Impact of Bushfire on Soil Heavy Metals in Oil Palm Plantations in Edo State, Nigeria

The research examined the impact of bushfire on soil heavy metals in oil palm plantations in Edo State, Nigeria. The objectives of the study were to determine the concentration levels of heavy metals in the unburnt and burnt oil palm plantations, analyze significant differences in the soil heavy metals between both sites, and find out if bushfire has significant positive or negative impacts on the heavy metals. Soil samples were collected from the topsoil of the unburnt and burnt oil palm plantations, and were analyzed for lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), arsenic (As) and vanadium (V). Data were analyzed using descriptive (range, mean, standard deviation and coefficient of variation) and inferential (Student t-test) statistics. The impact of bushfires was statistically tested after comparing each heavy metal between the unburnt and burnt oil palm plantations. The findings revealed that the heavy metals concentrations were higher in the burnt oil palm plantation. Statistically significant differences in heavy metal concentrations were observed between both sites, and the findings also indicated that bushfires have significant positive impacts on Pb, Cd, Co, Cr, Ni, As, and V. Overall, bushfire enhanced the concentrations of heavy metals in oil palm plantations. These findings can aid in the formulation of soil quality management strategies for tropical oil palm plantations affected by bushfire. To identify possible heavy metal pollution, the study recommended that further investigations into the ecological risks of heavy metals in burnt oil palm plantations be undertaken.