Abstract
This study evaluated the physico-chemical characteristics, total hydrocarbon concentration (THC) and some heavy metal levels of produced water from terminals of two oil industry facilities in Nigeria, using standard methods. Appropriate sample bottles were used in the collection of samples for analyses of BOD, other physico-chemical characteristics, total hydrocarbon and heavy metals. The samples were preserved accordingly and transported to the laboratory in ice - packed coolers. The levels of the physico-chemical properties of produced water in the two locations, showed that mean temperature, pH, TDS, TSS, salinity and turbidity levels were: 24.40± 0.35oC – 25.50 ± 0.35oC; 7.49 ± 0.28 – 7.89 ± 0.30; 8428 ±2332mg/l – 9205 ± 2100mg/l; 8.50 ± 3.40mg/l – 14.30 ± 5.10mg/l; 6108± 1250mg/l – 7422 ± 2280mg/l and 16.00 ± 5.00 NTU – 37.00 ± 9.60 NTU respectively. DO and BOD levels were respectively 3.07 ± 0.40mg/l – 3.29 ± 0.40mg/l and 1.46 ± 0.38mg/l – 1.72 ± 0.48mg/l. COD levels did not vary between the two locations. Mean TOC levels ranged between 0.05 ± 0.02mg/l and 0.06 ± 0.02mg/l while mean THC ranged between 4.72 ± 1.59mg/l and 36.90 ± 3.03mg/l. The levels of the nutrient characteristics of nitrate, phosphate and sulphate ranged as follows: NO3 - (1.90 ± 1.16mg/l – 2.50 ± 0.26mg/l); PO4 3- (0.52 ± 0.12mg/l – 1.07 ± 0.12mg/l) and SO4 2- (14.40 ± 4.57mg/l – 21.70 ± 2.75mg/l). Levels of trace metals ( Pb, Ni, V, Cd, Hg and Cr) were below detection limits. However, the concentration of Fe ranged between 0.53 ± 0.11mg/l 1.06 ± 0.26mg/l. With the exception of salinity, TDS and TSS, the levels of other physico- chemical characteristics including the trace metals were within the permissible limits set out by Nigeria’s Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR).KEY WORDS: Physico- chemical characteristics, Produced water, oil terminals, Heavy metals, oil industryfacility.
Highlights
Wastes of different types and characteristics are largely generated in the oil and gas industry
This study evaluated the physico-chemical characteristics, total hydrocarbon concentration (THC) and some heavy metal levels of produced water from terminals of two oil industry facilities in Nigeria, using standard methods
Attention on environmental degradation has always been focused on oil spillage, there is abundant evidence to show that much of the degradation comes from petroleum related facilities and installations (Ibiebele, 1986; Dessel and Omuka, 1994 Mofat and Olof, 1995 and Obunwo et al, 2006)
Summary
Wastes of different types and characteristics are largely generated in the oil and gas industry. In most crude oil-bearing formations, the rocks are generally permeated with fluids such as water, oil, gas or some combination of these fluids (Amyx et al 1960).Water and other fluids in the reservoir, when brought to the surface, constitute the produced water It is, by far, the largest volume byproduct or waste stream associated with oil and gas production (Mofat and Olof, 1995). The researchers observed that waters discharged from gas and condensate platforms were far more toxic than the produced waters discharged from oil platforms They noted that produced water contained varying concentrations of Barium, Beryllium, Cadmium, Chromium, Copper, Iron, Lead, Nickel, Silver, Zinc as well as small amounts of natural radioactive materials. Solids (TSS), Dissolved Oxygen (DO), Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD5), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Total Organic Carbon (TOC), Anions (phosphate, sulphates and nitrates), Metals ( Chromium, Copper, Iron, Lead, Zinc, Nickel, Cadmium, Mercury and Vanadium) and Total Hydrocarbon Concentration (THC), followed standard methods (APHA, 2005) in the laboratory
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