Purpose -This paper seeks to examine the concentration of selected heavy metals (Cr, Pb, Cd, and Ni) in oil-polluted soils of two communities in Warri, Delta state, Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach -Soil auger samples were collected at a depth of 0-15 cm from four sites. Two soil samples were collected from two sites observed to have had oil spills and also two samples from two sites without oil spillage. The soil samples were analysed using the UNICAM 969 Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer to determine the level of concentration of the heavy metals in these sites. Their levels in the oil-spilled sites are compared with those of the control sites and also with the European community standards. Findings -The results obtained from this study reveal that the concentration of the heavy metals considered were higher in the oil-spilled sites relative to the control sites. Similarly, when compared with the European community standards, the concentration is said to be quite significant. Practical implications -The results indicate that the operations of the oil industry in the study area have not been sufficiently accompanied by adequate environmental protection. To safeguard agricultural land in the area and hence human health, there is an urgent need for government to address the incidence of oil spills in this area. Originality/value -This paper provides information on the contribution of the oil industry in heavy metals contamination in the Niger-Delta area of Nigeria.

The amount of runoff generated relative to different surface types given an amount of rainfall is very important in hydrogeomorphological studies. This study is aimed at examining sediment yield responses to rainfall on different surfaces in Obudu, Cross River State, Nigeria. Data were collected on rainfall amount, intensity, duration and sediment loss from three run off plots on natural vegetation surface, mulched and bare surfaces. The data collected were analyzed using Pearson's moment correlation and multiple regression statistical techniques. The results revealed that rainfall amount correlated positively with sediment loss on vegetated, mulched and bare surfaces with rvalues of 0.58 (p<0.01), 0.57 (p<0.01) and 0.95 (p<0.01) respectively. Rainfall intensity correlated positively with sediment yield on the vegetated, mulched and bare surfaces with r-values of 0.75 (p<0.01), 0.65 (p<0.01) and 0.60 (p<0.01) respectively. The negative correlations between rainfall duration and sediment loss suggests that sediment loss decreases on all the surfaces considered Original Research Article

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