Impact of oil spillage on the levels of heavy metals and petroleum hydrocarbons in millipede and soil from Ikot Ada Udo, Akwa Ibom State, South-South Nigeria

The impact of oil spillage on heavy metals and hydrocarbons levels was studied. Millipede (Sprostreptus assiniensis) samples were hand-picked, while soil samples were collected using hand auger, and then analysed for heavy metals and total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) using a spectrophotometer. Levels of heavy metals, TPH in millipede, soil samples were higher in the study site compared to control. Mean metals concentration in soil were 0.748 (Pb), 0.754 (Cd), 1.577 (Ni), 0.274 (Cr), 4.749 (Fe), 0.020 (V), 0.103 (Co), 0.181 (As), 5.544 (Mn) and 5.187 mg/kg (TPH); while that of millipede were 1.290 (Pb), 0.524 (Cd), 0.683 (Ni), 1.278 (Cr), 2.283 (Fe), BDL (V), 0.023 (Co), 0.001 (As), 3.016 (Mn) and 3.011 mg/kg (TPH). Mean Ni, Cr, Mn (in millipede); Cd, Cr, Fe, V, as (in soil) were above WHO limits. Thorough clean-up is recommended for the total restoration of the environment.