Organic Pollutants along the Qatari Coast: A Case Study of the Pearl Oyster (Pinctada radiata)

Biomonitoring of aromatic hydrocarbons in clam Meretrix meretrix from an emerging urbanization area, and implications for human health.

Use of poultry droppings for remediation of crude-oil-polluted soils: Effects of application rate on total and poly-aromatic hydrocarbon concentrations

Aims: This study evaluates total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) and polycyclic hydrocarbons (PAHs) concentrations in wastewaters from three locations of the oil-producing flow station in Rivers State.
 Study Design: By experiment and the results obtained by analytical means.
 Place and Duration of Study: This work was conducted at the Department of Industrial Chemistry/Petrochemical Technology, School of Science and Laboratory Technology, University of Port Harcourt, Choba, Rivers State, Nigeria between February and August, 2021.
 Methodology: The evaluation was done using gas chromatography-Flame Ionization Detector (GC-FID), and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometer Detector (GC-MSD).
 Results: Results obtained showed low levels of total petroleum hydrocarbons ranging from 0.051, 0.119, and 0.07 mg/l and 0.01, 0.06, and < 0.01 mg/l for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons for the three locations, respectively. The results also revealed that the concentrations of the total petroleum hydrocarbons of the samples from the three locations were highest at carbon atom 17 suggesting a biogenic contribution of organic matter. The chromatographs obtained gave evidence that the nature of the contamination was minimally crude oil, because crude oil normally distributes in broad range, as observed in the locations samples as against the narrower carbon range of C8 to C40 characteristics of refined products. The pristane/phytane ratios, which were 0.925, 0.891 and 0.372 for the three samples, depicted an oxygenated environment. The C17/pristane ratios (39.53, 38.93, and 31.48) for all three locations revealed that the wastewaters were slightly weathered. The low concentrations as well as absence of high molecular weight polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and higher concentrations of low molecular weight polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons support the petrogenity of the wastewaters. 
 The phenanthrene/anthracene ratios (1.26, 0, and 0) for the three samples confirm the nature of the wastewaters. In addition, the absence of benzo(a)anthracene to chrysene ratio for all three samples point to proper treatment of the wastewaters.
 Conclusion: From this study, the level of total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) and polycyclic hydrocarbons (PAHs) obtained from all the samples were lower than the maximum recommended levels by the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR). This study recommends constant monitoring in the total petroleum hydrocarbons and polycyclic hydrocarbons concentrations because even at its low concentrations can be injurious to health of the people residing within the facility and beyond.

The Niger Delta in Nigeria is a complex and heavily contaminated area with over 150,000 interconnected contaminated sites. This intricate issue is compounded by the region’s strong hydrological processes and high-energy environment, necessitating a science-based approach for effective contamination assessment and management. This study introduces the concept of sub-catchment contamination assessment and management, providing an overarching perspective rather than addressing each site individually. A description of the sub-catchment delineation process using the digital elevation model data from an impacted area within the Delta is provided. Additionally, the contamination status from the delineated sub-catchment is reported. Sediment, surface water and groundwater samples from the sub-catchment were analyzed for total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), respectively. Surface sediment TPH concentrations ranged from 129 to 20,600 mg/kg, with subsurface (2-m depth) concentrations from 15.5 to 729 mg/kg. PAHs in surface and subsurface sediment reached 9.55 mg/kg and 0.46 mg/kg, respectively. Surface water exhibited TPH concentrations from 10 to 620 mg/L, while PAHs ranged from below detection limits to 1 mg/L. Groundwater TPH concentrations spanned 3 to 473 mg/L, with total PAHs varying from below detection limits to 0.28 mg/L. These elevated TPH and PAH levels indicate extensive petroleum contamination in the investigated sediment and water environment. Along with severe impacts on large areas of mangroves and wetlands, comparison of TPH and PAH concentrations with sediment and water quality criteria found 54 to 100% of stations demonstrated exceedances, suggesting adverse biological effects on aquatic and sediment biota are likely occurring.

Marine oil spill incidents create concerns about human health risks, particularly in nearshore locations such as beaches used for recreation. To improve the timeliness of risk estimates during an oil spill, we need to expand modelling capacity for oil spill chemicals (OSCs) from predictions for chemical bulk measurements such as Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPH) to predictions of individual concentrations of the more toxic Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH)s. The objective of this study is to establish a relationship for TPH and PAH nearshore sampling concentration values with the oil mass landing and TPH hindcast from a 3D Hydrodynamic Fate and Transport Model (3D-FTM) for a past oil spill. The overall goal is to use this information to expand current modeling capacities to predict concentration distributions for individual PAHs as a starting point for health risk assessment. During Phase I of this study, historic sampling data for various matrices (weathered oil, seawater and sediments) were used to evaluate PAH concentration distributions within time-space specific categories. The categories corresponded to samples collected prior to nearshore oiling, post nearshore oiling and at no time impacted by oil as predicted by historic oil spill trajectories. For matrices within each category, concentration frequency distributions and concentration patterns were generated for a subset of PAHs. Results show differences in PAH concentration patterns within each matrix and for each category. Concentration frequency distributions for most PAHs in each category were log-normally distributed. Phase II is ongoing. Here we analyze PAH and TPH concentrations measured from surface weathered oil slick samples collected at the time of the Deepwater Horizon (DWH) oil spill. Preliminary results show that concentrations for a subset of PAHs in weathered oil slicks correlate well with TPH concentrations (R2=0.76). We are collocating the historic environmental sampling data with the output from the Oil-Connectivity Modelling System (Oil-CMS). The relationship between measured and model predicted TPH is explored by comparing values for samples that coincide in time and space with the model's particles. A subsequent step is to use output of the oil-CMS in combination with the physical and chemical properties for each PAH to predict concentration distributions for individual PAHs. The overarching goal is to improve risk estimates and, therefore, better guide public health decision-making.

