Preliminary Assessment of Thermal and pH Properties of Soils in Ogoniland, Rivers State, South-South, Nigeria

Abstract

Soil temperature and its variations at different depths are unique parameters that contribute to the understanding of both surface  energy processes and regional environmental conditions. This study reports the effects of oil and gas exploration (pollution) on soil  thermal properties in Ogoniland, Rivers State, Nigeria. The scope of this study is limited to the determination of the temperature and pH  of the soils. A total of thirty (30) soil samples were collected randomly using vegetation, slope, and altitude factors from three (3) local  government areas of Ogoniland, Rivers State, Nigeria for determining the point for each sampling, coordinates, and elevation. Soil  samples were collected at two depths: 0-15 cm (Topsoil) and 15 – 30 cm (Subsoil) with the aid of a Dutch stainless steel hand auger from  four (4) sites (impacted) at different locations within the study area and one (non-impacted) control site outside the project area. A  standard digital soil thermometer was employed to determine the temperature of the soils in situ in both regions. It has been observed  that the pH and temperature of soils in situ and their variation with test points (location) agree with the results reported in these and  similar environments. Hence, it can be concluded that the soils in Eleme, Gokana and Tai Local Government Areas may be recommended,  but, with caution, for agricultural activity, laying of gas pipelines, or buried cable in the areas, since the values of these properties  observed were within the range of standard values.