Effects of Oilfield Chemicals, Herbicides, Pesticides and other Pollutants on Fisheries Resources in Nigeria

Crude oil exploration and exploitation is the major source of income or revenue generation for the Federal Government of Nigeria. Agriculture also forms a substantial part of the economic stability of the country. However, oil field chemicals used in crude oil exploration, herbicides and pesticides used for agricultural purposes, and other anthropogenic pollutants that are eventually released into the aquatic environment constitute serious sources of threat to the growth, survival, and productivity of fisheries resources. This review paper identified the impacts of these substances on fish, including growth inhibition, increased chromosome aberrations in cell roots, increased fungal biomass, and mortality. Recommendations arising from this review include proper disposal of oilfield chemical wastes, enhanced use of biological and mechanical pesticides/herbicides control methods as against the use of the chemicals, which helps to reduce the amount of these substances released into the aquatic environment, and direct remediation of the impacted environment. When implemented, these recommendations are expected to ultimately improve fish growth, survival, and productivity.