HEAVY METAL MOVEMENT IN CRUDE OIL POLLUTED SOIL IN NIGER DELTA REGION

Ogboi, E

Department of Agricultural Technology

Delta State Polytechnic, Ozoro

E-mail: ogboied@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

This study was carried out in Uzere and Egbama communities (oil producing communities) in Niger Delta region of Delta State to determine the movement and concentration of heavy metals (Cadmium, Chromium and Lead) in soil profiles of crude oil polluted soil in Niger Delta region of Nigeria under natural field conditions. Two soil profiles of 200cm deep were dug at each community on polluted and unpolluted sites and soils were sampled from the profile at 40cm interval from the top down the profile for both polluted and unpolluted soils for laboratory analysis. Results indicated that the heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Pb) were more concentrated in the upper sections of the soil profile (0-40cm) probably due to the complexion effect of organic matter in these heavy metals. However, these metals were also found in the sub soil sections of the profile even down to the depth of between 164 and 200cm. The movement of these metals down to the depth (160-200cm) may be a threat to the underground water bodies within this area since the depth of the underground water is between 300 and 400cm deep from the soil surface. Hence application of organic matter to the soil is very important in order to slow down the rate of movement of these heavy metals in this region.

Keywords:-Heavy metal, Concentration, Movement, Soil profile, organic matter.