Aim: To evaluate the concentrations of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons in some Nigerian crude oils.
 Study Design: Field and Laboratory-Experimental Design were used in this study.
 Place and Duration of Study: Crude oil samples were obtained from three locations (designated as Location 1, Location 2, and Location 3) in the Niger Delta, Nigeria.
 Methodology: The samples were subjected to liquid-liquid extraction using dichloromethane and analysed using GC-FID.
 Results: The results of the analyses of the crude oils gave polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) concentrations of 2.6089 x 104 ppm representing 60.06% and total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) concentration of 4.3201 x 104 ppm at Location 1, PAHs concentration of 4.764 x 103 ppm (62.8%) and TPH recording a concentration of 7.583x 103 ppm at Location 2, while Location 3 had PAHs concentration of 9.93 x 102 ppm (30.66%) and TPH concentration of 3.239 x 103 ppm. The total concentrations of the high molecular weight PAHs were lower than those of the low molecular weight PAHs in the samples. Also the concentrations of the individual PAHs were higher in the low molecular weight PAHs. The mean PAHs concentrations of 2707.6 ppm (location 1), 551.5 ppm (location 2) and 90.7 ppm (location 3) are different.
 Conclusion: The observed results show that all the sixteen polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons listed as priority pollutants are present in the three crude oil samples with higher concentrations in the light crude oils than in the heavy crude oil and a strong correlation with the total petroleum hydrocarbon concentration. It was also observed that though the ratios of the low molecular weight PAHs to high molecular weight PAHs of the crude oils indicate petrogenic, the unique diagnostic ratios suggest pyrogenic input. There is therefore the need to develop a method of PAHs removal from PAHs contaminated water based on locally available and cheap materials.

The mangrove oyster Crassostrea rhizophorae was harvested from clutches associated with mangroves in the Qua Iboe Estuary and adjoining creeks to determine the concentrations of total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) and trace metals (Fe, Ni, Pb, Cr, V, Cu and Zn) and to understand their bioaccumulation status. The mean concentrations of trace metals in C. rhizophorae were 36.06 mg·kg− 1 for Fe, 0.58 mg·kg− 1 for Ni, 0.05 mg·kg− 1 for Pb, 0.66 mg·kg− 1 for Cr, 0.32 mg·kg− 1 for V, 6.70 mg·kg− 1 for Cu and 3.93 mg·kg− 1 for Zn. The oysters demonstrated relative affinity for accumulation of Fe, Cu and Zn and the relative status of the metals accumulated, in comparison with the background trace metal load, revealed bio-concentration factors of 0.024, 0.016, 0.004, 0.213, 0.037, 0.302 and 0.036 for Fe, Ni, Pb, Cr, V, Cu and Zn, respectively. The concentrations of TPH in the oyster were highly variable and ranged between 6.37 and 8.44 mg·kg− 1 dry weight of C. rhizophorae. Although the correlation between TPH levels in intertidal (epipelic) sediment and oyster specimens was positive (r = 0.097), it was not significant (p>0.05). However, the relationship between TPH and trace metal levels in C. rhizophorae revealed well-fitting linear models that indicated that the trace metals originated from petrogenic sources. Although the levels of TPH and trace metals in the oyster were within permissible levels, they might affect calcium metabolism and the general productivity of the shellfish. The recorded levels are also indicative of long-term and chronic accumulation of hydrocarbons in the estuarine ecosystem and potential risk to human health.

