Geo-spatial Analysis of the Impacts of Urbanization-induced Activities on Soil Quality in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State-Nigeria

Abstract

The study examined the impacts of urbanization-related activities on soil quality in Port Harcourt Metropolis-Rivers state, Nigeria. Experimental and survey research designs were implored in the study utilizing GIS and spatial analysis approaches. Both primary and secondary sources of data were used. The primary data were generated through laboratory analysis of soil samples from 15 randomly selected sites within the metropolis;and 800 valid copies of socio-economic questionnaire administered to 800 respondents. Also, public hospitals were visited to ascertain the commonest soil borne diseases in the area. Four research questions, four specific objectives and two hypotheses guided the study. The hypotheses were tested with one sample t-test and one sample chi square using SPSS. Standard scientific and laboratory procedures were followed in the collection and analysis of soil samples. Findings of the study include: urbanization-related activities (e.g. waste dumpsites, mechanic workshops, abattoirs, etc.) cause significant changes on soil quality in the area; and this result to the emergence of soil borne diseases (e.g. Vascular witts, Ascaris lumbricoids,Trichuris trichiura, Strongloids stereoralis) which affects residents’wellbeing. However, there is significant difference in the perceived socioeconomic effects of the diseases across the area. Specifically, laboratory results for soil analysis show that (mean values): pH 7.22, temperature 25.62 °C, PO4 0.342 mg/kg, Pb 120.62 mg/kg, K 66.81 mg/kg, NO3 mg/kg. The study recommended for enforcement of physical planning and development control laws; regular evaluation of the quality of the soil, and restriction on the location of mechanic workshops and waste dumpsites around the metropolis.