AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE SOCIOECONOMIC EFFECTS OF BLACK SOOT ON COMMUNITIES IN RIVERS STATE, NIGERIA

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background of the study

The proliferation of black soot pollution has gradually emerged as a critical environmental and public health concern in Nigeria, particularly in the Niger Delta area. Black soot, defined as fine particulate matter from the incomplete combustion of hydrocarbons, is mostly generated by gas flaring, illicit oil refining, industrial emissions, and waste incineration (Abdulrahman, 2021). The issue has endured for several years, eliciting apprehensions over its prolonged impact on human health and the environment. The Niger Delta area, recognised for its large oil deposits, plays a crucial role in Nigeria's economy. This area has become one of the most polluted owing to significant oil drilling activity (Ede & Edokpa, 2017). Pollution arises from several sources, including petrol flaring, artisanal crude oil refining, and fossil fuel combustion. These operations release significant amounts of black carbon and other hazardous compounds into the atmosphere, leading to the deposition of black soot on surfaces, plants, and aquatic environments (Ogiri et al., 2019). States most impacted, including Rivers and Bayelsa, have documented rising incidences of respiratory ailments, environmental deterioration, and economic disturbances due to black soot pollution (UNEP, 2021). Exposure to black soot presents considerable health hazards to surrounding communities. Fine particles, often less than 2.5 micrometres in diameter (PM2.5), may infiltrate the lungs and reach the bloodstream, resulting in respiratory disorders, cardiovascular issues, and perhaps cancer (Ede & Edokpa, 2017). Research demonstrates that youngsters, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health disorders are particularly susceptible to the impacts of soot exposure. The escalating rates of hospital admissions for respiratory disorders in regions significantly affected by black soot have strained local healthcare systems, which are often inadequately prepared to meet the growing demand (Ogunjobi, 2023). The socioeconomic impacts of black soot are multifaceted, influencing livelihoods, productivity, and economic stability in the affected areas. Agricultural endeavours have diminished yields as a result of polluted soil and water. Black soot may accumulate on crops and agricultural land, hindering photosynthesis and soil fertility, so impacting food production and exacerbating food poverty (United Nations Environment Programme [UNEP], 2017). Fishing, an essential source of income for several Niger Delta communities, is adversely impacted when water pollution from soot diminishes aquatic biodiversity and disrupts fish populations. The economic ramifications beyond agriculture and fisheries. Local enterprises have difficulties since pollution dissuades investment and deteriorates infrastructure, resulting in heightened maintenance and healthcare expenses (Ogiri et al., 2019). The expense of addressing health issues linked to black soot exposure imposes a financial strain on families, perpetuating the cycle of poverty. Furthermore, the decline in output resulting from disease or mortality linked to soot exposure may provide enduring economic consequences for families and communities. Notwithstanding the gravity of the black soot issue, the legislative framework for combating air pollution in Nigeria remains inadequate. Legislative and regulatory efforts to mitigate pollution have been inadequate, mainly owing to the constrained capabilities of environmental authorities and the widespread occurrence of illicit oil refining operations (Abdulrahman, 2021). Moreover, corruption, insufficient political commitment, and inadequate financial resources for environmental projects intensify the issue, hindering the implementation of sustainable solutions. Measures like halting gas flaring and controlling illicit refining operations have encountered opposition owing to economic motivations and the socio-political intricacies associated with oil production in the Niger Delta (Ede & Edokpa, 2017). Despite the government's implementation of several steps to mitigate pollution, such as enforcing environmental regulations and promoting alternative livelihoods, these measures have had little outcomes. Mitigating the fundamental causes of black soot pollution necessitates a holistic strategy that includes environmental legislation with economic and social changes to enhance the quality of life for impacted populations. Therefore, the researcher sought to investigate the socioeconomic effects of Black Soot on Communities in Rivers State, Nigeria. 

