February 2015 Vol.3 No.2

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Original Research Article

The effect of crude oil pollution on some soil fertility parameters in Ikot Oboreyin, Ikot Abasi, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

E. A. Moses and *E. I. Uwah

Department of Chemistry, University of Uyo, P.M.B. 1017 Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

^*Corresponding Author’s Email: emmanueliuwah@uniuyo.edu.ng; Tel: +2348028251882

Accepted February 11, 2015

Abstract

This study was carried out to investigate the effect of artisanal crude oil refining on farmlands in Ikot Oborenyin, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Soil samples were collected from two farmlands (1 and 2) using composite sampling. Samples were equally collected from another farmland about 1Km away to serve as control. The samples were collected at three depths (0-15, 15-30 and 30-45) cm. Standard methods were utilized to determine the following parameters: pH, electrical conductivity (EC), organic matter (OM), total nitrogen (N), available phosphorus (P), exchangeable cations, exchange acidity (EA), effective cation exchange capacity (ECEC), base saturation (BS) and the particle size. Trace metals Zn, Cu, Pb and As concentrations were measured using AAS. Results revealed that the soils from studied farmlands had some of their properties altered. There were significant differences (P<0.05) between the OM, P, EA and % sand contents of the studied soil samples and the control. There were also significant differences (P<0.05) in concentrations of Zn, Cu and As between the studied soils and the control. Negative correlations were established between OM and Zn, Cu, and Pb in farmland 1 and positive correlations (r = 0.99) were established in farmland 2. Differences in estimated parameters could be attributed to crude oil related activities with resulting negative effects in the area.

Keywords: Artisanal oil refining, pollution, soil fertility parameters, trace metals