Evaluation of effects of used engine oil on soil properties, abundance and distribution of soil arthropods in Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja, Nigeria

Abstract

Soil samples were collected in three (3) selected Area Councils i.e. Gwagwalada, Kuje, and Municipal of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, Nigeria. In each Area Council, three replicated pits I, II and III were dug with carbon steel soil core at the depths of 5 cm, 10 cm &15 cm for soil sample collection at mechanic workshops (Sites A and B) and an uncontaminated area (Site C) chosen 40 meters eastward from the study sites. Also, samples of arthropods encountered at the sites were collected. All samples were labeled indicating sites of collection. The samples were analyzed at the laboratory of the Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Abuja. Data was analyzed in Randomized Complete Design using SPSS version 18 Software and bar chart. Means were separated with Duncan Multiple Range Test DMRT (P<0.05). The result shows a significantly higher negative impact of the contamination on soil properties (pH, moisture. temperature) in the selected Area Councils. It was also established that no arthropod was found on the impacted sites, but a wide range of invertebrates of the class Arachnida, Insecta, and Myriapoda were abundant in the uncontaminated soils. This portrays the deleterious effect of contamination caused by used engine oil on soil properties and the associated soil organisms in the studied area. This calls for remediation of the impacted soil by creating platforms for reuse and recycling of used engine oil and deter the pollution of the soil, water, and the environment in the area.