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VOL. 7, ISSUE 2 (2025)
Environmental and public health implications of dredging activities in Warri, Nigeria: An integrated assessment of atmospheric conditions, air quality, soil characteristics, and community perceptions
Authors
Adeyemi Oyeyemi, Benjamin Adegbenga Roberts
Abstract
Dredging activities are widely undertaken in coastal and riverine
environments to support navigation, sand mining, and infrastructural
development; however, they are often associated with environmental degradation
and public health concerns. This study assessed the environmental and perceived
health impacts of dredging activities in the Warri region of Nigeria using an
integrated field-monitoring and questionnaire-based approach. Ambient
temperature, relative humidity, particulate matter (PM₀. ₁–PM₁₀), combustible
gases, carbon dioxide (CO₂), total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs), and soil
pH were measured across five sampling locations during periods of active
dredging and non-dredging. Environmental parameters were analysed using
analysis of variance, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.
Mean ambient temperatures ranged from 31.8 ± 1.0 °C to 36.2 ± 0.8 °C, while
relative humidity varied between 60.8 ± 1.8% and 71.8 ± 2.3%, with significant
spatial differences (p < 0.05). Particulate matter was dominated by
ultrafine fractions, with PM₀. ₁ concentrations ranging from 0.029 ± 0.00 to
0.217 ± 0.00 µg m⁻³ and showing significant site-to-site variation (p
< 0.05). Combustible gas concentrations were highest at dredging-intensive
locations (395 ± 12 to 690 ± 18 ppm; p < 0.05), while CO₂ levels
ranged from 400 ± 1 to 430 ± 1 ppm. TVOC concentrations varied significantly
among locations (0.013 ± 0.0002 to 0.024 ± 0.0004 mg m⁻³; p < 0.05).
Soil pH ranged from acidic (4.5 ± 0.1) to near-neutral values (7.0 ± 0.2), with
significant differences across sites (p < 0.05). Questionnaire data
(n = 150) indicated that 76.7% of respondents resided within or near dredging
sites, while 66.7% perceived moderate to high health risks associated with
dredging. In conclusion, dredging activities in Warri significantly influence atmospheric
conditions, air quality, and soil chemistry, with corresponding community
concern, underscoring the need for sustained monitoring and improved
environmental management.
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Pages:99-104
How to cite this article:
Adeyemi Oyeyemi, Benjamin Adegbenga Roberts "Environmental and public health implications of dredging activities in Warri, Nigeria: An integrated assessment of atmospheric conditions, air quality, soil characteristics, and community perceptions ". International Journal of Environmental and Ecology Research, Vol 7, Issue 2, 2025, Pages 99-104
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