Determining Heavy Metals in Soil and Water in a Bioremediating Area in Nkeleoken-Alode Eleme Community Rivers State.

Abstract

The study aims at determining the concentration of heavy metals in soil and water undergoing bioremediation in the Nkeleoken-Alode community of Eleme Local Government Area, (p<0.05) in the heavy metal concentrations Rivers State, carried out on both soil and aquatic between the test and control sites. The various sites undergoing bioremediation in the area. Soil and water samples were collected from three sites: unpolluted, polluted unremediated and polluted remediated sites. 50g of soil sample was collected using sterile aluminium foil, and water samples were collected in 250ml sterile containers. Samples were assayed using an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer which measures the concentrations of elements in a liquid sample. The absorption is proportional to the concentration of the elements present in the samples. Results showed a significant difference(p<0.05) in the concentration of lead and chromium in soil samples from polluted remediated sites compared to soil samples from unpolluted sites and polluted unremediated sites. Arsenic, cadmium and nickel did not show a significant difference when soil samples from the polluted remediated site were compared to unpolluted and polluted unremediated sites(p>0.05). Furthermore, there was a significant difference (p<0.05) in the concentrations of cadmium, nickel and chromium in water samples, when water samples from the polluted and polluted unremediated sites. Lead and arsenic in water samples from polluted remediated sites did not show any significant difference (p>0.05) when compared to unpolluted and polluted unremediated sites. The concentrations of heavy metals in the soil and water samples showed a significant increase (p<0.05) in the heavy metal concentrations between the test and control sites. The various areas in the region that have been exposed to pollution pose a serious risk of heavy metal toxicity to occupants of the Niger Delta as a result of crude oil spillage. An immediate bioremediation strategy should be adopted in order the restore lost vegetation and aquatic life.