Soil samples collected at different distances from a
petroleum spill showed significantly different (p < 0.05)
TPH concentrations (Fig. 1). Soil H, located closest to
the center of petroleum spill site, had the highest TPH
concentration. Whereas soil L, located slightly farther
away from the center of the spill, had a lower TPH
concentration. The lowest TPH concentration was detected
in soil control (CK), the farthest from the center of the
spill and considered the most pristine sample. It is believed
that hydrocarbon composition has a clear influence
on microbial community (Yakimov et al., 2005).