Ecological Degradation and Soil Quality Decline in Oil-Polluted Wetlands: A Case Study of Nembe, Bayelsa State

Oil exploration in the Niger Delta has had devastating ecological effects, especially on the poorly studied wetland ecosystems like the one present in Nembe, Bayelsa State. This paper analyses the physicochemical and toxicological characteristics of wetland water in three oil-affected places, including Oluasiri, Nembe Creek and Ewelesuo. Water samples were tested for major indicators, including pH, turbidity, electrical conductivity, BOD, COD, TPH, and heavy metals (Pb, Cd, As, Fe), on thirty samples. The surface-level parameters appeared stable, but watchdog indicators, including TPH and heavy metals, exceeded WHO/NESREA limits significantly. The contamination was highest in Ewelesuo, and ANOVA and Pearson correlation were significant in showing variability in organic pollutants and co-contamination trends of metals. Triangulation of comparative literature showed that it was comparable to other devastated wetlands in Ogoniland and Ibeno. These findings underscore the urgent need to address decades of environmental degradation and population threats, as well as other serious issues. This paper contributes to an empirical study in the field of environmental toxicology, utilizing science to inform site-specific interventions, policy-making, and environmental justice in oil-polluted communities.