ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF CRUDE OIL SPILLAGE IN NIGERIA
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Title Page – – – – – – – – – i
Declaration – – – – – – – – – ii
Certification – – – – – – – – – iii
Dedication – – – – – – – – – iv
Acknowledgements – – – – – – – v
Table of Contents – – – – – – – – vi
CHATPER ONE
1.0 Introduction – – – – – – – 1
1.1 Historical Background of Crude Oil – – – – 2
1.2 Characteristics of Oil Spills – – – – – 3
CHAPTER TWO
2.0 Crude Oil Spillage and Impacts – – – – – 6
2.1 Oil Spillage in Niger Delta – – – – – 7
2.2 Causes of Oil Spillage in Nigeri Delta – – – – 8
2.3 Effects of Oil Spills – – – – – – 9
2.3.1 Social Effects – – – – – – – 9
2.3.2 Long-term Impacts – – – – – – – 10
2.4 Environmental Oil Pollution – – – – – 11
2.5 Impacts of Oil Spills on Public Health – – – – 12
2.6 Social Economic Impact of OIL Spill – – – – 12
CHAPTER THREE
3.0 Oil Spillage on Environment and Remediation Method – 14
3.1 Environmental Impact of Oil Spills – – – – 14
3.2 Loss in Economical Values of the Environment – – 15
3.3 Oil Spill Remediation Methods – – – – – 16
3.3.1 Physical Remediation Methods – – – – – 16
3.3.2 Chemical Remediation Method – – – – – 17
3.3.3 Thermal Remediation Method – – – – – 17
3.3.4 Biological Remediation Method – – – – 18
CHAPTER FOUR
4.0 SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION
4.1 Summary – – – – – – – – 20
4.2 Conclusion – – – – – – – – 20
References
CHAPTER ONE
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Marine oil pollution results from land runoff, vessels and pipelines accidents, offshores petroleum exploration and production operation, shipping activities and illegal bilage water discharges (Lucas and Macgregor, 2006). Approximately 5.71 million tones of oil were spilled due to tanker accdients during the period of 1970 – 2010 (ITPF, 2010).
Marine oil spillage affect marine life, tourism and aesthetic appeal and leisure activities. Significant physical and chemical changes of oil occur after the spill (Annuciado et al., 2005).
A slick formation after oil spill undergoes various weathering processes including spread, drifting, evaporation, dissolution, and formation of water-oil emulsions which cause significant change in oil viscosity, density and interfacial tension (Daling and Strom, 1999). Numerous oxygenated products such as aromatic, aliphatic, benzoic and nephthanoic acids, alcohols, phenols, and aliphatic ketones result due to the photolysis of oil (Hussein et al., 2009).
Oil are physically and naturally existing chemical resources, which are composed of two elements, namely: carbon and hydrogen compounds. However, crude oil are sometimes referred to as “black gold” and the chemical classification of carbon and hydrogen is referred to as hydrocarbons (AIE, 2007). While crude oil exist in nature, as unrefined petroleum product, its composition are hydrocarbon deposit and some organic materials (Investorpedia, 2017a).
1.1 Historical Background of Crude Oil
The history of crude oil in the world is well documented. Crude oil has been known for thousands of years, but its relevance and uses were not apparent. It was basically recognized for the fact that it can burn well and was often used for incendiary weapons and hair dressing. It was not until the 19th century that crude oil was discovered using drilling technology used in the search for water. The technique for processing crude oil in order to produce kerosine for illumination was discovered as early as 19th century and towards the end of the 19th century, electricity was discovered.
Prior to the utilization of crude oil, whale oil was used for illumination, but whaling was not the cheap, safe or efficient way of getting fuel. On the contrast, crude oil provides cheap and efficient fuel for transportation. The discovery of crude oil and its immense benefit catalyzed development leading to the construction of modern shipping, railways, and roads. This is brought about diesel engines for trains, big trucks and internal combustion engines using gasolines. Undeniably, the industrial revolution would not be possible without the discovery of crude oil. Crude oil was discovered in Nigeria in 1956 by Shell British Petroleum (now Royal Dutch hell) at Oloibiri, a village in Bayelsa state, located within the Niger Delta in Nigeria and consequently, in 1958, the commercial production of crude oil began. At onset of its discovery, the production of shell was 51,000 barrels per day.
1.2 Characteristics of Oil Spills
Marine oil spills include oil, refined petroleum products (gasoline, diesel and other by-products), heavier fuels (bunker fuel) and any oily white refuse or waste oil (API, 2002). The severity of the impact of an oil spill depends on the quantity of the oil and its chemical and physical properties (Holakoo, 2001).
The physical and chemical properties of the oil effect weathering/transformation processes (evaporation, spreading, emulsification, dissolution, sedimentation and photolysis).
Physical characteristics: The physical properties of oil include: colour, surface tension, specific gravity and viscosity. The physical properties of oil spills vary depending on the type of oil introduced into the ocean environment. Generally, the dark brown or red colour of oil may change to yellow, green or red colour (Holakoo, 2001). The ability of oil spill to spread depends on surface tension, specific gravity and viscosity.
Chemical characteristics: Chemical properties of oil include: Molecular weight, melting point, boiling point, partition coefficient, flash point, solubility, flammability limits and explosivity limits. These chemical characteristics vary based on type of oil (ASTDR, 1995). Oil has a complex chemical composition that is dominated by the hydrocarbons it contains. Oil may also include sulphur, nitrogen, oxygen and some metals.
