A Study of the Effects of Petroleum Production on Selected Soil Fertility Attributes in Ogoni Land, Rivers State Nigeria

Abstract

J.A. ONWUBIKO

The physical, chemical and biological properties of soil in Khana and Gokana LGAs of Rivers State Nigeria were in- vestigated. The main aim was to determine to what extent the soil fertility attributes in Ogoni land had been negatively affected by petroleum production in the area. Soil samples were collected from scientifically delineated spots in the study area and analyzed in the laboratory at the Institute of pollution studies, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt. All the data obtained from the laboratory were analyzed statistically using one-way analy- sis of variance (ANOVA). Results show that soil characteristics show evidence of variation attributable to influence of petroleum production activities. It is hereby recommended that in the oil production business, government should su- pervise the operation of the oil companies strictly and with due regard to the welfare of the inhabitants of the communi- ties. The oil companies should carry the host communities along in their activities. The host communities should forget the past, rely more on facts and show readiness to move forward. Oil production can still go forward to the benefit of all.

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