Physicochemical Characteristics and Heavy Metals Assessment in Water and Sediments of Obodo Oilfield in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated the physicochemical characteristics and heavy metals levels in water and sediments of Obodo Oilfield in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State using standard laboratory-approved APHA and ASTM methods. Results indicated traces of heavy metals present in the water and sediments. Temperature and TDS in the water samples were within the DPR established limits while TSS, Chemical Oxygen Demand, Salinity and Biochemical Oxygen Demand were higher than the control and well above the DPR established limits. The heavy metals present in the soil were all still within the permissible DPR limits, except for Cadmium which was higher than the control and DPR established limit. The results showed that the water and soil within the environment may have been considerably polluted and degraded by the operations of oil and gas production in the region. The study recommends that the activities of the oil and gas production companies be checked to ensure they are operating within the environmental standard regulations of the country and that the Government and necessary bodies should be proactive in checkmating illegal bunkering activities as they have become the major source of oil spills in the region.