Physicochemical Properties, Total Concentration, Geochemical Fractions, and Health Risks of Trace Metals in Oil-Bearing Soils of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
The physicochemical properties, total metal, metal fractions, and related human health problems of metals in oil-bearing soils of Akwa Ibom State were appraised using standard procedures. The study aimed at assessing the
effects of crude oil and related activities on the properties of soil including metals (Cd, Cr, Ni, Pb and V), their
fractions and associated health problems. Results showed that, levels of parameters were higher in the soils
examined than in the control. The entire metals examined, apart from Cd, were within their acceptable limits
however; higher than the limits for agricultural soils. Cd and Cr existed mainly in the readily available fraction,
while Ni, Pb, and V occurred mainly in the reducible fraction in the studied soils. Conversely, these metals, except
Cd, occurred principally in the inert fraction in the control. V/Ni ratio confirmed the soils as oil-forming
continents and of organic matter origin. The natural factor, crude oil, and oil-related activities were major sources
of soil contaminants. Anthropogenic proportions of metals were more in the soils investigated than in the
background soil. The locations were contaminated with metals. Daily intake rates of metals were within their
recommended doses except for Pb. The pollution status of the oil-bearing soils and the related human health risks
have been revealed.
