Physicochemical Properties and Enzymes Activity Studies in a Refined Oil Contaminated Soil in Isiukwuato, Abia State, Nigeria

Soil Physicochemical properties and enzyme concentration were evaluated in soil from a refined-oil contaminated community in Isiukwuato, Abia State three years after the spill. The soil enzymes examined were urease, lipase, oxidase, alkaline and acid phosphatases. Results show a significant (P< 0.05) decrease in the activities of these enzymes in the contaminated soil relative to the control. Soil temperature, Organic Carbon(OC), Organic Matter (OM), Exchangeable Acidity (EA), Saturation Base (SB) and Effective Cation Exchangeable Capacity (ECEC) were significantly higher (p<0.05) in the polluted soil. Soil Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Calcium (Ca) and Magnesium (Mg) were also elevated in contaminated soil. These results suggest that the soil is not yet suitable for agricultural activity.