A holistic study of the sustained impact of non-standard refined diesel fuel on the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria

Abstract

The non-standard refining of crude oil in the creeks of the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria has come to be a profitable business. The monetary benefits this brings to the refiners are obvious, nevertheless the host communities are relentlessly hit by their activities. This research investigates the sustained impact of the activities of the non-standard crude oil refiners on their host communities. The research will take a social study approach, with result from the social study fed into a scientific study, which will in turn be fed into an engineering study. This approach involves all stakeholders and makes for necessary feedback. The results revealed that farming areas and fishing routes have been impacted by the activities of the non-standard refiners. The usage of the non-standard refined diesel fuel oil was found to be damaging to engines contributing to huge expense in their maintenance. The physiochemical properties of the non-standard refined diesel fuel oil revealed that the pour point, flash point, and water content showed differences to ASTM designated standard D975. The Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis revealed significant differences in the BTX concentration of the non-standard refined diesel fuel oils as compared to the control sample. The engine performance and emission analysis revealed high levels of oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and carbon monoxide emissions from the non-standard refined diesel fuel oil coupled with high peak cylinder pressure. This study provides evidence-based recommendations that the government should do more to discourage the citizens from establishing non-standard refineries. It also suggests that government agencies like the military given the responsibility of destroying the non-standard refineries must do so in a sustainable manner. The National Orientation Agency must do more to enlighten the public on the dangers of establishing non-standard refineries and purchasing refined products from non-standard refineries.