Preliminary Assessment of Thermal and pH Properties of Soils in Ogoniland, Rivers State, South-South, Nigeria
Soil temperature and its variations at different depths are unique parameters that contribute to
the understanding of both surface energy processes and regional environmental conditions. This
study reports the effects of oil and gas exploration (pollution) on soil thermal properties in
Ogoniland, Rivers State, Nigeria. The scope of this study is limited to the determination of the
temperature and pH of the soils. A total of thirty (30) soil samples were collected randomly
using vegetation, slope, and altitude factors from three (3) local government areas of
Ogoniland, Rivers State, Nigeria for determining the point for each sampling, coordinates, and
elevation. Soil samples were collected at two depths: 0-15 cm (Topsoil) and 15 – 30 cm
(Subsoil) with the aid of a Dutch stainless steel hand auger from four (4) sites (impacted) at
different locations within the study area and one (non-impacted) control site outside the project
area. A standard digital soil thermometer was employed to determine the temperature of the
soils in situ in both regions. It has been observed that the pH and temperature of soils in situ
and their variation with test points (location) agree with the results reported in these and similar
environments. Hence, it can be concluded that the soils in Eleme, Gokana and Tai Local
Government Areas may be recommended, but, with caution, for agricultural activity, laying of
gas pipelines, or buried cable in the areas, since the values of these properties observed were
within the range of standard values.