Investigation of Total Hydrocarbon Contents and Heavy Metals in Termitaria within Akwa Ibom State University, Ikot Akpaden, Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigates the concentrations of Total Hydrocarbon Content (THC) and Heavy Metals in termitaria within Akwa Ibom State University Ikot Akpaden, Nigeria. Samples of five different soils and Core of the termitaria were collected in triplicate using standard sampling analytical methods. The samples were analyzed for Heavy metals and Total Hydrocarbon Content by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry and Gas Chromatograph fitted with flame ionization detectors (GC-FID) respectively. The result range of other parameters determined were   pH (4.0 – 6.45), salinity (0.01 - 0.08%) electrical conductivity (48.5 - 925µS/cm), temperature (25.4 – 26.2 oC), and moisture (22.9%) content were also assessed. The results obtained were subjected to statistical analysis such as mean, standard deviation and standard error. The concentration range of the heavy metals of both soils and Cores in the termitaria was 0.0.13 – 54.103 mg/Kg. These values are above the World Health Organization and National Environmental Standard and Regulations Enforcement Agency (WHO/NESREA) (0.001 – 5.0 mg/Kg).  The THC results in both soils and cores of the termitaria varied from 21.087 – 632.191 mg/Kg. These results were higher than the (0.6 mg/Kg) limit of THC by the Department of Petroleum Resources, implying that the termitaria are contaminated with THC which might be attributed to anthropogenic activities on campus and its environs through atmospheric deposition. Hence, there is a need for routine assessment and remediation for a cleaner and healthier environment. This study has provided baseline information within Akwa Ibom State University main campus, Ikot Akpaden, on the levels of heavy metals and total hydrocarbon content in soils and cores of termitaria.