ASSESSMENT OF TOTAL PETROLEUM HYDROCARBON IN CONTAMINATED SOIL AND WATER OBTAINED FROM OTUEPEIN CREEKS WITHIN OGBIA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF BAYELSA STATE

This research assesses soil contamination by Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPH) in the Otuepein community of Bayelsa State, located within the oil-rich Niger Delta region of Nigeria. TPH, consisting of a complex mixture of hydrocarbons from crude oil, presents considerable environmental and health threats by polluting soil, disrupting ecosystems, and exposing humans to carcinogenic and neurotoxic compounds (Ezugwu & Akhimien, 2022; Okiwelu, 2011; Iyebor, 2013). The study utilizes thorough soil sampling at various depths alongside Gas Chromatography and Soxhlet extraction methods to accurately measure and characterize TPH contamination. With an objective of identifying contamination levels, sources, and the associated environmental and health effects, offering critical information to support effective remediation and sustainable management of oil-contaminated sites. In the outcome of this work, the hydrocarbons so obtained from Otuepein soil samples were grouped as Low molecular weight hydrocarbon (for those with the range of C8 to C18) and High Molecular Weight hydrocarbon (for those within the range of C19 to C40. The high molecular weight hydrocarbons were in range of 13.86 mg/kg of C40 and 88.31 mg/kg of C20 in the Sample from Location A. In location B C40 had the least concentration 18.90 mg/kg and C28 had the highest concentration with 87.37 mg/kg. In location C the range was between 15.52 mg/kg in C22 and 75.94 mg/kg in C21. In Location D the range was between 13.71 in C22 and 74.21 mg/kg in C22. Most of these concentrations however are below the permissible soil standard. The most commonly used soil cleanup standard for TPH being 100 mg/kg. This research will aid in preserving soil quality, protecting human and ecological health, and informing policies and remediation initiatives in regions affected by petroleum pollution.