Abstract
Oil spills from tank farms in Apapa, southwestern Nigeria, pose significant risks to groundwater, surface water, and soil due to the area's geologically vulnerable coastal materials.
This study assessed the environmental impact of oil spillage at two facilities, Wesb Oil and Rein Oil, focusing on subsurface conditions and water quality.
Two - dimensional Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) using a Wenner array was conducted along four traverses to delineate subsurface structures.
In addition, physicoche mical, geochemical, and microbiological analyses were performed on water samples from both sites and a control location.
ERT results identified two to three geoelectric layers, with high-resistivity anomalies (>110 Ùm) at Wesb Oil, indicating the presence of the hydrocarbon plume.
The Water quality analysis showed marked deviations from World Health Organization standards.
All samples were acidic, while Wesb Oil recorded elevated salinity, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, biochemical oxygen demand, and heavy metal concentrations, indicating severe contamination.
Microbiological results revealed high microbial loads, including fecal contamination at Wesb Oil and the control site, as well as hydrocarbon-utilizing microorganisms, confirming petroleum pollution and associated health risks.
In contrast, Rein Oil showed no detectable contaminant plume, likely due to effective containment measures that limited hydrocarbon infiltration.
Overall, Wesb Oil is significantly polluted and poses a serious threat to groundwater and the surrounding ecosystem, whereas Rein Oil demonstrates better environmental management.
It is recommended that bioremediation and improved containment systems such as concrete floor around the gantry be implemented at Wesb Oil, alongside continuous environmental monitoring to protect public health and ensure sustainability.
Recommended Citation
Ifarajimi, W.T.; Anukwu, G.C.; Omeru, T.; Amaeze, N.H.; Bello, A.M.; Oladimeji, O.E. (2026). Integrated 2D Electrical Resistivity Tomography and Hydrochemical Assessment of Hydrocarbon Contamination around Oil Tank Farms in Apapa, Southwestern Nigeria. Journal of Engineering Geology and Environmental Research, 2, 52–60.