ASSESSMENT OF FAUNA FUNTIONAL BIODIVERSITY IN POST HYDROCARBON REMEDIATED SOIL ECOSYSTEM

This study investigates the functional biodiversity of soil fauna in post-hydrocarbon remediated ecosystems, focusing on the recovery of species richness, abundance, and functional roles of soil microarthropods. The aim was to evaluate the impact of hydrocarbon pollution on soil fauna and recovery potential of a nutrient amendment bioremediation technique in enhancing soil fauna diversity and ecosystem function. The research was conducted across four sites, divided into two sections: Site A (remediated 2 months and 4 months prior to the commencement of the study), Site B (remediated 6 months and 4 years prior to the commencement of the study), Site C (polluted site), and Site D (unpolluted site used as control). Soil samples were collected using an 8.5 cm bucket-type auger from two depth ranges (0-10 cm and 10-20 cm), extracted with modified Burkard model Berlese-Tullgren funnels, and analysed for species richness, abundance, and functional diversity. The findings revealed that Site D (control) had the highest species richness, abundance, and functional diversity, followed by Site B (long-term remediated site). Site A (short-term remediated site), showed lower species richness, abundance, and functional diversity, while Site C (polluted site), exhibited the lowest species richness, abundance, and functional diversity. The study recorded four functional groups with Site B showing the highest diversity, indicating that hydrocarbon pollution negatively impacts soil fauna populations and their ecosystem services. The results also suggest that the nutrient amendment remediation technique is effective in restoring soil fauna populations and the ecosystem services they provide after a long-term remediation.