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Soil quality in the vicinity of palm oil mills in Umuahia,

Nigeria

1*

Nnaji J.C,

1

Okoye J.A,

2

Omotugba S.K

1Department of Chemistry, Michael University of Agriculture, Umudike, P. M. B. 7267, Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria. 2Federal College of Wildlife Management, New Bussa, Niger State, Nigeria.

The study focused on the effect of the palm oil mill effluent (POME) on the physico-chemical parameters of agricultural soil within Umuahia. The soil samples were collected from the areas where the POME was discharged. The following parameters were analyzed: particle size, organic carbon, organic matter, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, available phosphorus, exchangeable cations (Na, K, Ca, Mg), electrical conductivity. Digested samples were also analyzed for heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Ni, Cu) using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Results of the physico-chemical analysis showed that the discharge of POME onto the soil causes the degradation of soil physico-chemical properties and increase heavy metal contamination.

Keywords: Physico-chemical, soil, palm oil, effluent, heavy metals

INTRODUCTION

The local palm fruit processing method used in Nigeria to produce palm oil is very long and laborious and large quantities of wastes are produced including oil palm trunk (OPT), oil palm frond (OPF), empty fruit bunches (EFB), palm press fibre (PPF), palm kernel cake (PKC), shells, palm oil mill sludge (POMS), decanter cake and palm oil mill effluent (POME). For every ton of crude palm oil produced, about 5 – 7.5 tonnes of water are used and about 50% of the water results in POME. POME produced by the small scale traditional operators undergoes little or no treatment and is usually discharged into the surrounding environment (Ohimain

et al., 2012). Raw POME has an extremely high content of degradable organic matter and is a thick, brownish, colloidal suspension with high amounts of suspended solids, organic matter, oil and grease (Ahmed et al., 2003; Onyia et al., 2001). POME also contains nutrients like carbohydrates, proteins, fatty acids, nitrogen, potassium, magnesium and calcium; heavy metals like chromium, iron, copper and lead (Muhrizal et al., 2006; James et al., 1996). The three basic processes through which soil quality can be degraded are: physical – arising from erosion; chemical – due to nutrient deficiency, heavy metal contamination etc. and biological – resulting from loss of organic matter (NAS, 1993). Heavy metal accumulation is a principal factor in

soil quality degradation and reduction of the capacity of the soil to grow healthy plants (Mansur and Jazuli, 2007). When POME is discharged without treatment, it affects the physico-chemical properties of the soil and increases the heavy metal content of the soil (Piccolo and Mgbagwu, 1997). Crop farming areas located where POME is discharged are at the risk of physico-chemical degradation and heavy metal contamination. These heavy metals may also accumulate to high levels in different parts of plants and may also pose health risks to human beings and animals who consume plants or food stuffs grown on such soils. This work investigated the effects of POME discharge on soil quality in Umuahia, Abia state.

*Corresponding author: Jude Chidozie Nnaji, Department of Chemistry, Michael University of Agriculture, Umudike, P. M. B. 7267, Umuahia, Abia

State, Nigeria. Tel.: +2348077304555; Email:

dozis03@yahoo.com

Co-authors:

1Okoye, J. A.:+2348137497931

2Omotugba S:+2348031957092, omokay6@yahoo.com

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MATERIALS AND METHODS

Study area

The sampling sites were located in Umuahia North, Umuahia South and Ikwuano Local Government Areas of Abia State. Umuahia is the capital of Abia State, Nigeria and is a well-known palm oil processing area. Soil samples were collected from Umuaja, Eziama-Ubakala; Lodu-Ndume, Ibeku; Umuihe-Umuopara; Ohiya and Ntalakwu-Oboro, Ikwuano.

Sample Collection and Pre-treatment

Samples were collected randomly from the 0 – 20 cm depth at each sampling site with a soil auger. Five sub-samples were collected at each site and mixed thoroughly to give a composite sample. Control sample was also collected from a site that does not experience POME discharge which was located 500 m from the Lodu oil palm mill. Extraneous materials were removed from the samples and they were kept in plastic bags, labeled appropriately and then transported to the lab for analysis. The soil samples were air-dried at room temperature, crushed with porcelain mortar and pestle and sieved with 2 mm sieve. They were then stored in plastic bottles prior to analysis.

