Impact of Physico-Chemical Factors of Contaminated Foci on the Survival of Geohelminths in Abua Communities, Niger Delta Nigeria

Abstract

Physio-chemical analysis of 200 soil samples collected from contaminated foci was investigated in six communities of Abua, Niger Delta Nigeria. The Jackson’s method was used in the chemical analysis of contaminated soils while Cobb’s decanting and sieving method was used in the extraction of geohelminths. The  data showed that temperature, pH, Calcium (Ca²⁺), magnesium (mg²⁺), potassium (k⁺) ions and electrical conductivity had much effect on the survival of  eggs and larval development of geohelminths. It was also observed that the nature of the soil in the study communities was clay-loam and sandy-loamy. The continuous deposition of human faeces in these contaminated foci should be discouraged. This can be achieved by the construction of toilet facilities of whatever description in the study  area by the government. @JASEM

J. Appl. Sci. Environ. Manage. December, 2010, Vol. 14 (4) 117 - 121