Assessment of the impact of Oil Spillage on Soil in the Imo State Environment, Nigeria

Elenwo, Ephraim Ikechukwu, and Oyakhilome, Priscilia Oseze

Department of Geography and Environmental Management, Faculty of Social Sciences University of Port Harcourt, P.M.B. 5323, Choba, Rivers State, Nigeria.

Accepted March 12, 2018

The study experimentally examined effects of oil spillage on the soils in Imo State, Nigeria. Data collection, six sites (Oru West &East, Ngor-Okpala, Obowo, Isiala Mbano, Ikeduru and Ezinihitte) reflecting oil spilled, and non- oil spilled areas. Soil samples collected from twelve random sample points per-plot at surface and subsurface depth of 0-15cm and 15-30cm. Fcal. generated analysed using ANOVA and Regression. Fcal.10.21 greater than F-Critical of 4.49 (F.cal>F.critical) at 0.05 level of significance, indicates that oil impacted soil are richer in soil chemical characteristics than non-impacted area. Multiple linear regression with correlation coefficient (r= 0.941) between depth at Orlu zone, Ngor-Okpalla (r= 0.845),Obowo(r=0.918),indicates strong and positive correlation between the two areas in terms of depth. Study revealed, the soils found in the area have high composition of silt, acidic and contains high amount of carbon. Organic carbon in oil impacted soil and at non-impacted area was lower and total hydrocarbon content (THC) value higher in comparison with the value at non- impact. Hypothesis shows oil impacted soils were richer in soil chemical characteristics than non-impacted soils with a calculated value 0.025.Study recommends frequent inspection of pipelines and replacement of worn-out pipes to avoid future oil spillages in the area.

Key words: Assessment, Impact, Oil Spillage, Soil, Imo State.

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