Antenatal urinary hydrocarbon biomarkers and birth outcomes among mothers in selected oil-host and non-host communities of Southern Nigeria
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Abstract
Background: Exposure to environmental pollutants from crude oil activities has been implicated in adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. This study examined antenatal urinary monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbon biomarkers and birth outcomes among mothers in selected oil-host and non-host communities of southern Nigeria.
Methods: A prospective cohort design was adopted for the study of pregnant women in Eleme, Rivers state and Umuahia South, Abia State. At baseline, 146 pregnant women (73 per group) were recruited using a convenience sampling technique, but 136 participants (69 from Eleme and 67 from Umuahia South) completed the study, as 10 (6%) were lost to follow-up. Data were collected using a validated proforma (content validity = 0.91). Midstream urine samples were collected for laboratory analysis of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene using Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS). Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including independent sample t-tests and chi-square tests at a 5% significance level.
Results: Findings showed that xylene was predominant and recorded the highest mean concentration (0.21 ± 0.46 ppm) in Eleme and (0.15 ± 0.33 ppm) in Umuahia-South. Significant differences were observed in urinary benzene (p < 0.001) and toluene (p< 0.03) concentrations with Eleme having higher levels than Umuahia south. Mothers in Eleme had shorter pregnancy durations (p = 0.030) and more birth complications (p = 0.001). Newborns from Eleme had significantly shorter body lengths, smaller head circumferences, and lower Apgar scores (p = 0.030), though birth weight differences were not significant.
Conclusion: Maternal exposure to hydrocarbons in oil-host environments may adversely influence pregnancy and neonatal outcomes.
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