Soil properties, environmental, socio-economic impact of oil spill on Onelga, Rivers State

Study examined socio-economic and environmental impact of oil spills on residents of the study area. Experimental and cross-sectional method was adopted. Soil samples 5 top soils (0-15cm) and 5 sub soil (15-30cm) from impacted site, and 2 top soil samples (0-15cm) and sub soil (15-30cm) from unimpacted site as control. Physicochemical parameters (pH, EC, TOC and TOM), hydrocarbons (THC, TPH and PAH), and heavy metals (Pb, Cr, Cu, Zn, Ni and Fe) content of the soils were analysed. Results showed high heavy metals content on the impacted soil than the control; likewise, TOM, TOC (1.2184% and 1.324%, top soil and sub soil. TPH (36.21486ppm and 58.835ppm, top soil and sub soil, and PAH (18.498ppm and 19.935ppm, top soil and sub soil, with control value for PAH at zero. While pH (5.08 and 4.78, top soil and sub soil and EC (49.2µs/cm and 41.2µs/cm, top soil and subsoil values for impacted soil were higher than the control. Results show that oil spill has impacted on the soil and water bodies causing low crop yield and fish catch. Oil spill has affected the income and livelihood of the people exacerbating hunger and poverty. Study recommends a comprehensive environmental assessment in the area to ascertain the impact of oil spill on the environment and residents.