MICROBIAL AND PHYSICOCHEMICAL ASSESSMENT OF SOIL SAMPLES COLLECTED FROM DIFFERENT PALM OIL PRODUCTION SITE IN UMUAGWO VILLAGE
Abstract
This study investigated the visual, physico-chemical, and microbial characteristics of soil
samples collected from three palm oil mill sites (Sites A, B, and C) to assess the impact of
oil mill activities on soil quality and microbial ecology. A total of 18 soil samples were
examined for visual properties (color, odour, moisture, and debris content),
physicochemical parameters (pH, temperature, moisture content, and water holding
capacity), and microbial load (total heterotrophic bacterial and fungal counts). In addition,
isolated microbial species were identified based on their cultural, morphological, and
emical characteristics. The results showed that soil samples exhibited varying degrees
of dark coloration and odour, indicating high levels of organic matter contamination. Soil
pH ranged from strongly acidic (3.50) to near neutral (7.00), while moisture content and
water holding capacity varied significantly across sites. Microbiological analysis revealed
bacterial counts ranging from 1.6 × 10⁴ to 7.3 × 10⁴ cfu/g and fungal counts between 1.8
× 10¹ and 1.3 × 10³ cfu/g. Common bacterial isolates included Pseudomonas spp., Bacillus
spp., Klebsiella spp., E. coli, and Staphylococcus aureus, while fungal isolates included
Aspergillus spp., Rhizopus spp., Penicillium spp., and Trichoderma spp. The study
concludes that palm oil mill activities significantly alter soil characteristics, introducing
organic pollutants and fostering the proliferation of microbial communities. The presence
of hydrocarbon-degrading microbes suggests potential for natural bioremediation. The
study recommends improved waste management practices, soil pH remediation, and
further research into the biotechnological applications of indigenous microorganisms
Full-Text Access Notice
In accordance with the NERD Policy on promoting peer-reviewed publication, public access to the full text of a project, thesis or dissertation is restricted for three years, allowing the author and supervisors sufficient time to pursue peer-reviewed publication.
During this period, researchers with legitimate academic or research purposes may request authorisation directly from the author to enable NERD to release the indexed full texts of the work using the form below.