Impact of Artisanal Crude Oil Refinery on Physicochemical and Microbiological Properties of Soil and Water in Igia-Ama, Tombia Kingdom, Rivers State, Nigeria

This study aimed to determine the impact of artisanal refinery operations on physicochemical and microbiological properties soil water in Igia-Ama, Tombia Kingdom, Rivers State, Nigeria. Physicochemical parameters along with concentrations heavy metals, polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH), benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene xylene (BTEX), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) were determined samples using standard methods. Microbial populations plate count. isolates identified based their cultural, morphological biochemical characteristics. Results show that monitored differed significantly (p<0.05) between impacted sites control as well dry wet season. Heavy PAHs, TPH, BTEX PCB higher than (significant, p<0.05), also counts varied polluted season, though not different (p>0.05). Bacterial Enterobacter sp., Bacillus Micrococcus Staphylococcus sp. Pseudomonas Bacteria Escherichia coli. Fungi Aspergillus Penicillium Fusarium Rhodotorula Exophiala Crypotococcus While only was isolated sample. Artisanal crude oil area but properties. The levels TPH suggest need for remediation environment.