This study assessed the impact of crude oil spill in Obie, Niger Delta of Nigeria, after four years of recorded incidence. Field reconnaissance and physiochemical parameters (Ã?â??Ã?â?¬H, total organic carbon and total organic matter) were used to assess the adverse effects of the spill on the soil. Field reconnaissance studies carried out prior to sample collection revealed lower number of flora (Elaeis guineensis and Andropogon gayanus), flora with stunted growth and chlorosis of leaves (Zea mays and Manihot esculenta) and lower number of fauna (Lumbricus terrestris). The Ã?â??Ã?â?¬H values ranged between 6.47 – 7.96, while the total organic carbon (TOC) and total organic matter (TOM) ranged between 1.25 – 3.27% and 2.15 – 5.26% respectively. The lower presence of flora and fauna, with acidic levels of Ã?â??Ã?â?¬H and increased levels of total organic carbon and total organic matter of the crude oil spilled site show that the detrimental effects of crude oil pollution on soils can linger for years.
