Carcinogenic contaminants in groundwater in the Ebocha and Mgbede oil fields of Southern Nigeria

In accordance with the purpose and objectives of this study, standard methods were applied with the aim and objectives of this study, standard methods were applied in evaluating groundwater contamination from an oil waste pit in the Mgbede and Ebocha Oil Fields of South-south Nigeria. The study attempted to determine the composition of the oil waste pit and how it affected groundwater by using hydrogeochemical methods. It was discovered that the Oil waste pit contained an acidic pH, a very negative redox potential, borderline zinc concentration and above limits cadmium, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) concentration. The study discovered a widespread ubiquity of above limits concentrations of PAHs in the whole of the study area. Groundwater in the study area was characterised by unacceptable levels of acidity, oxygen reduction potential (ORP), PAHs, cadmium and borderline cases of zinc contamination which can cause serious public health problems and major health risks including exposure to cancer. Provision of an alternative water sources to the inhabitants of this oil field was among recommendations.