ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | Jan. 29, 2025
Temporal Variations in Environmental Quality in Kokori-Erhoike Flow Station, Kokori Community, Delta State. Nigeria
Edjere Oghenekohwiroro, Ogheneovo Timothy Emorhakpor, Agbozu E. Iwekumo, Onovwakpokohwo Nyoreme
Page no 1-13 |
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36348/sijcms.2025.v08i01.001
The Niger Delta region of Nigeria, characterized by extensive oil and gas activities, frequently experiences gas flaring, a significant environmental concern. This study aims to investigate the temporal variations in environmental quality near the Kokori-Erhoike Flow Station in Kokori Community, Delta State, with a focus on assessing pollution levels in air, water, and soil. Samples were collected from various strategic locations around the flow station, including air, water, and soil samples. Samples were analyzed for a range of parameters including Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPH), heavy metals (such as zinc, chromium, cadmium, lead, and copper), and physicochemical properties like pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen (DO), and electrical conductivity. The analytical methods employed included Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS) for heavy metal analysis, Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectometry (GC-MS) for TPH. Significant findings revealed elevated levels of PM10, and PM2.5 in the air, particularly during the June period, with PM2.5 concentrations exceeding WHO limits. Water sample analysis indicated high concentrations of TPH, especially in the June period, with levels rising from 1.67 mg/L to 2.91 mg/L at specific locations. Heavy metal contamination in water samples showed concentrations of lead (Pb) up to 0.54 mg/L and cadmium (Cd) up to 1.42 mg/L, surpassing WHO guidelines. Soil samples also exhibited high levels of heavy metals, with cadmium (Cd) concentrations up to 1.72 mg/kg and lead (Pb) concentrations up to 10.46 mg/kg. Pearson's correlation analysis highlighted strong positive correlations, such as between cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) (r = 0.876, p < 0.01), and zinc (Zn) and chromium (Cr) (r = 0.821, p < 0.01), suggesting common pollution sources, such as industrial discharges and agricultural runoff. The findings of this study indicate significant environmental degradation in the vicinity of the Kokori-Erhioke Flow Station due to gas flaring activities.