1.2 Statement of the problem 

The widespread problem of black soot in several places around Nigeria has emerged as a critical environmental and public health issue. Black soot is a fine particulate matter produced by the incomplete combustion of hydrocarbons, mostly linked to illicit oil refining, petrol flaring, and industrial emissions (Abdulrahman, 2021). Inhaling black soot presents significant health hazards, including respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular issues, and cancer, disproportionately impacting vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly (Ede & Edokpa, 2017). The economic cost on impacted families, including from medical bills, diminished productivity, and infrastructure damage, is substantial, in addition to health implications. Despite the concerning circumstances, the government's reaction has been insufficient in addressing and alleviating the impact of black soot on the socioeconomic situations in the afflicted areas (Ogunjobi, 2023). Communities in areas such as the Niger Delta have seen a reduction in agricultural production owing to soil and water pollution resulting from soot deposition. This pollution undermines livelihoods reliant on agriculture and fisheries, resulting in food insecurity and intensifying poverty (UNEP, 2011). Moreover, environmental deterioration has resulted in diminished property values and a reduction in income prospects, perpetuating a cycle of poverty and economic decline in the impacted areas (Ogiri et al., 2019). A detailed study of the socioeconomic implications of black soot on these areas is urgently required to guide policy actions that attempt to mitigate its impact and enhance quality of life. Hence, the study aims to investigate the socioeconomic effects of Black Soot on Communities in Rivers State, Nigeria. 

1.3 Objective of the study

The broad objective of the study is to investigate the socioeconomic effects of Black Soot on Communities in Rivers State, Nigeria. The specific objectives is as follows

To assess the sources of black soot on communities in Rivers State, Nigeria.

To examine the effects of black soot pollution on agricultural productivity and food security in the Niger Delta region.

To investigate the impact of black soot on fishing activities and the livelihoods of communities that depend on aquatic resources in Rivers State, Nigeria

To provide recommendations aimed at mitigating the socioeconomic effects of black soot  in the affected communities in Rivers State, Nigeria

1.4 Research questions

The following questions have been prepared to guide the study

What are  the sources of black soot on communities in Rivers State, Nigeria?

What are the effects of black soot pollution on agricultural productivity and food security in the Niger Delta region?

What are the impact of black soot on fishing activities and the livelihoods of communities that depend on aquatic resources in Rivers State, Nigeria?

What are the recommendations aimed at mitigating the socioeconomic effects of black soot  in the affected communities in Rivers State, Nigeria?

1.5 Significance of the study

Findings of the study will be significant to policymakers as the research will reveal the gaps in existing environmental policies and the effectiveness of regulatory frameworks in controlling black soot pollution. This can guide policymakers in strengthening environmental laws and enforcement mechanisms to reduce emissions and mitigate pollution sources such as gas flaring and illegal refining activities.

Findings of the study will also be significant to the academic community as it will contribute to existing literature, add to library resources and serve as a guide to future researchers.

1.6 Scope of the study

The study focus on  the socioeconomic effects of Black Soot on Communities in Rivers State, Nigeria. Empirically, the study will assess the sources of black soot on communities in Rivers State, Nigeria, examine the effects of black soot pollution on agricultural productivity and food security in the Niger Delta region, investigate the impact of black soot on fishing activities and the livelihoods of communities that depend on aquatic resources in Rivers State, Nigeria and provide recommendations aimed at mitigating the socioeconomic effects of black soot  in the affected communities in Rivers State, Nigeria.

Geographically, the study will be delimited to Bonny and Opobo, Rivers State, Nigeria

1.7 Limitation of the study

Like in every human endeavour, the researchers encountered slight constraints while carrying out the study. The significant constraint are: 

Time: The researcher encountered time constraint as the researcher had to carry out this research along side other academic activities such as attending lectures and other educational activities required of her.

Finance: The researcher incurred more financial expenses in carrying out this study such as typesetting, printing, sourcing for relevant materials, literature, or information and in the data collection process.

Availability of Materials: The researcher encountered challenges in sourcing for literature in this study. The scarcity of literature on the subject due to the nature of the discourse was a limitation to this study.

1.8 Definition of terms

Black Soot: A form of fine particulate matter primarily composed of black carbon resulting from the incomplete combustion of hydrocarbons, such as fossil fuels, biomass, and industrial waste. In Nigeria, black soot is commonly associated with activities like illegal oil refining, gas flaring, and industrial emissions.

Particulate Matter (PM): Tiny particles or droplets in the air that can be inhaled and cause health problems. Particulate matter is categorized based on size, such as PM2.5 (particles with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or smaller) and PM10 (particles with a diameter of 10 micrometers or smaller).

Gas Flaring: The burning of natural gas that is associated with oil extraction. It is a common practice in oil-producing regions, such as the Niger Delta, and contributes significantly to air pollution, including the emission of black soot.

Illegal Oil Refining (Artisanal Refining): The unauthorized and unregulated processing of crude oil, often carried out in makeshift facilities. It is a major source of black soot in the Niger Delta due to the release of unprocessed hydrocarbons and other pollutants during the refining process.

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