Oil Pollution, Water Quality and Livelihood Sources in the Kolo Creek Area, Bayelsa State Nigeria

Aim: This study was conducted in Kolo creek, Ogbia, Bayelsa state to ascertain the effects of oil pollution on water quality and its attending consequences on the people’s livelihood sources.

Study Design: The study adopted the quasi experimental and cross sectional research design.

Methodology: A total of 587 respondents were used as the sample for the study, where 587 copies of the questionnaire were designed, distributed and returned filled and used for analysis. Water quality analysis was done for consumable water quality and Aquaculture.

Results: The study revealed that oil pollution affects water quality in the area, given rise to a decline in food production and low fish catch amongst others. It also revealed that total heterotrophic bacteria level in the communities exceeds the WHO permissible limit for water quality and hence the water is not fit for consumption. All the parameters tested for Aquaculture based analysis were found to be within the WHO permissible limit for aquaculture except for TSS and DO for Otuasega community. Statistically, the study revealed that there is a statistically significant difference in the quality of water in the sampled communities and the World Health Organisation (WHO) standard for consumable water quality. The study also revealed that oil exploitation affects livelihood sources of Ogbia people.

Recommendation: The study recommends that the people’s livelihood sources should be revitalized, through full remediation and support to the locals to bring to end agitations and illegal activities which hamper National economy and growth and development.