Abstract

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The effects of oil pollution on the soil of Umuokpara in Abia state was investigated. Soil samples were taken from three sites; from the mining spot, 100 meters away from the spot and 200 meters away from the spot. Soil samples collected were subjected to Laboratory analysis. The soil texture varied from loamy sand to sandy loam on the surface to sandy loamy in the sub-surface horizons. The soil from the oil exploration were very strongly acidic unlike that collected from 100m and 200m away from the mining spot. The organic carbon ranged from 3.53 – 5.70g/kg, phosphorus ranged from 13.70 – 16.30mg/kg. A survey of microflora were also carried out. Seven bacterial species were isolated namely; Pseudomonas spp., Bacillus spp, Clostridium spp, Streptococcus spp, Staphylococcus spp, Micrococcus spp and Alcaligenes spp. Four fungal species were also isolated namely; Penicillium spp, Aspergillus spp, Fusarium spp and Actinomycetes spp. The microbial population was observed to increase at the distance away from the mining spot. The oil therefore influenced microbial population in the soil. The microorganisms were able to grow and degrade oil substrates into other metabolites less harmful to the environment. Results of the findings proved that soil quality of the area has been degraded