Soil and Water Contamination Due to Illegal Artisanal Refinery Activities: A Case Study of Okarki Community, Niger Delta Area, Nigeria

Abstract

Using a combination of field visits, laboratory experiments and analyses, this study examined the impacts of illegal artisanal crude oil refineries on the environment. Total Hydrocarbons (THC) and heavy metals in the soil and water bodies as well as pr were determined and compared with both national international standards. The study found THC and heavy metals such as Iron and Manganese to be significantly high in both soil and water samples. It was found that the artisanal crude oil refining activities in the Niger Delta Area of Nigeria generate and discharge environmental safety hazards that are far beyond the statutory and intentional acceptable limits.

Water quality index, ecotoxicology and human health risk modelling of surface and groundwater along illegal crude oil refining sites in a developing economy

“…This illegal refining of crude oil is known to produce 2% kerosene, 2% fuel, 41% diesel, and 55% as waste being discharged indiscriminately into nearby river channels or soils, leading to environmental pollution [ 6 ]. While receiving water bodies and groundwater sources have been significantly degraded by illegal oil refining [ [9] , [10] , [11] , [12] ] destruction to farmlands, mangrove rain forests, fishing grounds and declination of crabs, molluscs, periwinkles, and fish have also been reported [ 8 ]. These illegal activities further define the distribution and speciation of heavy metals in water sources and the geochemical environment.…”