Microbial diversity of forest soils around Onne, Rivers State

Anthropogenic activities contribute significantly to the various environmental variations observed globally. In the Niger Delta, which is the study area of this project, anthropogenic activities are common. These include oil exploration and exploitation activities and farming by local population. These activities have deleterious effect on the soil and its microbial population. Microorganisms carry out critical transformations in the soil which enhance the growth of the vegetation and carry out the degradation of the pollutants. Onne axis is within the larger Ogoni land which is a topical issue in the country. Ogoni land is highly polluted with hydrocarbon and other substances. A decision has now been taken to clean up the entire polluted area. Microbial diversity studies would inform about the different forms of microorganisms in Onne soils and describe their potential in sustaining the productivity of the soil and the ability to degrade the pollutants into harmless substances.