Oil Spill Site Research Articles

Sorbents based on foamed phosphate glass for collecting petroleum oil products from contaminated soils and water surfaces

Relevance. The need to clean from pollution soils and water areas contaminated with oil and chemical industry wastes. Physico-chemical methods are one of the effective ways of cleaning, provided that sorbents are applied in time to collect contaminants from the surface of water areas and landscapes. Sorption is the most efficient and cost-effective method for relatively small scale pollution. Despite the variety of existing sorbents, in most cases when cleaning up accidental spills, first of all, economic benefits and oil capacity value of the sorbent are guided. However, such essential criteria as: 1) main purpose (type of polluted surface and nature of pollution); 2) physical and chemical properties, including structural characteristics and acid-base adsorption centers; 3) peculiarities of oil or other pollutants adsorption. Taking into account these factors, it is possible to develop and improve the formulation of sorbents based on phosphate foams. Introduction of various modifying additives into material composition is likely to expand their field of application. Aim. Development of formulation and technological features of obtaining new phosphate sorbents in relation to their intended purpose: for collecting oil and petroleum product spills from soil or water surfaces. Methods. Gravimetric, microscopic spectroscopic, statistical and comparative methods. Results and conclusions. The authors have compared sorbents no. 1 and 2 in terms of physical and chemical properties, morphology and cleaning efficiency. Based on our laboratory studies, we concluded that sorbent no. 1 is better suited for sorption from aqueous surfaces and sorbent no. 2 is better suited for soil cleaning. Both sorbents have the potential to improve their technological properties. This allows refining the formulation of these materials with further testing in laboratory and field conditions, for example, at oil spill sites. For this purpose, it is possible to change the material composition using a different foaming agent, applying modifying additives and varying the temperature mode of firing. Development of new compositions and methods of sorbent foaming will make it possible to select optimal characteristics for each type of contamination. The author proposed as well to create phosphate biosorbent obtained by immobilization of fungi and bacteria on the surface of highly porous carrier. In this case, after sorption of pollution, adsorbed substances will undergo biodegradation with the formation of safe products, and the sorbent will perform the role of fertilizer.

Photochemical mobilization of dissolved hydrocarbon oxidation products from petroleum contaminated soil into a shallow aquifer activate human nuclear receptors

Elevated non-volatile dissolved organic carbon (NVDOC) concentrations in groundwater (GW) monitoring wells under oil-contaminated hydrophobic soils originating from a pipeline rupture at the National Crude Oil Spill & Natural Attenuation Research Site near Bemidji, MN are documented. We hypothesized the elevated NVDOC is comprised of water-soluble photooxidation products transported from the surface to the aquifer. We use field and laboratory samples in combination with complementary analytical methods to test this hypothesis and determine the biological response to these products. Observations from optical spectroscopy and ultrahigh-resolution mass spectrometry reveal a significant correlation between the chemical composition of NVDOC leached from photochemically weathered soils and GW monitoring wells with high NVDOC concentrations measured in the aquifer beneath the contaminated soil. Conversely, the chemical composition from the uncontaminated soil photoleachate matches the NVDOC observed in the uncontaminated wells. Contaminated GW and photodissolution leachates from contaminated soil activated biological targets indicative of xenobiotic metabolism and exhibited potential for adverse effects. Newly formed hydrocarbon oxidation products (HOPs) from fresh oil could be distinguished from those downgradient. This study illustrates another pathway for dissolved HOPs to infiltrate GW and potentially affect human health and the environment.

Biogeochemical modelling to assess benzene removal by biostimulation in aquifers containing natural reductants.

Biostimulation of aquifers contaminated with gasoline spills is vigorously affected by the biogeochemical environment existing there. In this study, biostimulation of benzene is simulated using a 2D coupled multispecies biogeochemical reactive transport (MBRT) model. The model is implemented at an oil spill site near a hypothetical aquifer containing natural reductants. Multiple electron acceptors are introduced to promote faster biodegradation rate. However, after reaction with natural reductants, it reduces the number of available electron acceptors, acidifies the subsurface environment, and inhibits bacterial growth. These mechanisms are assessed using seven coupled MBRT models sequentially. The finding of the present analysis reveals that biostimulation has caused a substantial drop in concentration of benzene and is efficient in reducing its penetration depth. The results also shows that the intervention of natural reductants in the biostimulation process is slightly diminished by pH adjustment of aquifers. When the pH level in aquifer changes from acidic pH 4 to neutral pH 7, it is observed that the biostimulation rate of benzene as wellas microbial activity increases. Electron acceptors consumption is more at neutral pH. Overall, it can be inferred from zeroth-order spatial moment and sensitivity analyses that retardation factor, inhibition constant, pH, and dispersivity in vertical direction significantly affect benzene biostimulation in aquifers.

