Authors: Babatunde Saheed Bada and Tosin Akinola Olarinre
Proceedings of the Annual International Conference on Soils, Sediments, Water and Energy
Abstract
This study examined the impact of an oil spill on soil characteristics and heavy metal content of vegetation. Soil and vegetation were sampled using a 1 metre square quadrant at distances of 1 m, 10 m, 20 m and 30 m from the oil spill. After vegetation identification, they were separated into leaves, stems and roots. Analysis of soil characteristics and heavy metals (Pb, Cd and Zn) content of the vegetation was carried out. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and ANOVA. Calopogonium mucunoides, Axonopus
compressus and Sida acuta were identified. Leaves had higher heavy metals content followed by stems and roots. Concentrations of heavy metals in the soils with respect to distances were in the order of 1 m > 10 m > 20 m > 30 m. Soil organic carbon content ranged from 18.75 – 27. 30 g/kg. The soils heavy metal concentrations ranged from 0.10 –0.18 mgCd/kg, 0.34 – 0.46 mgZn/kg and 0.28 – 0.44 mgPb/kg.