Analysis of physiochemical parameters of hydrocarbon contaminated soil

Contamination of soil by hydrocarbons is becoming prevalent across the globe. This is probably due to heavy dependence on petroleum as a major source of energy throughout the world, rapid industrialization, population growth and complete disregards for the environmental health. The effects of hydrocarbon pollution on soil physical and chemical properties were investigated by using different methods. Physical analysis like Texture, pH, Lime status and EC were performed and concentration of Micro and Macronutrients were analyzed. The results revealed that organic carbon increased with increase in pollution while nitrogen, potassium and phosphorusdecreased with increase in pollution. The pH became more basic as pollution decreases. This result reveals that the polluted soil when compared with the control (soil from unpollutedfarmland) is unsuitable for agricultural activities as full remediation has not taken place except remediation can be hastened. This result reveals that the polluted soil is unsuitable for agricultural activities. A wide range of bioremediation strategies is being developed to treat contaminated soil.