Investigating the Prevalence of Oil-Based Contaminants Within the Sedimentary Layers and Local Flora/Fauna of Bille Creek

Authors: *John, G.N. And Omozuwa, P.O.

DOI Info: http://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21381889

ABSTRACT

Crude oil exploration and related activities in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria have continued to raise concerns about environmental quality and food safety in coastal communities. The aim of this study was to analyse petroleum hydrocarbon contamination in biota from Bille, Rivers State, Nigeria. Sediment and biota (periwinkles and crab) samples were collected from Bille creek and analyzed for total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), heavy metals, and hydrocarbon-utilizing microorganisms using standard laboratory procedures. Results showed that mean TPH concentrations were 33.80 ± 10.09 mg/kg in sediment, 3.56 ± 0.03 mg/kg in periwinkle, and 240.50 ± 0.20 mg/kg in crab, indicating higher accumulation in crabs. Several PAHs were detected, with naphthalene occurring in sediment (0.02 ± 0.01 mg/kg), periwinkle (0.03 ± 0.00 mg/kg), and crab (0.57 ± 0.00 mg/kg). Higher molecular weight PAHs such as benzo(b) fluoranthene and benzo(k) fluoranthene were detected mainly in crab samples. Heavy metal analysis revealed zinc as the most prominent metal with concentrations of 0.39 ± 0.07 mg/kg in sediment, 0.22 ± 0.00 mg/kg in periwinkle, and 0.85 ± 0.00 mg/kg in crab, while cadmium, chromium, and lead were below detectable limits. Hydrocarbon-utilizing bacteria recorded 0.25 x 102 cfu/g, whereas fungal counts were <0.01 x 102 cfu/g. The study concluded that petroleum-related contaminants are present in the Bille environment. Hence, it is recommended that continuous environmental monitoring and public awareness on seafood safety be strengthened to reduce potential health risks.

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