Thesis Abstract

Abstract
The presence of petroleum products in the environment, particularly in soil, is a major concern due to its potential negative impacts on soil fertility and overall ecosystem health. Mechanic workshops, where waste oil is commonly handled and disposed of, are potential sources of petroleum contamination in soil. This study aimed to investigate the effects of petroleum levels, specifically waste oil, on soil fertility in the vicinity of a mechanic workshop. A field study was conducted in the vicinity of a mechanic workshop where soil samples were collected at varying distances from the workshop to assess the extent of petroleum contamination. The levels of petroleum hydrocarbons in the soil were determined using appropriate analytical techniques. The physicochemical properties of the soil, including pH, organic matter content, and nutrient levels, were also analyzed to evaluate the impact of petroleum contamination on soil fertility. The results revealed a significant presence of petroleum hydrocarbons in the soil samples collected near the mechanic workshop, indicating contamination from waste oil disposal. The levels of petroleum contamination decreased with increasing distance from the workshop, highlighting the localized nature of the pollution. The contaminated soils exhibited altered physicochemical properties, including reduced organic matter content and altered nutrient levels, suggesting potential impacts on soil fertility. Further analysis indicated a negative correlation between petroleum levels and soil fertility parameters, with increasing petroleum contamination associated with decreased soil fertility. The presence of petroleum hydrocarbons in the soil not only affected the nutrient content but also influenced soil pH, potentially leading to adverse effects on plant growth and microbial activity in the soil. Overall, this study underscores the importance of addressing petroleum contamination from mechanic workshops to mitigate its adverse effects on soil fertility. Effective waste oil management practices and remediation strategies should be implemented to prevent further degradation of soil quality and ecosystem health in such environments. Future research efforts should focus on exploring sustainable remediation techniques and monitoring strategies to restore soil fertility in contaminated areas, ensuring environmental sustainability and ecosystem resilience.

Thesis Overview

1.0       INTRODUCTION

Used motor oil is a very dangerous polluting product. It contains PAH’s and high levels of metals. PAH’s such as benzo[a]pyrene, are well known for their high carcinogenity. Considerable quantities of heavy metals such as Pb, Zn, Cu, Cr, Ni, and Cd are contained in used crankcase oil, these metals are highly toxic to organisms

In Nigeria, it is common among motor mechanics to dispose waste oils into gutters, water drains and soil (Okonokhua et al., 2007). Waste oils is defined as used lubricating oils obtained after servicing and subsequently draining from automobile and generator engines. Spent oils contain high percentage of aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons, nitrogen and sulphur compounds and metals (magnesium, calcium, zinc, lead) than fresh oils, these metals are introduced into the oil as a result of wear and tear of the engine (Mohd et al., 2011) (Mohd. Mozamil Bhat; Shiv Shsankar, Shikha, Mohammad Yunus and Shukai R. N (2011): Remediation of hydrocarbon contaminated soil through microbial degradation – FTIR based prediction. Advances in Applied Science Research 2(2): 321 – 326.).