Preliminary Investigation on Mgbede-20 Oil-Polluted Site in Niger Delta, Nigeria

• Published in: Chemistry & biodiversity 2006-05, Vol.3 (5), p.568-577
• Main Authors: Osuji, Leo C., Idung, Iniobong D., Ojinnaka, Chukwunnoye M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Electric Conductivity; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Micronutrients; Niger Delta; Nigeria; Oil pollution; Organic Chemicals - analysis; Organic Chemicals - chemistry; Petroleum - analysis; Soil Pollutants - analysis; Soil Pollutants - chemistry; Soil pollution; Total organic carbon; Total organic matter
• ISSN: 1612-1872; 1612-1880
• DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.200690060

Soil physicochemical properties (pH, electrical conductivity (EC), % moisture, total organic carbon (TOC), total organic matter (TOM)), total extractable hydrocarbon content (THC), and micronutrient (Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn) levels of the Mgbede‐20 oil‐impacted site in Niger Delta, Nigeria, were investigated. Both oil‐impacted and their background control soils were found to be acidic especially at surface depth. A slightly higher EC value of 107.4±15.0 μS cm−1 was obtained for the subsurface‐polluted soils. Of the micronutrients investigated, only Fe exceeded its acceptable limit (>100 mg/kg). The observed increase in moisture content resulting from the oil's aggregation of soil particles may lower soil porosity, and increase resistance to penetration and hydrophobicity. Soil pH can be adjusted by aeration to complete the microbially mediated oxidation of the organic acids, followed by the addition of agricultural lime to provide some buffering capacity to the soil.