Abstract
The Niger Delta region, endowed with significant oil and gas resources, faces environmental challenges linked to artisanal petroleum refining activities. This study explores the environmental repercussions of these activities on the ecosystem health of Ikpukulu River bottom sediments in Borokiri, Niger Delta, Nigeria. The study incorporates an assessment of heavy metal and hydrocarbon contamination using geoaccumulation index (Igeo), pollution load index (PLI), and potential ecological risk index (PERI). Three sampling points (X, Y, and Z) along the Ikpukulu River were investigated. While heavy metal concentrations generally fell within background levels, hydrocarbon content, particularly Total Hydrocarbons (THC), exhibited significant pollution. The PERI values for all three points indicated very high ecological risk, demanding immediate attention and remediation efforts. The Ikpukulu River serves as a potential sink for waste from illegal hydrocarbon refining, highlighting severe coastal river pollution in the region. Proactive measures and stringent pollution control regulations are recommended to safeguard the ecosystem's health. The study contributes valuable insights for remediation efforts and policy development in addressing the environmental challenges associated with artisanal petroleum refining in the Niger Delta.
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