Assessing the Magnitude of Petroleum Spillage on Local Economies in Eleme, Rivers State, Nigeria

This study assessed the impact of petroleum spillage on soil and water quality in Eleme Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria, and examined its implications for local livelihoods. Soil and water samples were collected from twelve identified spillage sites across ten communities using stratified sampling techniques. Laboratory analyses focused on key physico-chemical parameters, including pH, acidity, and alkalinity. Results revealed significant variations in soil and water quality between control and contaminated sites. Soils in several communities such as Alesa/Alode and Aleto exhibited acidic pH values (5.5–6.2), while water samples from locations such as KomKom PMS Line (pH 5.2) and Ogale (pH 5.5) also reflected acidic conditions, deviating from World Health Organization (WHO) standards. Elevated acidity and fluctuating alkalinity levels further underscored the destabilizing effects of crude oil contamination on the environment. These alterations threaten agricultural productivity, biodiversity, and community health, thereby impacting local economies dependent on farming and fishing. The findings highlight the urgent need for remediation strategies, stricter environmental monitoring, and sustainable management of petroleum resources to mitigate the adverse socio-economic and ecological consequences of oil spills in Eleme.