ASSESSMENT OF THE TOXIC EFFECT OF METHYL TERTIARY BUTYL ETHER ON WATER SOURCES IN NIGER DELTA, NIGERIA

Abstract

The environmental impact of petroleum and associated products has assumed a critical dimension especially in the Southern part of Nigeria. Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether is a widely used petroleum additives, specifically an oxygenate which has become a common contaminant of ground and other water sources where such industries are located. The health hazards posed by this compound in water was evaluated by survey methods, verbal interview and laboratory test. This is with the aim to ascertain the nature and extent to which the compound has polluted the water in the area under study. The findings indicated that a high percentage of people were convinced that water pollution is a problem in Nigeria, that oil companies use toxic additives to maximize profits to which the government pays little attention. The related health hazards are enormous which include respiratory, kidney, heart diseases and cancers of vital organs. Even agricultural output has not been spared resulting in low fish output, this pollution has endangered other assorted aquatic species. Laboratory analysis of this water in mice produced adverse effects on weights, red blood cells, biochemical parameters and even sensitive enzymes. In order to cUltail the negative impact of MTBE on the environment, less toxic substitutes should be used and the government should enforce standards in the petroleum industries and also educate the general populace residence in area prone to this pollution