Analysis of Hydrocarbon Pollution in the Soils of Bomu and Yorla Oil Fields, Rivers State, Nigeria
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Abstract
The study investigated the dangers associated with oil exploration and exploitation in the study area. These activities have been on since 1957 in the Niger Delta region. The emphasis on the activities becomes imperative when crude oil take the centre stage as the most essential commodity in the world. The study sites, Bomu and Yorla oil fields were chosen considering the fact that they are one of the oldest oil fields in the region. The Bomu oil field was commissioned in 1958 and the Yorla in 1973 respectively. Three sites were selected for the study. Two impacted sites (Bomu and Yorla) and a control at Igwuruta-ali in Ikwerre Local Government Area of the state. In each experimental site, soil samples were obtained along transects established from the centre of the impacted soils outwards. The direction of the transect were determined by gradients. Measurement was done in a 10m-by-10m quadrat placed at regular interval of 30m along the transact. A total of six (6) quadrats were sampled along each transect of 180m in length. A total of 18 quadrats were sampled including the control. The soil samples were taken from a depth of 0 – 30cm (0 – 15cm, 15 – 30cm). The soil samples were taken to the laboratory to test for Heavy metals and Total hydrocarbon. The results revealed that there was high concentration of heavy metals (Lead (Pb), Cadmium (cd), Chromium (Cr), Nickel (Ni), Copper (Cu), Iron (Fe) and Total hydrocarbon in the soils of control were relatively low compared to the oil fields. The study recommends strongly both physical method of removing petroleum hydrocarbon as well as the Phyto-remediation by planting some plant species that has the potential to remediate and restore the contaminated wetlands (e.g. Calamagrostis angustifolia).
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