DOI: https://doi.org/10.61435/jbes.2026.20013

Comparative Analysis of Soil Microbial Biomass in Oluyole and New Garage Industrial Areas, Ibadan Metropolis, Nigeria

1Department of Biological Sciences, Lead City University, Ibadan. , Nigeria

2Department of Sustainability Studies, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria, Nigeria

3Department of Biological Sciences, Lead City University, Ibadan., Nigeria

Received: 3 Mar 2026; Published: 23 Apr 2026.
Editor(s): Marcelinus Christwardana
Open Access Copyright (c) 2025 The Author(s). Published by Centre of Biomass and Renewable Energy (CBIORE)
Creative Commons License This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

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Abstract

Soil microbial biomass (SMB) serves as a critical biological indicator of soil health, particularly in industrial areas where contamination threatens ecosystem functions. This study assessed and compared SMB and physicochemical properties in soils from two major industrial estates (Oluyole and New Garage) in Ibadan Metropolis, Nigeria. Composite soil samples were analyzed for microbial biomass carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus using chloroform fumigation-extraction, alongside key soil properties including organic carbon, pH, texture, and heavy metals. Results indicated no statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) in soil physicochemical or microbial biomass parameters between the two industrial sites. Microbial biomass carbon (MBC) values were generally higher in New Garage (0.07%) than in Oluyole (0.06%). Both locations exhibited sandy loam textures, moderately acidic pH, and heavy metal concentrations below regulatory thresholds. A strong positive correlation was observed between microbial biomass carbon and soil organic carbon, highlighting organic matter as a primary driver of microbial communities. However, extremely low microbial biomass phosphorus levels suggested potential phosphorus limitation in these soils. The findings reveal that despite industrial activity, the studied soils maintain comparable quality to regional non-industrial soils, with organic carbon content and soil texture being key determinants of microbial biomass. This study provides baseline data for monitoring soil health in rapidly industrializing tropical regions and underscores the importance of organic matter management to support microbial ecosystem services in industrial environments.

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Keywords: Soil microbial biomass; microbial biomass carbon; industrial soils; soil quality; soil fertility.

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Section: Research Articles
Language : EN
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