Profiling of Hydrocarbon-Impacted Soil from Selected Ogoni Communities, Rivers State, Nigeria
Christopher Ejeomo
Azibaola Kesiye Inengite
Stephen Ufuomaefe Oghoje
Abstract
The contamination of soil by hydrocarbons is a threat to environmental and human health around the world. This study was conducted to profile total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) in soils of Gokona Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria. Soil samples were collected from depths ranging from 0 cm to 6 m. The concentrations of TPH in the samples were determined using Gas Chromatography-Flame Ionisation Detection (ASTM D3921-96). All analysis and presentation of data were done using Microsoft Excel 2016 and sigma plot. Total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) concentrations in soil showed wide variability with depth. At 0–15 cm, values ranged from 62.03–12,031.62 mg/kg, while 15–30 cm recorded 121.64–31,854.25 mg/kg. Concentrations at 30–45 cm were 7.24–38,558.40 mg/kg, and 45–60 cm ranged from 12.74–151,950.00 mg/kg. Higher levels were observed at 60–75 cm (1.21–204,119.80 mg/kg) and 75–90 cm (0.07–300,745.00 mg/kg). Beyond 1 m, concentrations generally declined, with 0.00–55 mg/kg,194.90 mg/kg at 1 m, 0.00–80,250.00 mg/kg at 2 m, and 0.00–6,426.25 mg/kg at 6 m. The values for most sampling points exceeded the regulatory Environmental Guidelines and Standards for Petroleum Industry’s recommended Total Value of 50 mg/kg and the Intervention Value of 5000 mg/Kg, indicating potential environmental and human health risks. Remediation actions are recommended.
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