Submit your papersSubmit Now
For Enquiries: [email protected]
IIARD LogoIIARD

Spatial and Temporal Variations of TPH and PAH, in Bile’s Aquatic Ecosystems

E G Amaewhule, O E Oriakpono, O A Numbere

Abstract

The Niger Delta region of Nigeria is highly vulnerable to crude oil pollution, with Bille community being one of the most impacted. This study assessed the spatial and temporal variations of Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPHs) and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Bille’s aquatic ecosystems, focusing on surface water, sediments, and biota. Samples were collected across three stations and over six months (March 2023–January 2024), and analyzed using Gas Chromatography following standard USEPA protocols. Results revealed significant spatial variability in TPH concentrations across media. Surface water at Station 3 recorded the highest TPH level (3841.91 ± 817.04 mg/kg), while Station 1 consistently had the lowest concentrations. Sediments also showed elevated TPH and PAH levels in Stations 2 and 3 compared to Station 1, suggesting localized contamination hotspots. Biota (crabs and benthic organisms) demonstrated bioaccumulation of hydrocarbons, with crabs from Stations 2 and 3 recording significantly higher TPH levels (7.62 ± 1.33 mg/kg) than those from Station 1. Temporal variation showed that TPH concentrations peaked during the dry season (March 2023: 15.863 ± 3.231 mg/kg) but decreased markedly during the rainy months, reflecting the influence of seasonal dilution and degradation processes. PAHs were mostly below detection limits except for an early dry-season spike. These findings highlight persistent petroleum hydrocarbon contamination in Bille Creek, with clear spatial and seasonal dynamics. The study provides critical baseline data for risk assessment, environmental monitoring, and the design of site-specific remediation strategies for oil-impacted communities.

Keywords

Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPH)Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons

References

Adcroft, A., et al. (2010). Simulations of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill with a data-assimilative ocean circulation model. Geophysical Research Letters, 37(18). Akpokodje, J., et al. (2022). Oil spill pollution and remediation challenges in Nigeria’s Niger Delta. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 194(3). Bacosa, H. P., et al. (2022). Hydrocarbon pollution and microbial response in aquatic ecosystems. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 179. Blackburn, T. H., et al. (2014). Oil pollution impacts on benthic ecosystems. Ecotoxicology, 23(9). Dickman, M., Brindle, I., & Benson, M. (1992). Evidence of teratogens in sediments of the Niagara River watershed as reflected by Chironomid (Diptera: Chironomidae) deformities. Journal of Great Lakes Research, 18(3), 467–480. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0380-1330(92)71383- 0 Ediae, E., et al. (2020). Petroleum hydrocarbon pollution in Nigeria: Environmental and human health impacts. Science of the Total Environment, 748. Flocks, J., et al. (2009). Sediment characterization and contaminant distribution. Environmental Geology, 57(8). Garai, P., et al. (2021). Heavy metal and hydrocarbon interactions in aquatic ecosystems. Chemosphere, 270. Han, J., Liang, Y., Zhao, B., Wang, Y., Xing, F., & Qin, L. (2019). Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAHs) geographical distribution in China and their source, risk assessment analysis. Environmental Pollution, 251, 312–327. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2019.04.068 He, Y., Yang, C., He, W., & Xu, F. (2020). Nationwide health risk assessment of juvenile exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the water body of Chinese lakes. Science of the Total Environment, 723, 138099. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.138099 Keramea, P., et al. (2021). Long-term effects of oil pollution on marine ecosystems. Marine Environmental Research, 169. Nwachukwu, A., & Osuagwu, E. (2014). Oil spill incidents in Nigeria: Causes and impacts. International Journal of Environmental Studies, 71(5). Ogeleka, D., et al. (2016). Oil spills in the Niger Delta: Environmental implications and remediation challenges. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 23(1). Ren, K., Wei, Y., Li, J., Han, C., Deng, Y., & Su, G. (2021). Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and their derivatives (oxygenated PAHs, azaarenes, and sulfur/oxygen-containing heterocyclic PAHs) in surface soils from a typical city, South China. Chemosphere, 283, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.131190 Sonone, S., et al. (2021). Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in aquatic ecosystems: Sources, risks, and remediation. Environmental Research, 195. Tian, K., et al. (2020). Sediments as sinks and sources of hydrocarbons and heavy metals. Science of the Total Environment, 749. Wiens, J. (2013). Oil spill impacts on marine and coastal ecosystems: Lessons from Exxon Valdez. Cambridge University Press. Xie, W., Wang, G., Yu, E., Xie, J., Gong, W., Li, Z., Zhang, K., Xia, Y., Tian, J., & Li, H. (2023). Residue character of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in river aquatic organisms coupled with geographic distribution, feeding behavior, and human edible risk. Science of the Total Environment, 895, 164814. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.164814