Abstract
GC-FID methods for the analysis of Petroleum hydrocarbons were developed and optimised. Contamination of soil from the Niger Delta was investigated about 40 days after crude oil spillage from the Shell Petroleum marginal well head. Soil samples and controls were collected at depths of 0 - 15 cm, 15 - 30 cm and 30 - 60 cm. Samples were analysed using gas chromatography fitted with a flame ionisation detector. Penetration and migration of C10-C26 and C26-C34 hydrocarbons through the soil layers were assessed by cluster analysis to determine the spatial distribution, penetration and similarity of these compounds over the contaminated area. The results also indicated elevated levels of total hydrocarbon contents when compared with the reference sites. Recommendations are made to carefully monitor and remediate the environment.
Highlights
Environmental pollution due to the increasing release of hazardous and toxic substances into the soil, water, sediment and air in Niger Delta, Nigeria has been a widespread problem in recent years
Identification and quantification of the samples was based on the comparison of the chromatographic data with the reference standards 1) Alkane Mix, C10-C40, 2) Diesel Range Organics (DRO), C10-C25 3) BTEX (iv) Retention Time window—retention time window (RTW), C10 & C40 (v) hydrocarbons C10, C11, C14, C15, TCD (Thermal conductivity detector) (Figures 1-4)
A method for the analysis of soils spilled with crude oil was developed and optimized
Summary
Environmental pollution due to the increasing release of hazardous and toxic substances into the soil, water, sediment and air in Niger Delta, Nigeria has been a widespread problem in recent years. Soil contamination by oil exploration activities has quickly become a considerable environmental issue [1] [2] [3]. It is obvious that petroleum contamination of soils and water has become a topic of interest and is attracting increasing attention because of the carcinogenic, mutagenic and toxic effects. Persaud velop and implement validated and traceable methodology for qualitative and quantitative assessment of petroleum contaminants in soils of Niger Delta under tropical weather conditions. Optimum extraction time for the soil samples was established using dichloromethane (DCM) by comparing the extraction efficiencies of other solvents
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