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Abstract
Purpose - This paper seeks to examine the concentration of selected heavy metals (Cr, Pb, Cd, and Ni) in oil-polluted soils of two communities in Warri, Delta state, Nigeria.
Design/methodology/approach - Soil auger samples were collected at a depth of 0-15 cm from four sites. Two soil samples were collected from two sites observed to have had oil spills and also two samples from two sites without oil spillage. The soil samples were analysed using the UNICAM 969 Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer to determine the level of concentration of the heavy metals in these sites. Their levels in the oil-spilled sites are compared with those of the control sites and also with the European community standards.
Findings - The results obtained from this study reveal that the concentration of the heavy metals considered were higher in the oil-spilled sites relative to the control sites. Similarly, when compared with the European community standards, the concentration is said to be quite significant.
Practical implications - The results indicate that the operations of the oil industry in the study area have not been sufficiently accompanied by adequate environmental protection. To safeguard agricultural land in the area and hence human health, there is an urgent need for government to address the incidence of oil spills in this area.
Originality/value - This paper provides information on the contribution of the oil industry in heavy metals contamination in the Niger-Delta area of Nigeria.
Keywords Heavy metals, Oil pollution, Nigeria
Paper type Research paper
Introduction
The environment in recent time is increasingly being modified through the activities of man and his technology. Whereas pollution problem in Nigeria is rapidly increasing with industrial activities as the leading causes, the problem of pollution and general degradation arising from the oil sector deserves special mention. Since the inception of oil exploration in Oloibiri in 1956, Nigeria has experienced increased activities in crude oil exploration, exploitation, oil refining and petroleum product transportation and marketing operations. Indeed, while these activities have expanded the financial coast of the country, it has also created immense health and environmental problems (Nwankwo and Ifeadi, 1988). Over the years, the Nigerian oil industry has grown and become more diversified; and so is the case of the Warn oil refinery in the...