Journal of Emerging Trends in Engineering and Applied Sciences: Research Areas

Article Title: The Effect of Petroleum Waste on Insect Occurrence, Speciation and Distribution at the Brass Terminal in Niger Delta Area of Nigeria
by Asimea, O.A. And Zakka, U

Abstract:
Species occurrence and distribution of insects was investigated around Brass oil terminal where petroleum waste was constantly released into the Brass river through a man made canal. Random soil samples were collected from various locations distributed between Brass community and the oil terminal. At each sampling location, the soil samples were analysed for physico-chemical parameters using standard methods. Insects were collected using sweep net and traps. Electrical conductivity, pH and nutrient parameters of soil were within acceptable limits, microclimatic conditions like ambient temperature and relative humidity were within permissible range. Twenty-eight species of insects representing 23 families in 9 orders was recorded at Okpoma community that recorded 28.49 mg/kg THC and 12.85 mg/kg TPH. Twenty five insect species representing 17 families in 8 orders were recorded at the tank farm that had 51.09 mg/kg and 40.69 mg/kg TPH and only 5 species representing 4 families were encountered along the banks of effluent canal that had a value of 1261.41 mg/kg and 935.85 mg/kg TPH. Species common in hydrocarbon contaminated environment were Camponotus sericeus, Crioceris latipennis (Chrysomelidae), Gryllus pennslvanicus, and Allonemobius fasciatus (Gryllidae). These species were able to tolerate hydrocarbon impacted environment. The aim of this investigation is to identify insect species that thrive in petroleum waste polluted environment and to explore their use as bio indicators of petroleum hydrocarbon pollution.

Keywords: petroleum waste, insects, occurrence, speciation, brass oil terminal.

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