The Bioaccumulation and Risk Assessment of Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons in Aquatic Resources from K- Dere Shoreline, Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract

This research was designed to study the levels of Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon (TPH) in aquatic resources (Crab (Goniopsis cruentata), surface water and sediment) from K-Dere shoreline. Samples of sediment were collected intertidally. All samples were collected from six sampling stations, bi-monthly for a period of one year. Collected samples were transported to the laboratory for chemical analysis. Gas Chromatography was used to analyse total petroleum hydrocarbon concentration in samples and data obtained were statistically analysed at p>0.05 using SPSS version 23. The mean concentration results obtained in surface water, sediment and biota across the stations were as follows; (590.75, 623.50, 451.17, 544.42, 674.67, 536.50mg/l) (8152.17, 6146.92, 44200.00, 4860.33, 2069.67and 5089.25mg/kg) and (131.5, 80.17,144.08, 109.08, 82.50, respectively. The mean concentration of TPH in sediment at station 1, 2 and 5 were above the intervention and permissible limit by the former DPR (2022). The ecological risk assessment was expressed in terms Bio-sediment Accumulation Factor (BSAF) and Pollution Index (PI) was calculated for the aquatic resources. PI showed that most chemical compounds of TPH were higher than 1, indicating high pollution from anthropogenic sources. The health risk assessment was expressed in terms of Estimated Daily Intake (EDI) and Health Risk Index (HRI) indicating significant health risk, posing threat to human health of the locals. Further and histopathological studies should be carried out to determine the impact of TPH on biota. Shoreline Clean up should be implemented with post clean-up assessment.