Petroleum Hydrocarbon Content in Bottom Sediment of Ugbuwangue River, Warri, Delta State

This study investigated the hydrocarbon content in bottom sediment of Ugbuwangue River in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State. The bottom sediment samples were collected from three sampling points of the Ugbuwangue River and extracted using standard methods. The extracts were subsequently analysed for pH, electrical conductivity and Total petroleum hydrocarbon. Results showed that total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) varied from 11.79 to 582.05mg/kg in the sediments, with mean values of 772.54 ± 63.82 mg/kg.  pH varied from 4.90 to 5.70 while conductivity varied from 1320 to 3100 µS/cm. TPH levels was slightly lower in L1 than in L2 and L3 in the two environmental matrices. However, the TPH levels in the sediments exceeded the target value (50 mg/kg) for mineral oil but were below the intervention value (5,000 mg/kg), indicating a serious impact of industrial growth, urbanization and oil exploration and production activities on the area, although the n-alkane ratios and indexes used for source tracking revealed excessive flow from both natural and anthropogenic sources. Evidence from the findings indicated that Ugbuwangue River is exposed to pollution threat and underscore the need for early remediation if adverse health defects are to be prevented.