Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) as an indicator of bio-remediation efficiency in crude oil-impacted soils in Ogoni-land: A case study of Eleme local government area, Rivers State, Nigeria

Komommo Omini Abam; Tubonimi J. K. Ideriah; Akuro Ephraim Gobo; Francis Egobueze

doi:10.51867/ajernet.6.3.11

Authors

Komommo Omini Abam
komsabam@gmail.com
National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), Federal Capital Territory, Kenya
Tubonimi J. K. Ideriah Rivers State University, Nigeria https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8137-1775
Akuro Ephraim Gobo Rivers State University, Nigeria https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1686-851X
Francis Egobueze Rivers State University, Nigeria

Keywords:

Bio-Stimulation, Bio-Augmentation, Ecosystems, Electro-Bioremediation, Restoration

Abstract

Eleme, a sub-region of Ogoni-land in Rivers State, Nigeria, has experienced decades of severe environmental degradation due to crude oil contamination, resulting in ecosystem disruption and reduced vegetation health. In line with the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021–2030), this study assesses the ecological impact and bio-remediation efficiency of four remediated sites; Nkeleoken-Alode (LOT 04), Elelenwo Manifold-Akpajo (LOT 46 and LOT 56), and Ajeokpori Well 3-Okuluebu (LOT 54), under Phase I of the UNEP Ogoni-land Environmental Restoration Project. The study employed Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) analysis to evaluate vegetation health and restoration trends across four historical epochs: 1994 (pre-contamination baseline), 2004 and 2014 (periods of high contamination), and 2024 (post-remediation). Satellite-derived NDVI data were processed using Landsat imagery (30 m resolution), and NDVI changes were analyzed to quantify vegetation vigor, variance, and ecosystem recovery. Results showed that NDVI values decreased sharply between 1994 and 2014, reaching negative thresholds in some LOTs, indicating severe ecological degradation due to crude oil pollution. For example, LOT 46 recorded an NDVI decline from 0.434 (1994) to –0.020 (2014), a 104.6% drop in vegetation vigor, Post-remediation in 2024, all LOTs demonstrated positive NDVI recovery, with LOT 54 rising from –0.0875 (2004) to 0.1275 (2024), representing a 164% increase, highlighting effective remediation outcomes. LOTs treated with bio-augmentation products such as Micro SOLUTION^® and KEEN^® exhibited stronger vegetation rebound than others, suggesting the effectiveness of tailored remediation strategies. The study finds that vegetation health improved significantly post-remediation, with gradual increases in NDVI values across sites indicating partial ecosystem restoration and enhanced vegetation vigor. However, residual hydrocarbon stress persists in some areas, warranting continued site-specific interventions. This research contributes valuable empirical evidence on the use of NDVI as a cost-effective monitoring tool for post-bioremediation assessment in crude oil-impacted regions. It underscores the need for integrated, location-specific bio-remediation and restoration strategies to enhance long-term ecological resilience in Ogoni-land and similar environments globally.

Dimensions

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