Impairments in serum Reproductive Hormones and Heavy Metals among Residents of Gas Flaring Communities in Ogbia Tribe, Niger Delta, Nigeria

Gas flaring activities in Ogbia communities Niger delta region of Nigeria has been on for about sixty (60) years now. These associated flared gases with its constituents are released into the environment, and absorbed into the body of the resident population. This study was therefore aimed at evaluating the effects of the prolong exposure to the flared gases on the serum level of heavy metals and reproductive hormones among residents of these gas flaring communities. A total of 200 adult subjects were involved in the study. It consist of 100 test subjects (50 males and 50 females) randomly selected from communities ≤ 5km from active gas flaring site; and 100 control subjects (50 males and 50 females) from a community about 200km from any gas flaring site. Demographic and socio-economic data of subjects were obtained. 4ml of blood was obtained from each subject and serum used to determine the concentrations of reproductive hormones and heavy metals. The results show significant (p<0.01) reduction in serum Leuteinising hormone, Follicle Stimulating hormone, Prolactin, Testosterone, Progesterone and Oestradiol; with a significant (p<0.01) increase in the serum concentrations of copper, cadmium, nickel, zinc, mercury, arsenic and vanadium among the test subjects, when compared with subjects in the respective control groups. In conclusion, prolong exposure to gas flaring by residents of Ogbia communities results in an abnormal increase in the serum concentrations of heavy metals, which led to impairments in their reproductive hormones; and consequently could impair their reproductive functions and reproductive capacities.