Physico-chemical Analysis

Soil pH was determined by inserting the probe of a pre-calibrated digital pH meter (model pH 5 - 25) into a 1:2.5 soil/water suspension (Ano, 1994). Electrical Conductivity (EC) was determined with the 0.1 % sodium metaphosphate method (Agbenin, 1995). Organic carbon was determined by the wet-acid oxidation method (Walkey and Black, 1934). Organic Matter (OM) was determined by oxidation of 1 g of oven-dried sample with 50 % H2O2 solution and ignition

in a muffle furnace. Bulk density was determined with the clod method (Blake and Hartge, 1986). Oil and grease was determined by the USEPA method 9071 (USEPA, 1998). Total nitrogen (TN) was analysed using the Kjeldahl method while total phosphorus was determined using the colorimetric method after acid digestion of the sample and extraction of neutralized digest with deionized water (Agbenin, 1995). Available Phosphorus was analysed using the Bray-1 method (Bray and Kurtz, 1945) while total phosphorus was

analysed using HNO3 digestion and

spectrophotometeric method. Particle size analysis was done using the hydrometer method which utilizes 50 % Calgon (sodium hexametaphosphate) as dispersing agent (Bouyoncus, 1951). Total exchangeable bases (K, Na, Ca and Mg) were determined by the ammonium acetate (NH4AOC) extraction method (Jackson, 1958).

All analyses were in triplicate.

Preparation of standards

Five standard solutions for each element (Cd, Cr, Ni and Cu) were prepared from a stock solution by serial

dilution. In this case, stock solutions with a concentration of 1000 ppm were diluted to obtain

standard solutions of low concentration. The

absorbance obtained from AAS instrument for each standard of a particular element was used in drawing calibration curves. The concentrations of the metals in each sample were obtained from the calibration curve in mgL-1 and were converted to mgkg-1 with the

formular:

Metal concentration in soil (mgkg-1) = [(A x B)/C] D

A = value from calibration curve in mg/l; B = total volume of extract in ml; C = weight of sample digested in g; D = dilution factor

Sample Digestion and Metal Analysis

Soil samples were digested in triplicate as described by Bamgbose et al. (2000). 5g of sieved sample was placed into a beaker and 10ml of concentrated HNO3

was added. The beaker was covered with watch glass and refluxed for 45 minutes. The watch glass was removed and the content of the beaker evaporated to dryness. 5ml of aqua regia was added and evaporated to dryness after which 10ml of 1 mol dm-3 HNO

3 was

added and the suspension filtered through a Whatman no 42 filter paper. The filtrate was diluted to volume with distilled-deionized water in a 50ml volumetric flask and used for metal determinations. Four metals (Cd, Cr, Ni and Cu) were determined in the soil samples with

Buck Scientific Flame Atomic Absorption

Spectrophotometer (Model, Accusys 211).

Statistical Analysis

Statistical analysis was done using the SPSS (version

15.0) for Windows software package. Mean

concentrations and standard deviations were calculated for each parameter. The results were also subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and means were compared using Duncan Multiple Range Test.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

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Table 1. Means (±SD) Values for Particle Size, pH, EC and Bulk Density

Sites Particle Size (%) pH EC

(µScm-1)

Bulk Density (gcm-3)

Oil and Grease (mg kg-1)

Clay Sand Silt

Ohiya 10.50±0.00a 66.50±1.26a 23.00±1.00a 5.80±0.22a 138±29a 1.58±0.05a 10.36±1.49a Ubakala 14.66±1.05a 63.94±1.33a 21.40±1.50a 6.20±0.35a 180±17b 1.50±0.11a 12.18±3.08a Ikwuano 16.20±0.95b 56.65±0.88b 27.15±0.85b 5.60±0.81a 168±10c 1.40±0.30a 9.30±0.88a Umuihe 15.39±0.72b 65.97±2.17a 18.64±0.59a 5.70±0.42a 106±30d 1.45±0.08a 11.29±2.11a Lodu 20.77±0.53c 55.83±1.49b 23.40±0.66a 5.60±0.18a 159±11c 1.39±0.20a 8.30±1.20b Control 12.19±1.50a 75.55±2.55c 12.26±0.33c 7.08±0.20b 85±20e 1.17±0.07b 3.25±0.95c

EC = electrical conductivity

Means in the same column with different letters are significantly different (P < 0.05)

