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Evaluation of Air Pollution Exposure, Geographic Disparities, and Health Effects Stemming from the Port Harcourt Refinery in Eleme Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria

Osaro, H., Alazigha, N. , Dollah, O. C

Abstract

This research evaluated the impact of pollution from the Port Harcourt Refinery on local residents, exploring the effects on public health, differences in air quality across locations, and community attitudes toward environmental hazards in Eleme Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria. The investigation utilized a cross-sectional and quasi-experimental research approach. Air quality assessments for PM2.5, PM10, SO2, NO2, CO, O3, VOCs, and CH4 were performed at various distances (ranging from 0–100 m to over 400 m) from the refinery with the help of portable monitoring instruments, while structured surveys were completed by 398 participants chosen via systematic sampling. The data was evaluated through descriptive statistics and one-way ANOVA. The results indicated that the levels of particulate matter were alarmingly high, with PM2.5 measured at 218.6 μg/m3 and PM10 at 342.8 μg/m3, both categorized as “very unhealthy” according to Air Quality Index standards. Additional pollutants like SO2, NO2, and CO also surpassed permissible thresholds, signaling a critical decline in air quality. Spatial analysis illustrated a pronounced distance-decay effect, revealing the highest concentrations of pollutants within the 0–100 m range, which decreased as distance increased beyond 400 m (p < 0.001). ANOVA findings demonstrated significant differences in the distribution of particulate matter among various distance categories. The health risk assessment highlighted increased risks for respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses, such as asthma, bronchitis, and ongoing respiratory discomfort in affected populations. Survey findings indicated a strong awareness of pollution among community members, with 85.4% of participants recognizing the refinery as a primary source of pollution and 53.8% experiencing respiratory issues. Nevertheless, proactive protective measures were limited, with 78.9% of respondents not wearing protective masks, despite their high inclination to do so. The study concludes that emissions from the refinery have a considerable impact on local air quality, exposure rates, and health consequences for the nearby population. It is recommended that stringent enforcement of emission regulations be implemented, regular air quality assessments be conducted, community health monitoring programs be established, and protective gear be provided to lessen exposure risks for residents in areas surrounding the refinery.

Keywords

EvaluationAirPollutionExposureGeographicDisparitiesHealth & Effects

References

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