Effects of Emissions from Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company (KRPC) on Soil Fertility in Rido Area of Kaduna Metropolis, Nigeria

Abstract

The environment is considered as man’s important asset that must be protected for his life support. Regrettably, the situation is different where oil refinery and petrochemical plants operate. Environmental pollution in the form of emissions and effluent discharge in these areas poses serious threat to the ecosystem particularly soil, often with undesirable effects. This paper, therefore, takes a look at the refinery operations in Kaduna Refinery and Petrochemical Company (KRPC). The study collected soil samples using soil Auger at 500 metres interval along four (4) transects in two years (i.e 2012 - 2013) and both in the wet and dry season of each year. Soil samples collected were taken to the laboratory for analysis and emphasis placed on those soil properties directly affecting soil fertility status which are: water holding capacity, soil acidity, macro nutrients (Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium), micro nutrients (Calcium, Magnesium and Sulphur), the results from the laboratory analysis on those properties affecting soil fertility were compared with National standard (maximum permissible limits) on those properties and discovers soil contaminations with liquid gaseous and solid waste disposal from the refinery. Policy recommendations are set forth based on research findings with a view to minimizing the effects of emissions from the Refining plants and Petrochemical complex on the environmental components particularly soil in the study area.