Impacts of Crude Oil on Reproductive Indices of Residents of Oil Producing Area; a Case Study of Olomoro

Abstract

Several toxic effects of crude oil and some of its products on reproduction have been reported. High rate of child malnutrition and mortality, including increased birth defects and rashes have also been reported in areas impacted by oil development. This study therefore considers the impact of crude oil on reproduction as information in this area is still scanty. With informed consent, blood samples were collected (through the median cubital vein) from a total of one hundred and eighty apparently healthy human subjects (60 males and 30 females) from two locations; Olomoro (an oil producing community) and Owa (a non-oil producing community). Next, socio-economic and educational status of participants where ascertained. Using the Z statistics, student’s t-test and analysis of variance (ANOVA), Statistical measures for such parameters as RBC, WBC, PCV, Total serum protein (TSP), serum Albumin (SA), Haemoglobin concentration (Hb), FSH, Estrogen and Testosterone were conducted. A Significant reduction was observed in Haemoglobin concentration, TSP and SA of subjects in oil impacted community. Also, Significant reduction in number of surviving children, save deliveries and ante natal attendance was seen, along with a significant increase in the number of assisted delivery, still births, complications and gestation periods in oil impacted community, suggesting a poorer maternal and child health indication in crude oil impacted community. Study also observed a significant reduction in WBC, RBC and PCV of inhabitants of the crude oil impacted community.