crude oil spills not only restricted to environment and human health, it has also had impacts on the nations and the local economy, which are includes; livelihoods, farmland, fishing, wild life, and the nations revenue.
Abstract: Oil spills have been reported over several decades in many parts of the world including Nigeria. The region of Niger Delta is greatly affected by oil spills in recent years, Oporoma inclusive. About 635 persons (both females and males) from different groups e.g farmers, fisher men and women, community representatives, and youth leaders, were interv...
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Research Article
Impact of Polystyrene Exposure on Hepatorenal Responses in Male and Female Albino Wistar Rats
Chinedu Joseph Okonkwo,
Udoka Chukwudubem Nnoruka,
Chioma Joy Okonkwo*,
Ifenna Ilechukwu,
Donatus Chuka Belonwu
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 2, June 2024
Pages:
41-51
Received:
11 February 2024
Accepted:
26 February 2024
Published:
31 July 2024
Abstract: Microplastics have become a major health concern because of its potential adverse influences on marine, wildlife and public health. In this study, pristine polystyrene and Styrofoam microplastics particles of diameter < 5mm were used to investigate the toxic effects of polystyrene microplastic (PS-MP) exposure on hepatic and renal function of male and female Wistar rats. The rats were divided into seven groups for both male and female, with one control group and six test groups each. The two forms of polystyrene microplastics were incorporated into the feed of the test groups in varying quantities (1, 5 and 10 % of the feed), and exposure lasted for a period of 90 days. Results showed that aspartate aminotransferase (AST), serum albumin (ALB), total bilirubin (TB), conjugated bilirubin (CB) were significantly (p < 0.05) decreased compared to control male and female rats. Histological analysis provided further insights, indicating that despite mild alterations in liver enzymes, albumin and total protein levels in specific test groups, microplastics did not compromise the structural integrity of hepatocytes in male and female rats. However, kidney function parameters exhibited significant (p < 0.05) increases in serum urea, creatinine, K+, and Cl- levels in test rats of both sexes compared to controls. Regardless of sex, the trends of elevated renal markers were similar. These findings suggest that exposure to polystyrene microplastics may adversely affects renal functional capacity even at low doses.
Abstract: Microplastics have become a major health concern because of its potential adverse influences on marine, wildlife and public health. In this study, pristine polystyrene and Styrofoam microplastics particles of diameter ...
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