Total petroleum hydrocarbon analysis in water, tilapia and sediment samples from ARAC environment (Aluu), Rivers State

The contamination of aquatic environments by Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPHs) presents significant environmental and health concerns. This study aimed to assess the levels of TPHs in water, tilapia, and sediment samples collected from the African Regional Aquaculture Center in Aluu, Nigeria. Chromatographic techniques were employed for TPH extraction and detection. The results revealed elevated TPH concentrations in the study area, with the highest levels observed in sediment samples. The results revealed that the concentration of TPH was high during the dry season (September to November) compared to raining season (May to July). Also, the results indicated that TPH concentration was higher in sediment compared to fish and water with average concentration of 0.206667mg/kg, 0.17666mg/kg7, and 0.148333mg/kg in sediment, fish and water respectively. TPHs was observed to be in sediment from 0.18 – 0.25mg/kg, whereas in water it had variation of 0.11mg/kg making it the lowest. TPHs variation in fish was also observed to be between 0.15 – 0.22mg/kg. It was observed that the concentrations of TPHs in fish positively correlated with THPs in the aquatic water (y = 12.56x + 168.32). This correlation is statically significant (p <0.5). The results also revealed that concentration of TPH in sediments was positively correlated (y = 2.83 x 154.26) with the water at p< 0.5 significant level. There was a positive correlation between TPH concentrations in fish and water, as well as between TPH concentrations in sediment and water. The findings emphasized the need for prompt intervention to mitigate TPH pollution and protect the environment and human health.