IOSR Journal of Environmental Science, Toxicology and Food Technology (IOSR-JESTFT) e-ISSN: 2319-2402,p- ISSN: 2319-2399.Volume 15, Issue 8 Ser. I (August 2021), PP 19-24 www.iosrjournals.org DOI: 10.9790/2402-1508011924 www.iosrjournals.org 19 | Page Effects of Petroleum-based Particulate Air Pollutants on Lipid Profiles of Adult Wister Rats in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Nigeria 1 Yingibo, R. S., 2 Ede, P. N., 2 Amakri, A. O., 2 Igwe, F. U. and 3 Amukali, O. 1 Department of Geography, Jasper Isaac Boro College of Education, Sagbama, Bayelsa state, Nigeria. 2 Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Rivers State University, PortHarcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. 3 Department of Environmental Management, Niger Delta University, Amassoma, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Abstract This work centred on the toxicological impact of particulate emissions from the combustion of crude oil on vital organs as lungs, heart, kidneys and liver of male Wister rats with a view to establishing the possible pathological effects of inhalation of petroleum-based particulates. This work assessed lipid profiles as bases for establishing the effects on the rats. In this study, TC was found to have bio-concentrated more than TG, HDLs and LDLs into vital organs. High level of TC in this study is an indication of a heart predisposed to cardiac issues like ischemic heart attack, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases. Elevated values shown in this study over prolonged exposure for TC was evident of ill health or disease condition, too. Lower levels of HDLs and a dramatic increase in LDLs as noticed on the twenty eight day of exposure also meant predisposition to diseased condition or a deficiency. This study has therefore demonstrated that prolonged exposure to petroleum-based particulate pollutants in the study area could predispose rats to increased chances of stroke and heart attack, most especially, diabetics. Key Words: Effects, Toxicological Assessment, Petroleum-based Particulates, Air Pollutants. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Date of Submission: 03-08-2021 Date of Acceptance: 17-08-2021 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I. Introduction Particulate matter is a composite combination of suspended particles of movable origin, composition, dimension, form and density with diverse health and environmental significance to living systems. Particulate matter is an air pollutant comprising a complex range of chemically and physically diverse substances that exist in any local atmosphere in a combination of solid and liquid particles suspended in the air (WHO, 2006). These suspended particles differ in size, configuration and source (Ndubuisi, 2017). Particles are often categorized by their aerodynamic properties for the reason that: (a) these properties determine the conveyance, transformation and removal of particles from the ambient air; (b) they also determine their admission within the respiratory system and (c) they are associated with the chemical composition and sources of particles. According to DEQO (2006), natural forms of particulate matter include pollen, sea salt, wind-blown dust from arid areas, volcanic dust, and products of combustion from wildfires. Anthropogenic sources, on the other hand, include but not limited to motor vehicles; utility boilers; industrial boilers; dust from paved and unpaved roads; agricultural, construction, and mining activities; prescribed fires and other forms of open burning; as well as fugitive emissions from industry. Particulate matter is directly emitted into the air by processes such as combustion, incineration, construction, mining, metal smelting, metal processing, and grinding (Atiku et al., 2016). Particles formed in the atmosphere by condensation or the transformation of emitted gases such as SO 2 and VOCs are also considered particulate matters (Merkisz & Pielecha, 2015). According to Tawari and Abowei (2012), the Niger Delta is Nigeria’s most endowed region in terms of oil mineral reserves and one of the most industrialized, after Lagos. The consequence is that despite enormous potential for economic development and sustainable growth, Niger Delta is fuelled with environmental pollution on land, water and air (Ukpeh, 2010). The activities of these industries, especially the upstream and downstream petroleum sectors as well as other related happenings emits substantial amounts of substances like volatile organics, oxides of carbon, nitrogen, sulphur, particulate matter, heavy metals and other toxic substances at levels that most times exceed both the national and international guidelines. Ede and Edokpa (2015) have noted that the Niger Delta area is engulfed with pollutant concentrations in the atmosphere due to the increasing human activities which is directly or indirectly connected to oil and gas exploration. Within the Niger Delta communities, there are diverse sources of air pollution. A closer look at the Niger delta area shows that common air pollution sources are usually biomass combustion, bush burning, automobile emissions, generator emissions,