Towards Standardization of Sampling Methodology for Evaluation of Soil Pollution in Nigeria

This article proposes the procedure that may be adopted for comparable, representative and cost effective, soil sampling, and thereafter explores the policy issues regarding standardization of sampling activities and analytical process as it relates to soil pollution in Nigeria. Standardized sampling and analytical data for soil pollution will be required for comparative analysis, extrapolation of results to other areas and development of threshold values for risk assessment and soil quality evaluation. For the purpose of initiating the process of standardization of soil sampling, the paper considers the specification for designing, planning and sampling polluted sites and development of methodological aspects such as sampling scale, sample density, sampling coordinate, sampling depths, composite samples, sample pretreatment, quality control etc. The various aspects of soil sampling, which require harmonization, that is a prerequisite for the establishment of National guideline for soil pollution are also enumerated.