IIARD International Institute of Academic Research and Development

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY AND CHEMICAL PROCESSES (IJCCP )

E-I SSN 2545-5265
P- ISSN 2695-1916
VOL. 11 NO. 2 2025
DOI: 10.56201/ijccp.vol.11.no2.2025.pg20.30

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Physicochemical Assessment of Oil-Impacted Soils in Idu Ekpeye Community, Ahoada West, Rivers State, Nigeria

Okidhika, Clinton Umebhidhi PhD, Abule, Esther Chinyere PhD

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Abstract

This study evaluates the physicochemical properties of oil-polluted farmlands in Idu Ekpeye Community, Ahoada West Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria. Comparative analyses were performed on three polluted sites (Oloya, Uyalena, and Iloh farmlands) and a control site (Uyanye-Enweozu farmland). The results showed significantly reduced pH levels in polluted sites (4.75, 4.19, and 4.32, respectively) compared to the control (5.43). Electrical conductivity peaked at 253 µS/cm in Oloya, indicating increased ionic content. Chloride concentrations were elevated in Oloya (107.77 mg/kg) and Iloh (99.26 mg/kg), compared to the control (53.88 mg/kg). Sulphate values were highest in Oloya (10,500 mg/kg), followed by Iloh (8,400 mg/kg), while the control recorded 7,750 mg/kg. Total hydrocarbon content was significantly high in Uyalena (1,864 mg/kg) and Oloya (381.33 mg/kg), while the control was negligible (-0.0045 mg/kg). Iron (Fe) concentrations ranged from 2,832.81 mg/kg (Oloya) to 10,844.38 mg/kg (Iloh), with the control at 6,433.59 mg/kg. Other metals like Zinc (Zn), Manganese (Mn), Nickel (Ni), Copper (Cu), and Lead (Pb) also showed spatial variability, with Pb being absent in the control but reaching 5.00 mg/kg in Oloya and Uyalena. The results reveal that oil pollution significantly alters soil chemistry, posing ecological and agricultural threats.

keywords:

Oil pollution, Soil quality, Heavy metals, Hydrocarbon contamination, Physicochemical parameters, Idu Ekpeye, Ahoada West, Environmental impact.

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