Characterization of Crude Oil Contaminated Soils in Niger Delta Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the characterization of crude oil contaminated soils in Niger Delta Nigeria.  The objectives of the study include to determine the pH and electrical conductivity of crude oil contaminated soils, ascertain the heavy metal concentration of soils polluted with crude oil as well as establish the petroleum hydrocarbon concentration of crude oil contaminated soils in Niger Delta region. Survey method was employed as the study design. Samples of crude oil contaminated soils were collected from five (5) different locations in Niger Delta where there are obvious layers of oil/petroleum by random sampling. The collected samples of crude oil contaminated soils were stored in polyethylene bags. From the five soil samples, some were kept in a dirt free jar lined with Teflon cap and then cooled down to around 4 degree Celsius in sheaths of ice. Some samples of the soil meant for use in assessing the physicochemical characterization of crude oil polluted soils were dried at a temperature of 24⁰C, grinded, sieved and the portions tested for pH using meter. Also assessed was the electrical conductivity of the soil sample which was done using conductivity meter. The soil temperatures were assessed using thermometer. Heavy metal concentrations of crude oil contaminated surface water were ascertained using Elmer Model 2280/2380 spectrophometer. The petroleum hydrocarbons concentration of the crude oil contaminated samples was determined. Results revealed that land areas polluted with crude oilare slightly acidic, have low electrical conductivity, high concentration of heavy metals and petroleum hydrocarbon. Thus contamination of soil with crude oil poses major environmental as well as public health issues that should be drastically addressed. The need for government, non-government organizations, international agencies and related stakeholders to take crucial initiatives towards preventing as well as curbing the contamination of soils and the entire ecosystem with oil pollutants more particularly, crude oils was recommended