Assessment of heavy metal contamination of Robertkiri oil field's soil

Abstract

Soil samples within Reobertkiri Oil Field in Niger Delta area of Nigeria were analyzed for some heavy metals, including Ba, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb and Zn and the results used to evaluate the degree of contamination of the oil field's soil. The soil reaction was within the acidic pH range, while moderate to high organic matter contents were recorded. Heavy metals measured in the soil showed varying concentrations among sample locations within the field. Some levels of significant difference (p<0.05) were observed for nickel and mercury concentrations between the wet and dry seasons, while other metals showed no significant difference. The results, however, revealed that the soils were predominantly slightly contaminated with these metals.

Nigerian Journal of Soil Science Vol. 15 2005: 42-46