Heavy Metals and Total Hydrocarbon Contents of Nypa fruticans Grown along the Shores of Qua Iboe River, Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria

Abstract

This study ascertains the amount of heavy metal and hydrocarbon content in an area exposed to crude oil exploration and exploitation activities. The study area is the Qua Iboe River in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria and the study samples were Nypa palm (Nypa fruticans) leaves obtained along the shores of the river. The concentration of Pb, Cd, Cu and Ni in the leaves were determined using the Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer while Total Hydrocarbon Content was determined using Gas Chromatography, coupled with the flame ionization detector (GC-FID). Results obtained showed that in site I, Pb mean concentration was 1.068±0.014 mg/kg, Cd (0.017±0.003 mg/kg), Cu (2.390±0.204 mg/kg), Ni (0.012±0.001 mg/kg) and THC (124.361.7± 1120.502 mg/kg) while for site II: Pb (1.076±0.025 mg/kg), Cd (0.028±0.003 mg/kg) Cu (0.037±0.007 mg/kg) Ni (2.049±0.024 mg/kg) and THC (311,813.4± 2950.291 mg/kg). Heavy metal concentration in the study sites were largely within the WHO permissible limits with the exception of Cd in site II. Generally, the amount of heavy metals and THC were higher in the study sites than in the control site, which was an area with negligent oil exploitation and industrial activities. Therefore, the elevated concentration of heavy metals and THC in the study sites may be attributed to the various industrial activities sited in the area.