The effect of petroleum activities on vegetation cover and local environment in Melut and Maban Counties in Upper Nile State, South Sudan

Abstract

Abstract This research aims to investigate the effect of petroleum wastes on vegetation cover in Melut and Maban counties / South Sudan. Population of this study was 30,000 local residents, 265 respondents were selected randomly as a sample of the research, (135 local residents, 65 natural resources employees and 65 government officers.). Effects of petroleum activities on Plant vegetation represented variables of the study. Data were collected through field survey by using questionnaire representing primary data, on the other hand data were collected from plant vegetation in three locations to represent laboratory data. The main data analysis was conducted using SPSS, while Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS700) was employed for analyzing the laboratory data. Findings of the study show that 62.2 % of respondents observed there was no improvement in their life after companies’ entrance, 85.9 % of them noticed that companies caused environmental pollution problems, 61.5% of natural resources employees respondents noticed changes in plants leaves colors and death of trees, 63.1% of reported no procedures were involved to protect forests. 78.5% of local government respondents reported that there were no alternatives to reduce the negative impact of these petroleum companies’ activities. The lab results show the amounts of (Hg, As, Pb, and Fe) were higher than internationally allowed levels, while level of (Mn) element was lower, in addition to that, the leaves of trees around the petroleum pits were changed and distorted in shape and color. Recommendations were; stopping animals grazing on plant vegetation near the petroleum pits. Natural resources management must protect the forests and grasses from petroleum wastes.