Petroleum-Related Contaminants in Edible Biota: A Case Study of Bioaccumulation in the Bille Coastal Region, Rivers State, Nigeria

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

DOI Info: http://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21381820

ABSTRACT

Aquatic environments in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria are increasingly threatened by petroleum-related pollution resulting from oil exploration, transportation, and artisanal refining activities. This study assessed petroleum hydrocarbon contamination in biota from Bille Creek, Rivers State, Nigeria. Sediment and biota (periwinkle and crab) samples were collected and analyzed using standard analytical and microbiological methods. The results showed that total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) were detected in all samples, with mean concentrations of 40.08 ± 7.68 mg/kg in sediment, 164.90 ± 0.50 mg/kg in periwinkle, and 224.05 ± 1.25 mg/kg in crab, indicating increasing accumulation in biota. Several polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were detected at low concentrations, with naphthalene recording 0.02 ± 0.01 mg/kg in sediment, 0.19 ± 0.01 mg/kg in periwinkle, and 0.92 ± 0.01 mg/kg in crab. High-molecular-weight polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were mostly below detectable limits, although crab samples showed a wider range of detectable compounds. Heavy metals such as cadmium, chromium, and lead were below detectable limits in all samples, while zinc was present at 0.49 ± 0.02 mg/kg in sediment, 0.54 ± 0.01 mg/kg in periwinkle, and 0.88 ± 0.00 mg/kg in crab. Hydrocarbon-utilizing bacteria were recorded at 0.45 x 102 cfu/g, whereas fungi were less than 0.01 x 102 cfu/g. Thus, petroleum-related contaminants are present in the Bille aquatic environment and are accumulating in edible biota. Hence, continuous monitoring, strengthened pollution control, and public awareness are recommended to reduce environmental and health risks.

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