Hydrocarbon wastes generated from remediation activities contain Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon (TPH), Polyaromatic Hydrocarbon (PAH) and Heavy Metals whose respective concentrations are yet to be determined. There is limited available literature particularly in Nigeria, on whether the concentration of these wastes after treatment exceeds permissible limits. The present work aims to determine the concentration of petroleum hydrocarbon in the residual ash from the treated (incinerated) oily wastes from the Bodo-Ogoni remediation activities. Oily wastes residual ash samples were collected from six treatment sites, each divided into four replicates in a Completely Randomized Design. A total of twenty-four residual ash samples were collected and taken to National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) Reference Laboratory, Port Harcourt for extraction. The concentration of TPH, PAH and heavy metals in untreated hydrocarbon wastes were also determined and used for the control experiment. The extracts were analyzed using AGILENT 7890A-GC and Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) modelled 240FS, manufactured in USA. The results show six residual pollutants; Cadmium, Lead, Zinc, Manganese, TPH and PAH below the Nigeria Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) Intervention Level but exceeded the DPR Target Level for TPH and PAH. The descending order of concentration of PAH obtained from the treatment sites gwere; 1.24 + 2.4 mg/kg (Paschal), 4.76 + 7.48 mg/kg (ITS), 10.46 + 14.68 mg/kg (TMCH) and 16.14 + 6.36 mg/kg (Mosab). Similarly, the concentration of TPH was 320.18 + 355.13 mg/kg (TMCH), 463.25 + 205.29 mg/kg (ICREN) and 501.11 + 300.79 mg/kg (Networld) against TPH 12,000 mg/kg, PAH 23 mg/kg, Cadmium 0.15 mg/kg, Lead 0.59 mg/kg, Zinc 3.45 mg/kg and Manganese 2.8 mg/kg (untreated wastes). Two treatment sites only recorded concentration of heavy metals, while four reformed inefficiently and couldn’t detect the concentration of some residual pollutants in the ash samples and consequently, recorded below detectable level (BDL). Statistical analysis showed a significant difference (P 0.05) between heavy metal content across sites and their target values. The results showed that the remediation activities had a strong impact on the concentration of TPH and PAH, and a weak impact on the concentration of heavy metals in the treated oily wastes. The implications of the results are discussed.

Biodegradation of semi- and non-volatile petroleum hydrocarbons in aged, contaminated soils from a sub-Arctic site: Laboratory pilot-scale experiments at site temperatures

In this work, was assessed the environmental quality of Santa Alejandrina wetland impacted by the Mexican oil industry. The assessment was achieved by conducting an analysis of variance between the content of total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) and that of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), including the biological indexes for both flora and fauna. Significantly higher values (p <0.05) of richness and biodiversity were found in the control zone compared to contaminated zones. It was observed that the control zone had low concentrations of both TPH and PAH, which allows for the support of a greater number of species than in the rest of the contaminated zones. We conclude that biological indexes and concentrations of TPH and PAH are useful to determine the environmental degradation of a wetland associated to soil contaminated by weathered hydrocarbon wastes. We considered that the approach used in this study may be applied to other wetlands. [Received: March 27, 2014; Accepted: March 27, 2014].

Studies on short term weathering of spilled oil along Chennai coast in South India

Concentration, dietary exposure and human health risk assessment of total petroleum and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in seafood from coastal communities in Rivers State, Nigeria

S.M. Victor E.K. Mark Proceedings of the Seventh International In Situ and On-site Bioremediation Symposium Battelle Memorial Institute, Columbus, OH 2003 1-57477-139-6 US$ 295.00, CD-ROM

The research on adaptation selection for utilization in phytoremediation of soil contaminated by crude oil using four type plants, such as Helianthus annuus, Paspalum conjugatum, Sorghum bicolor, and Tagetes erecta were conducted. The adaptability of four types of plants on crude oil contaminated soil at total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) level at 0, 3, and 6% were observed and evaluated to their morphological and anatomical responses. Parameters observed were vegetative growth of plants including growth precentage, plant height, number of leaves, root length, root dry weight, shoot dry weight, root/shoot ratio, total dry weight, and stomatal density for 9 weeks cultivation in screen house. The results show that increasing in TPH level caused in significant reductions on morphological of four plants, such as percentage of plant growth, plant height, number of leaves, root length, root dry weight, shoot dry weight, and total dry weight. In contrast, the increasing in TPH level caused to increasing in root/shoot ratio. The four types of plants studied were effective to be used as plants for phytoremediation of petroleum contaminated soil. The plants of P. conjugatum and S. bicolor are recommended as phytoremediators for further studies.

The contamination level of total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) in wastewater and surface sediment samples from the Petrochemical Special Economic Zone (PETZONE) and adjacent coastal area in Musa Bay (in Northwest of Persian Gulf) was examined. Concentrations of TPH in the Musa Bay sediments ranged from 16.48 to 97.15 µg/g dry weight (dw) with average value of 48.98 ± 30.36 µg/g dw. The highest concentrations were estimated in stations close to the coastline, locations affected by intensive petrochemical discharges and shipping activities. The average TPH concentration in the PETZONE wastewater effluent samples was 5.22 mg/L, with a range of 0.06–35.33 mg/L. Regarding environmental impact assessment, the concentration of TPH was lower than the wastewater effluent discharge standard at most of the monitoring stations inside PETZONE companies, with the exception of stations 15, 16 (Imam Khomeini petrochemical company 1, 2) and 17 (Razi petrochemical company). These stations were considered as moderate environmental aspects, suggesting that concentration of TPH in the wastewater effluents of these petrochemical companies could be considered as contaminants of concern in the PETZONE area.