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VOL. 11, ISSUE 1 (2026)
Integrated assessment of air quality pollutants and environmental stressors in oil-producing and non-oil-producing communities of Ughelli South, Niger Delta, Nigeria
Authors
Adeyemi Oyeyemi, Ekohwo Emmanuel Ejiroghene
Abstract
This study assessed air quality and
environmental stressors in six communities within Ughelli South Local
Government Area, Delta State, comprising three oil-producing communities
(Edjophe, Ihwerekan, and Otujeremi) and three control communities (Oginibo,
Imode, and Okwagbe). The objective was to determine the concentrations, spatial
variations, and relationships of selected pollutants—Total Volatile Organic
Compounds (TVOC), Formaldehyde (HCHO), Halogen gases (Cl₂, F₂, Br₂)—and
physical stressors (Temperature and Noise). Field monitoring was conducted for
fourteen consecutive days, with data collected twice daily (morning and
evening) using calibrated digital sensors. Results showed that oil-producing
communities recorded significantly higher pollutant concentrations compared
with control sites. Mean TVOC ranged between 93.7 and 95.4 µg/m³ in
oil-producing areas, compared with 35–37 µg/m³ in controls. HCHO concentrations
averaged 3.6 mg/m³ in industrial communities and 1.7 mg/m³ in non-industrial
zones. Halogen gases were also elevated (mean 2.7 ppm versus 0.8 ppm), while
temperature and noise levels were substantially higher in oil-producing
locations (96–97°C sensor readings and 60–63 dB(A) respectively) than in
controls (29–30°C and 30–31 dB(A)). Temporal variations revealed marginally
higher evening readings, reflecting limited dispersion under stable atmospheric
conditions. Two-way ANOVA indicated significant spatial differences (p <
0.05) among communities, while Tukey’s post-hoc test confirmed that the
oil-producing triad differed significantly from control sites. Strong
correlations were observed between TVOC and HCHO (r ≈ 0.9) and TVOC and
Halogens (r ≈ 0.8), signifying common petrochemical emission sources. The
findings reveal an ecosystem characterised by combined chemical and physical
stressors resulting from oil production activities. These conditions pose
potential respiratory, cardiovascular, and ecological risks to residents. The
study provides baseline data for environmental health risk assessment and
recommends continuous air-quality monitoring, stricter emission regulation, and
adoption of cleaner technologies to protect community health and achieve
sustainable industrial operations in the Niger Delta.
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Pages:1-6
How to cite this article:
Adeyemi Oyeyemi, Ekohwo Emmanuel Ejiroghene "Integrated assessment of air quality pollutants and environmental stressors in oil-producing and non-oil-producing communities of Ughelli South, Niger Delta, Nigeria". International Journal of Advanced Science and Research, Vol 11, Issue 1, 2026, Pages 1-6
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