Environmental Impact of Bitumen on Soil, Water and Plant in Lodasa Area, Ode-Irele, Ondo State, Nigeria

摘要

Six locations of various plants with different indicator parts were analyzed with 12 soil samples, 6 plant and 6 water samples in Lodasa, Ode-Irele Local Government Area of Ondo State to study the effects of bitumen on them. Results show that the percentage composition of nitrogen the in plants ranges from 0.069-0078, for phosphors it ranges from 0.031-0.068, potassium form 0.16-0.23, calcium ranges from 0.212-0.288, for magnesium, 0.104-0.188. Percentage composition of manganese ranges from 17.07-21.03, for zinc 13.25-16.20, for copper, 1.93-2.33 and percentage iron ranges from 31.25-36.24 all in plants analyzed. As for the composition of these constituents in soils, percentage composition of nitrogen ranges from 1.058-3.61, calcium, 0.66-0.88, magnesium, 0.65-0.88 and organic matter ranges from 1.788-2.142. Evidently these show that the soils cannot support plant growth and their effects were manifested in visual signs of dying plants in the bitumen affected areas. The results for water samples have values below the standard recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for safe drinking water while calcium and manganese values are above the WHO Standard. As for the results of waters samples analyzed, manganese ranges from 1.63-2.94 ppm, calcium, 3.22-8.63 ppm, iron 0.28-0.43 ppm, copper 0.19-0.38 ppm while magnesium ranges from 2.85-4.77 ppm. These show that the water was toxic and injurious to human, animals and aquatic lives. Statistical analysis shows a positive linear correlation between the presence of nutrients in plants and the soil, which is responsible for the retarded growth and yellow colouration of the leaves. The presence of bitumen in Lodasa soil is fast eroding soil fertility in the area and has contributed immensely to low yield of agricultural products. The use of organic fertilizer to boost soil fertility, relocation and resettlement of farmers to areas with high soil fertility and appropriate legislation to protect the rights of the native settlers are some of the recommendations.