Integrated geophysical and geochemical characterization of hydrocarbon contaminated site in Erhoike-Kokori, Southern Nigeria

Abstract

The effectiveness of geophysical and geochemical methods in delineating hydrocarbon contamination in a spill site is carried out around theErhoike flow station in Kokori, Ethiope East LGA, Delta State. Wenner array was used for the transverse in acquiring the data which spanned a transverse of 200m and 3D model resistivity images were obtained from the inversion and presented in horizontal depth slices. Well water samples were also taken for Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon (TPH) content while soil samples from the location were also taken for Porosity and coefficient of permeability. The result of the 3D horizontal depth slices in the location reveals that Erhoike is impacted with hydrocarbon plume to a depth of 31.7m. The concentration of TPHCs from the water analysis shows that the wells around the suspected zones are affected by hydrocarbon. The laboratory tests for porosity (Փ ) and coefficient of permeability (k) for the soil samples are indicative of sand/silty sand which thus allows the flow of PHCs plume to the soil and groundwater in the study area. The results of the study have shown that the soil is permeable and porous which would allow the passage of the leaked and spilled PHCs through the soil to groundwater where the PHCs could mix, float and sink into groundwater. The 3D analysis revealed the presence of PHCs up to a depth of 33.7m but prominent at a depth of 10m which indicates the presence of PHCs in the wells. The hydrochemical analysis also proved the same results as that of the 3D which authenticated the reliability of the method used in the study.