Published Article

The study investigated the effect of waste lubricating oil spillage on the soil of mechanic village, Abak Road in Uyo metropolis, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. The objectives of the study examined the effect of waste lubricating oils on the soil and the level of toxicity caused by spent oil in the study area. The parameters studied were: PAHs, Pb, Cr, N, P, pH, CEC and particle size. It was found that spilled lubricating oil on the soil in the study area was 38 times greater in spent oil of PAHs compared to the normal soil (control soil) showing high level of toxicity by petroleum products. There was a slight reduction of Nitrogen (0.09 + 0.006 vs 0.11 + 0.00) mg/100g followed by the reduction of phosphorus by the contaminated soil (9.89 + 0.03 vs 16.36 + 0.005) mg/100g. The pH value was predominantly acidic. CEC was low, thus implying low soil fertility caused by the polluted to read 1.986 + 0.20 against the control soil of 0.01 + 0.00. Hg was slightly higher which do not show any serious negative effect, particle size shows that the soil is loamy. It was obvious that the soil spilled with lubricating oil on the study area is toxic and capable of damaging the soil structure, reduce soil quality and health effect on animals including man. It was recommended that environmental workshops be organized for awareness and a good disposal system be designed and collected for recycling and reinjection.