Analysis of Heavy Metals and Petroleum Based Contaminants in Surface Water and Sediment near two Illegal Refining Sites in Niger Delta, Nigeria

The pollution of the environment from heavy metals and petroleum based contaminants in surface water and sediments resulting from illegal refining activities were looked at. The study was aimed at assessing the levels of heavy metals (Pb, Zn, Cu, Co, Cr, As, Cd and Ni), Benzene, Toluene, Ethyl-Benzene, and Xylene (BETX), Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) and Total Hydrocarbon Content (THC) in surface water and sediments. Samples were collected from two deactivated sites of illegal refineries in Oshika and Egbalor communities of Rivers State, Nigeria. The samples were analyzed for the contaminants which were compared with the World Health Organization (WHO) standard. The findings indicate that the surface water and sediments were highly polluted and may pose a health hazard to the community members that may use it for drinking.