Title: Impact of oil spillage on the levels of heavy metals and petroleum hydrocarbons in millipede and soil from Ikot Ada Udo, Akwa Ibom State, South-South Nigeria

Authors: Udeme Uyom Udofia; Akaninyene Paul Joseph

Addresses: Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Calabar, P.M.B. 1115, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria ' Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Calabar, P.M.B. 1115, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria

Abstract: The impact of oil spillage on heavy metals and hydrocarbons levels was studied. Millipede (Sprostreptus assiniensis) samples were hand-picked, while soil samples were collected using hand auger, and then analysed for heavy metals and total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) using a spectrophotometer. Levels of heavy metals, TPH in millipede, soil samples were higher in the study site compared to control. Mean metals concentration in soil were 0.748 (Pb), 0.754 (Cd), 1.577 (Ni), 0.274 (Cr), 4.749 (Fe), 0.020 (V), 0.103 (Co), 0.181 (As), 5.544 (Mn) and 5.187 mg/kg (TPH); while that of millipede were 1.290 (Pb), 0.524 (Cd), 0.683 (Ni), 1.278 (Cr), 2.283 (Fe), BDL (V), 0.023 (Co), 0.001 (As), 3.016 (Mn) and 3.011 mg/kg (TPH). Mean Ni, Cr, Mn (in millipede); Cd, Cr, Fe, V, as (in soil) were above WHO limits. Thorough clean-up is recommended for the total restoration of the environment.

Keywords: impact; crude oil; oil spillage; heavy metals; hydrocarbons; millipede; soil; Ikot Ada Udo; Akwa Ibom State; Nigeria.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEWM.2022.128218

International Journal of Environment and Waste Management, 2022 Vol.30 No.4, pp.425 - 439

Received: 31 Mar 2020
Accepted: 12 Jul 2020
Published online: 12 Jan 2023 *

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