Table 2. Means (±SD) Values for other Physico-chemical Parameters

Sites OC (%)

OM (%)

TP (mg kg-1)

AP (mg kg-1)

TN (%)

Exchangeable Bases

Ca (mg kg-1)

Mg (mg kg-1)

K (mg kg-1)

Na (mg kg-1)

Ohiya 1.03±0.0 8a 3.50±1.2 2a 67.76±4.80a 19.35±4.2 9a 1.21±0.1 1a 172.10±23.4 4a 2.91±0.9 4a 8.00±1.46 a 34.80±8.14 a Ubakal a 4.03±0.8 1b 7.40±1.7 5b 86.40±11.25 b 23.00±2.8 2a 0.72±0.0 7b 140.92±26.7 0b 1.76±0.5 5b 7.40±0.91 a 27.49±6.91 a Ikwuan o 1.83±0.2 7c 3.02±0.9 8a 105.84±19.1 7c 44.90±5.0 0b 0.80±0.0 9b 112.85±18.9 1c 3.56±0.9 7a 9.60±1.80 a 37.72±9.34 a Umuih e 2.63±0.7 0c 5.53±1.0 6c 97.92±10.25 c 30.10±9.1 2c 0.96±0.1 5b 124.40±30.0 7c 1.14±0.6 0c 10.40±2.1 0a 43.50±10.2 2b

Lodu 2.01±0.9 3c 4.70±1.1 4c 108.00±22.3 7c 46.30±7.8 0b 1.28±0.3 3a 107.61±10.8 8c 2.69±0.8 3a 8.80±2.15 a 40.08±8.30 b

Control 0.70±0.0 5d 1.21±0.3 0d 32.18±5.90d 14.31±2.5 5d 0.44±0.0 1c 48.95±5.70d 1.10±0.5 0c 5.22±1.07 b 10.26±2.39 c

OC = organic carbon, OM = organic matter, TP = total phosphorus, AV = available phosphorus, TN = total nitrogen Means in the same column with different superscripts are significantly different (P < 0.05)

mean EC value in the oil mill samples means higher deposition of dissolved ions from POME discharge. Bulk density and oil and grease concentration were significantly lower in the control sample compared to oil mill samples. This is in accordance with the conclusions reached by Table 2 shows the mean values of organic

carbon (OC), organic matter (OM), available

phosphorus (AP), total phosphorus (TP), total nitrogen (TN) and exchangeable bases (Ca, K, Mg and Na). The mean OC, OM, TP, AV and TN concentration in the oil mill samples were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the oil mill samples compared to the control sample. This conforms to the findings of Rupanni et al. (2010) who observed significant increase in these parameters in soil amended with POME. This indicates the impact of POME discharge on soil in the vicinity of the oil mills. Available phosphorus concentrations in the five samples were relatively high which infers high organic matter content of POME. Among the oil mill samples, the highest mean TP value of 108.00 ± 22.37 mg kg-1

recorded for the sample from Lodu while the lowest

value of 67.76±4.80 mg kg-1 was recorded for the

sample from Ohiya. The same profile was recorded for available phosphorus.

Mean Ca, K and Na were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the oil mill samples compared to control sample. Okwute and Isu (2007) also obtained similar results in a study on the impact of POME on physico-chemical parameters of soil in Anyingba, Nigeria. Mean concentration of Ca was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the sample from Ohiya when compared to other oil mill samples. However, mean Mg concentration in Umuihe was similar (P > 0.05) to that of the control sample but significantly lower (P > 0.05) than those of the other oil mill samples. Mean total Heavy metal (Cu, Cd, Ni and Cr) concentrations in the soil samples from the sampling and control sites are shown in Table 3.

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Table 3. Mean (±SD) Total Cu, Cd, Ni and Cr concentrations (mg kg-1) in the Soil Samples

