Environmental Quality in Communities around Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company (WRPC), Niger Delta Region, Nigeria

Abstract

Petroleum refining is accompanied by the release of toxicants into the environment, including suspended particulate matter (SPM), poisonous gaseous oxides of carbon (COx), nitrogen (NOx), and sulphur (SOx) and hydrogen sulphide (H2S), ammonia (NH3), volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and heavy metals such as Pb, As, Hg, Cd, Cr and Fe. These atmospheric acid rain precursor emissions contribute significantly (p<0.05) to environmental degradation and toxicity to humans, aquatic and terrestrial life forms. The aim of this study was to assess the environmental quality in communities around the Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company (WRPC). The study design involved choosing a circumference of 10 km around the WRPC and dividing into distances of 10 km (control), 3.55 km (Ubeji), 2 km (Ijala), 500 m (Ifie-Kporo and Aja-Etan), and 0 km (Gas flaring tower base) from the refinery plant. Air quality parameters were measured in these locations in the wet and dry seasons using standard air quality measuring kits, at wind speed of 2.60±1.22 m/s; wind direction NE, temperature 30±2.50°C, and relative humidity of 68±1.20%. Negligible concentrations of oxides of NO2, SO2 and CO, and H2S, NH3, VOC and SPM were detected in the air at the control location (10 km) from the refinery. Significant levels (p<0.05) of emissions were detected in the air as the distances got closer to the refinery. At Ubeji (3.55 km) from the refinery, mean levels detected were CO (2.60±0.22 ppm), NO2 (10±2.1 ppm), SO2 (24±1.5 ppm), H2S (0.40±0.01 ppm), NH3 (0.11±0.01 ppm), VOC (63±1.25 ppm), and SPM (184±2.5 ppm) respectively. Significant (p<0.05) levels of SPM were detected at between 2 km and 500 m from the refinery. The mean SPM levels recorded in the communities around the WRPC were Ifie-kporo and Ajala (194±4.12 ppm), Aja-Etan (188±3.0 ppm) and the base of the gas flaring tower (186±2.5 ppm). Ifie-kporo and Ajala communities (2 km) recorded significantly (p<0.05) highest values of toxic substances, including CO (3±0.42 ppm), NO2 (23.40±0.50 ppm), SO2 (83±1.4 ppm), H2S (0.60±0.11 ppm), VOC (116.80±5.4 ppm) and SPM (194±3.9) respectively. Mean noise levels of 60.75±0.50 dbA and 61.25±2.70 dbA were recorded for the wet and dry seasons respectively. Hg and Cr exceeded EPA limits, while Cd and Pb fell within EPA limits. It was concluded that some of the parameters in the gaseous emissions exceeded EPA limits and may therefore be classified as hazardous to the ecosystem and populations living around the refinery and may elicit endocrine disruption in humans and animals.