Design and Deployment of a Wireless Sensor Network for Environmental Monitoring in the Niger Delta Region

Background: Environmental degradation from oil and gas activities in Nigeria's Niger Delta requires continuous, distributed environmental monitoring. Wireless sensor networks offer scalable, real-time data collection capability across ecologically sensitive areas. Aim: This project designed and deployed a wireless sensor network for environmental monitoring in a selected Niger Delta community in Bayelsa State, South South Nigeria. Methods: A Zigbee-based sensor network comprising 15 nodes measured temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure, PM2.5, and hydrocarbon vapour levels. A central gateway transmitted data via GPRS to a cloud dashboard. Network performance was evaluated over 60 days in terms of data packet delivery rate, sensor accuracy, and power consumption. Results: Packet delivery rate was 94.3% across the network. Mean node battery life was 28 days on two AA cells. PM2.5 measurements correlated within 8% of reference monitor values. Hydrocarbon vapour alerts were triggered on 14 occasions, all confirmed by field inspection. Conclusion: The deployed wireless sensor network provides reliable, multi-parameter environmental monitoring in the Niger Delta. Recommendations include expansion to 40-node coverage and integration with National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency reporting platforms. Keywords: wireless sensor network, environmental monitoring, Niger Delta, Zigbee, air quality.