Sites Cu Cd Ni Cr

Ohiya 10.80±1.32a 0.05±0.00a 0.25±0.43a 0.74±0.07a

Ubakala 13.37±1.74a 0.02±0.00b 0.60±0.10b 0.82±0.11a

Ikwuano 9.80±2.60a 0.07±0.01a 0.10±0.05c 0.70±0.16a

Umuihe 21.40±4.59b 0.13±0.05c 0.09±0.02c 1.05±0.29a

Lodu 10.44±1.88a 0.08±0.01a 0.10±0.03c 1.33±0.63b

Control 5.82±1.20d 0.01±0.00b 0.31±0.02a 0.42±0.05c

Means in the same column with different superscripts are significantly different (P<0.05)

concentrations were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in control soil samples compared to oil mill samples. However, mean Cd and Ni concentrations in control sample were similar (P > 0.05) to concentrations in Ubakala and Ohiya, respectively. POME discharge seems to impact greater Cu and Cr loads on soil samples compared to the other metals determined in this study. The Canadian Quality Guidelines values for soil meant for agricultural use have the following limits for the metals analyzed in this study: Cd 1.4, Cr 64 and Cu 63 mg kg-1 (CCME, 2007). Total Cd, Cr and Cu

concentrations in this study were below the guideline limits.

CONCLUSION

This study has shown that the discharge of POME onto the soil causes the degradation of soil physico-chemical properties and increase heavy metal contamination. Thus, while essential products like palm oil are

obtained from oil palm milling, the adverse

environmental impact of POME discharge should be placed in the proper context. Adequate treatment and proper disposal of POME is advocated.

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CCME (2007). Canadian Soil Quality Guidelines for the Protection of Environmental and Human Health. Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment, CCME, Winnipeg.

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Microbiological and Physicochemical Characteristics of Soil Receiving Palm Oil Mill Effluent in Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria. Journal of Natural Sciences Research, 3(7): 163-169

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Jackson MLC (1958). Soil Chemical Analysis Practice. New Jersey, US: Halline Eagle Wood Cliff Ltd, pp 230 James R, Sampath K, Alagurathinam S (1996). Effects

of Lead on Respiratory Enzyme Activity. Glycogen and blood sugar level of the telecast Oreochromis mossambicus (Peters) during accumulation and depuration. Asian fisheries science 9(8): 87-100. Mansur UD, Jazuli A (2007). Irrigation and Heavy

Metals Pollution in Soils under Urban and Peri-Urban Agricultural Systems. International Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences 1(3): 37 –42.

Muhrizal S, Shamshuddin J, Fauziah I, Husni MAH (2006). Changes in Iron Poor Acid Sulphate Soil upon Submergence. Geoderma 131: 110-122.

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Ohimain EI, Seiyaboh EI, Izah SC, Ogheneghueke EV, Perewarebo GT (2012). Some Selected Physico-Chemical and Heavy Metal.Properties of Palm Oil Mill Effluents (POME). Greener Journal of Physical Sciences 2(4): 131-137.

Okwute LO, Isu NR (2007). The Environmental Impact of Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME) on some physicochemical parameters and total aerobic bioload of soil at a dump site in Anyigba, Kogi State, Nigeria. African Journal of Agricultural Research 2(12): 656-662

Onyia CO, Uyub AM, Akunna JC, Nonolaini NA, Omav AKM (2001). Increasing the Fertilizer Value of Palm Oil Mill Sludge: Bio-Augumention in Nitrification. Water science and Technology 44 (10): 157-162. Piccolo A, Mgbagwu JSC (1997). Exogenous Hymic

Substances as Conditioners for Rehabilitation of

Degraded Soils. Agro-foods industry. Hitech

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Rupani PF, Singh RP, Ibrahim MH, Esa N (2010). Review of current palm oil mill effluent (POME)

treatment methods: vermin-composting as a

sustainable practice. World Applied Sciences Journal, 10(10), 1190-120

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www.epa.gov/solidwaste/hazard/testmethods/SW846 /pdfs/9071b.pdf Accessed October 16, 2014.

Walkey A, Black AI (1934). An Examination of the Detiare Method of Determining Soil Organic Matter and Proposed Modification of the Chronic Acid and Titration. Soil Science, 37: 29-36.

Accepted 20 April, 2016.

Citation: Nnaji JC, Okoye JA, Omotugba SK (2016). Soil quality in the vicinity of palm oil mills in Umuahia, Nigeria. International Research Journal of Chemistry and Chemical Sciences, 3(1): 029-032.

Copyright: © 2016 Nnaji et al. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative

Commons Attribution License, which permits

Figure

Table 1. Means (±SD) Values for Particle Size, pH, EC and Bulk Density
Table 3. Mean (±SD) Total Cu, Cd, Ni and Cr concentrations (mg kg-1) in the Soil Samples

References

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