Evaluation of Total Hydrocarbon Content and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon in an Oil Spill Contaminated Soil in Rumuolukwu Community in Niger Delta

This study assessed total hydrocarbon content (THC) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) in an oil spill contaminated soil in Rumuolukwu community in Niger Delta. The study was carried out between August 2013 to January 2014. THC and PAH were analyzed using standard procedure. PAH in the contaminated soil for both season were predicted using Diagnostic Ratios [Ant/(Ant+Phe), Flt/(Flt+Pyr), BaA/(BaA+Chr), Flt/Pyr and BaP/(BaP+Chr)]. PAH and THC concentration were higher in August 2013 (wet season) compared to January 2014 (dry season), indicating natural attenuation as the study period increases. Also, higher concentration of PAH and THC were observed at less depth (0-15cm) compared to higher depth (15cm – 60cm). Based on diagnostic ratio, PAH sources present in the oil contaminated soil depicted the predominance of mixed pyrogenic activities such as petroleum, biomass and coal combustion. Petrogenic sources were observed close to the point source.

Keywords:

Diagnostic ratio , Oil spill , total hydrocarbon content , polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon