This study aims at assessing the subsurface soil properties of
contaminated sites in parts of the Niger Delta with a view to
providing basic data that would guide not only future development and
construction in the region but in choosing remediation
options for contaminated sites. Standard soil sampling and analytical
methods were employed in the study. Soil moisture content
values range from 5.2 to 97. 9 with spikes at Okrika OKR-CTRL and
BM-CTRL probably due to shallow water table encountered at
shallow depth of 2.0 m. While the average moisture level at contaminated
sites was 20.08 while that of the control sites was 17.
85. The variation also suggests higher water retention potential of
contaminated soils against normal clean soil which in essence
will enhance contaminant persistence in the soil. The soil pH value for
control sites tends to normal range i.e towards 7.0, while
the values for impacted sites are slightly lower. Most samples had
normal soil pH ranges except BM-SS1 which indicated acidic soil
conditions with ranges of 4.5-5.8. Liquid Limit is higher for control
samples than contaminated sites at Okrika, Ogu-Bolo, Bomu
manifold and Norkpo while Liquid Limit value for impacted site at Sime
is higher than the control site and similar for Nonwa sites.
