Effects of Artisanal Crude Oil Refining Activities on Surface Water Quality Indices in Rumuodogo Community, Niger Delta, Nigeria
1 Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Rivers State University, P.M.B 5080 Nkpolu-Oroworukwo Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.
2 Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Rivers State University, P.M.B 5080 Nkpolu-Oroworukwo Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.
Research Article
Open Access Research Journal of Science and Technology, 2025, 15(02), 180-194.
Article DOI: 10.53022/oarjst.2025.15.2.0148
Publication history:
Received 11 November 2025; revised on 16 December 2025; accepted on 18 December 2025
Abstract:
Artisanal crude oil refining, also referred to as illegal crude oil refining, Kpo-fire or oil bunkering, involves the unauthorized and unregulated processing of crude oil and is prevalent in oil-producing areas of the Niger Delta, Nigeria. This study assessed the effects of illegal crude oil refining activities on selected surface water quality indices in Mini-Ogboro, Rumuodogo Community, Rivers State, Nigeria. Surface water samples were collected from three sampling stations (upstream, midstream, and downstream) and analyzed for physicochemical parameters, as well as microbial quality. physicochemical parameters such as temperature, turbidity, and phosphate concentrations were above recommended WHO limits. Bacteriological analysis revealed total heterotrophic bacteria (THB) counts of 9.0 × 10³, 15.2 × 10³, and 8.4 × 10³ CFU/mL; total coliform counts (TCC) of 2.0 × 10³, 3.7 × 10³, and 1.3 × 10³ CFU/mL; and total faecal coliform counts (TFC) of 7.0 × 10², 5.0 × 10², and 2.0 × 10² CFU/mL at the respective sampling locations. These values exceeded World Health Organization (WHO) permissible limits for surface water quality. The findings indicate significant deterioration of surface water quality associated with illegal crude oil refining activities. Consequently, immediate interventions, including the installation of appropriate water treatment and filtration systems, are recommended to reduce turbidity and microbial contamination and protect public health.
Keywords:
Artisanal oil refining; Surface water pollution; Water quality indices (WQI); Physicochemical and microbial parameters; Niger Delta
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