Assessment of Soil Physicochemical Properties, Heavy Metal Contamination, and their Socioeconomic and Environmental Impacts in Oil-Producing Communities of the Niger Delta, Nigeria

Itiotio; E. O.; Dollah; O. C; Youdeowei; P. O

doi:10.56201/rjpst.vol.9.no8.2026.pg88.102

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Assessment of Soil Physicochemical Properties, Heavy Metal Contamination, and their Socioeconomic and Environmental Impacts in Oil-Producing Communities of the Niger Delta, Nigeria

Itiotio, E. O., Dollah, O. C , Youdeowei, P. O

Abstract

This research evaluated the physical and chemical characteristics, heavy metal pollution, and the related socioeconomic and environmental consequences of soil contamination in oil-producing regions of the Niger Delta, Nigeria. An approach utilizing mixed methods, which included laboratory evaluations and household interviews, was used. Soil samples were gathered from five different communities—Ogulagha, Odimodi, Forcados Town, Beniboye, and Yobebe—with three sampling locations in each area (n = 15). A total of 400 respondents were chosen for the questionnaire using Taro Yamane's sampling method from a population of 78,134. The laboratory evaluation focused on soil pH, organic carbon content, texture, electrical conductivity, moisture levels, and heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Zn, Ni, Cr, Co, and V) through standard methodologies that involved aqua regia digestion and atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Findings revealed that heavy metal levels and hydrocarbon pollution were particularly high in Forcados Town and Ogulagha, often surpassing the permissible limits set by NESREA. Soil pH was found to be moderately acidic to slightly alkaline, and both organic carbon levels and microbial populations displayed variations that matched the degree of pollution. The questionnaire results indicated a strong perception of the effects of soil pollution, with weighted mean scores between 4.19 and 4.37. More than 56.57% of respondents strongly believed that soil contamination contributed to decreased agricultural productivity, while 55.05% noted a reduction in crop yields. Furthermore, 60.10% reported noticeable soil degradation, and 51.01% frequently observed oil spills on farmland. Analysis using Kruskal-Wallis indicated no statistically significant differences (p > 0.05) in perceived pollution impacts among the communities, reflecting a consistent exposure and experience of pollution effects. Economic repercussions included diminished farm income, falling land values, heightened food insecurity, and health issues related to environmental pollution. The geo-accumulation index and contamination factor (CF) indicated moderate to severe pollution levels at most of the sampling locations. The study concludes that soil contamination in the Niger Delta is widespread in terms of environmental impact and disruptive to socioeconomic conditions, highlighting the need for immediate remediation, stricter enforcement of regulations, and sustainable environmental management practices to improve soil health and safeguard the livelihoods in the affected areas.

Keywords

AssessmentSoilPhysicochemicalPropertiesHeavyMetal& Contamination

References

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Assessment of Soil Physicochemical Properties, Heavy Metal Contamination, and their Socioeconomic and Environmental Impacts in Oil-Producing Communities of the Niger Delta, Nigeria

Abstract

Keywords

References

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