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.

Keywords

• heavy metals
• environmental safety
• artisanal refineries
• total hydrocarbon content
• crude oil.