The impact of oil production activities on the chemistry of soil and groundwater was investigated
around seven production facilities, ranging from flow stations to wellhead in the western Niger
Delta area. The method involved systematic sampling of soil and groundwater within a one kilometre
radius of such facilities. The samples obtained were analysed for pH, TOC, TPH, V, Ni and Fe by
standard procedures. The results indicate a general conformity of groundwater physico-chemistry
to international standards for chemical potability. However, the investigated soil samples reveal
in some cases elevated values of TPH (mean: 26.07 mg/kg) and Ni (mean: 8.89 mg/kg) which suggest
a negative impact on the soil in the vicinity of such oil production facilities. Although groundwater
may show no apparent contamination, pollutants trapped in the soil are in potential transit
to groundwater, and may eventually be dissolved and transported through the soil profile to the
water table by recharging rainwater. The environmental and health conditions of host communities
are thereby endangered.