Physicochemical and Microbial Properties of eroded coastal soil in Eagle Island Rivers State, Nigeria
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Coastal areas around the world are quickly eroding because of uncontrolled deforestation. Thus, this study aimed to determine the chemical concentration and microbial population of soils on eroded shorelines at three levels (i.e., top, medium, and bottom). The soil sample was sent to the laboratory for physicochemical analyses of cadmium, lead, and total hydrocarbon content. The results revealed that the mean THC of top, middle, and bottom soil were 1.31±0.07 mg/kg, 0.77±0.03 mg/kg, and 0.3±0.02 mg/kg while the control was 0.01±0.01 mg/kg. Also, the mean cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) levels were statistically similar at p>0.05 in values (i.e. 0.001±0.001mg/kg) when compared to the control. The population total heterotrophic bacteria (THB) and total heterotrophic fungi of the control were 1.7cfu/g and 1.1cfu/g, respectively. The population of THB and THF in root soil were 2.3cfu/g and 0.9cfu/g, respectively. Also, the populations of THB and THF in the root were 2.9cfu/g and 1.4cfu/g, respectively. The mean THC level of the top soil was significantly highest, followed by that of the middle and bottom, while the least was the control. The significantly increased THC levels observed in the top, middle, and bottom soil in comparison to the control is as a result of deposition of hydrocarbon wastes by anthropogenic activities. The THB estimated in mangrove roots was significantly highest in lead concentration, followed by soil roots, while the control was the least. The THB in root and soil-root samples was significantly higher than in the control. The significantly increased THB population observed in the mangrove and soil roots suggests possible increases in anthropogenic activities, which might have triggered favorable bacterial growth conditions. Therefore, the result implies that deforested areas can be a metal sink and a source of contaminants to the nearby mangrove vegetation, which may, in turn, move to humans through the food chain.
Source: Journal of Plant Biota.
Authors: Gold Ejire, Aroloye O. Numbere, Peace K. Ohia
Language: English
Topic: Heavy metals in environment
Subfield: Pollution
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
SDG: Life on land
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W4411042794