Title: Evaluation Of Far And Near Lands Of Oil Exploration Sites For Farm Practices In Delta Central
Authors: Jarikre
Oghenerukevwe Faith
Onyibe
Christopher Emeka
Volume: 10
Issue: 5
Pages: 306-315
Publication Date: 2026/05/28
Abstract:
Soil resources in the Delta Central region of Nigeria, are under increasing pressure from petroleum exploration, which can affect fertility, soil properties, and increasing contamination levels and influencing agricultural land use. This study was carried out in four selected communities (Ubogo, Ukpiovwin, Emadadja, and Otor-Udu) within Udu Local Government Area with location (Latitudes 5°25'N-5°35'N and Longitudes 5°45'E-6°00'E), of Delta State, Nigeria. Twenty-four composite soil samples were collected at two depths (0 - 15 cm and 15 - 30 cm) and analyzed for physical properties (temperature, aggregate stability and penetration resistance), chemical properties (Exchangeable acidity, exchangeable hydrogen, exchangeable aluminum cation exchange capacity), and heavy metals (Lead (Pb) Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr) and Mercury (Hg). Data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and means separated using least significant difference (LSD) at 5% level of significance. Results showed that exchangeable acidity ranged from 0.37-0.47 cmol(+) kg-¹, with exchangeable hydrogen 0.37-0.47 cmol(+) kg?¹ and exchangeable aluminum 0-3 cmol(+) kg?¹. cation exchange capacity 4.05-13.53 cmol(+) kg?¹. Heavy metals in soils varied significantly: Pb (3.00 - 75.02 mg kg?¹), Cd (0.22 - 0.37 mg kg?¹), Cr (4.72 - 14.47 mg kg?¹), and Hg (1.52 - 2.76 mg kg?¹). The highest soil Pb occurred at Emadadja-Far (75.02 mgkg?¹) and Cr at Emadadja-Near (14.47 mgkg?¹), while Hg concentrations were relatively higher at Ukpiovwin-Near and Ubogo-Near (2.76 mgkg?¹). Plant tissue concentrations were Pb (0.79 - 3.05 mgkg?¹), Cd (0.11- 0.32 mgkg?¹), Cr (1.23 -3.53 mgkg?¹), and Hg (0.41 - 1.52 mgkg?¹), with the highest Hg at Otor-Udu-Near (1.52 mg kg?¹) and Cr at Ukpiovwin-Near (3.53 mg kg?¹) exceeding standard levels. The results indicate moderate soil fertility but localized heavy metal accumulation in some locations. Continuous monitoring and improved soil fertility will ensure food safety.