Effect of Crude Oil Pollution on some Soil Physical Properties

Abstract

The release of crude oil into the environment by oil spills is receiving worldwide attention due to the potential risks posed to the ecosystem. The effect of crude oil pollution on soil physical properties was investigated at Effunrun, Warri, Delta State, Nigeria. Soil samples in three replicates were collected from a polluted area and control (unpolluted) sites at three soil depths of 0-5 cm, 0-10 cm and 10-15 cm and analyzed for soil physical properties. Sand particles was significantly (p<0.05) reduced by 4.4 % at 10-15cm depth when compared with 0-5 cm depth. In contrast, clay content was significantly (p<0.05) lower at 0-5cm depth than 5-10 cm and 10-15 cm respectively, by 26.0 % and 30.7 %. Clay content increased with soil depth. Soil total porosity and macroporosity were 7.84 % and 17.6 %, respectively being higher in unpolluted soil than polluted soil howbeit, the results were similar. The study revealed that crude oil can have effect on pore spaces within the soil. Consequently, this may impair aeration and infiltration of water into the soil and inhibit plant growth.