Effect of Grain Size on Radionuclide Content in Sediment Samples from Kolo Creek, Bayelsa State, Nigeria

The effect of grain sizes on radionuclide concentration in soil and sediment samples from Kolo creek, Bayelsa State was investigated using gamma spectroscopy. Eight (8) samples of sediment were collected around the oil spill site of the creek. All the samples were separated into four different grain sizes, A (0.5mm), B (1mm), C (1.5mm) and D (2mm), making a total of 32 sediment. The activity concentration in sediment samples of grain sizes 0.5 mm, 1.0mm, 1.5mm and 2mm were determined. In sediment samples of grain sizes 0.5mm(A), the activity concentration of 226Ra , 232Th and 40K ranges from 2.24 to 20.032.43Bq/kg, 3.21 to 5.591.32 Bq/kg and 24.46 4.06 to 795.99 6.20 Bq/kg respectively. For grain size of 1.0mm (B) the activity concentration of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K varies from 2.661.30 to 26.64Bq/kg, 2.19 0.95 to 33.47 Bq/kg and 43.38 to 739.21Bq/kg respectively. For grain size of 1.5mm (C) the activity concentration of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K varies from 4.401.09 to 33.93± 3.65 Bq/kg, 2.14±1.72 to 26.15±5.3 Bq/kg and 39.90±3.54 to 471.36±6.12 Bq/kg respectively. For grain size of 2.0 mm (D) the activity concentration of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K varies from 4.81±1.84 to 40.29±2.50 Bq/kg, 2.19±1.40 to 83.20±3.90 Bq/kg and 39.01 ±4.00 to 497.56±5.87Bq/kg respectively. The result obtained shows there was no clear trend in variation of activity concentration with grain sizes. The mean values obtained are below the world average of 35, 30 and 400 Bq/kg for 226 Ra, 232Th and 40K for grain sizes of 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 mm respectively in all the communities except samples from Kolo that recorded 471.36±6.12 to 795.99±6.44 Bq/kg in all the grain sizes. Radiological risk parameters such as Absorbed Dose Rate, Annual Effective Dose Equivalent, Annual Gonadal Dose Equivalent, Annual Utility Index, Radioactivity Level Index, Hazard Indices and Excess Life Cancer Risk were estimated and values were found to be within the word average. From this study, the sediment of the given grain sizes will pose no radiological health risk if used in farming and in building construction.

Study of the evolution of oil spill sites based on high-resolution satellite images: the case of the Samotlor field

A methodology for visual interpretation of accidental oil spills using satellite images from the WorldView-3 satellite equipped with short-wave infrared (SWIR) channels is proposed, with verification using multi-temporal very-high-resolution images in the Google Earth system. The analysis of the images of four large oil spills in the southeastern part of the Samotlor field made it possible to study the degradation changes in different types of vegetation and the processes of its self-recovery for 2017–2022. The comparison of the results of image analysis with the data from field studies reveals their good agreement and the need for further development of methods for remote monitoring of oil spills using the SWIR range.

Environmental and health risks assessment of n-alkanes and BTEX in Eze Iyi River at oil spill site in Isuikwuato, Abia State, Nigeria.

The environmental and health risks of n-alkanes and benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX) in Eze-Iyi River at Isuikwuato oil spill site were evaluated. The water samples (60) were collected from upstream and downstream during the dry and rainy seasons. Concentrations of n-alkanes and BTEX were determined using a gas chromatograph coupled with a flame ionization detector. The percentage recovery of 87.3% and 92.0% was obtained for n-alkanes and BTEX in the water sample. The environmental risk analysis for n-alkanes and BTEX showed 80% of the water samples had a ratio greater than 1 indicating environmental risk in the area. Hydrocarbon source identification using biomarkers indicates that the n-alkane (nC16) dominant during the dry and rainy seasons was from anthropogenic/biogenic source, while nC14 and nC17 were from microbial and marine algae biogenic sources, respectively. The benzene levels in 100% (downstream) and 80% (upstream) of samples in the dry season and 40% (upstream) and 100% (downstream) of samples in the rainy season were above the WHO permissible limit of 0.01mg/L for drinking water. The health risk index of n-alkanes during the dry season for children (upstream) was greater than 1 signifying adverse health risk. Therefore, consumption of water from the river should be discouraged and routine monitoring by regulatory authorities maintained to checkmate the build-up of BTEX and n-alkanes.

Levels of Arsenic, Cadmium, and Mercury in Urine of Indigenous People Living Close to Oil Extraction Areas in the Peruvian Amazon.

Levels of Arsenic, Cadmium, and Mercury in Urine of Indigenous People Living Close to Oil Extraction Areas in the Peruvian Amazon.

Application of Vegetation Indices for Detection and Monitoring Oil Spills in Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria

The study evaluated the environmental effects of an oil spill in Joinkrama 4 and Akimima Ahoada West LGA, Rivers State, Nigeria, using various vegetation indices. Location data for the spill were obtained from the Nigeria Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency, and Landsat imagery was acquired from the United States Geological Survey. Three soil samples were collected from the affected area, and their analysis included measuring total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH), total hydrocarbons (THC), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). The obtained data were processed with ArcGIS software, utilizing different vegetation indices such as the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Atmospheric Resistant Vegetation Index (ARVI), Soil Adjusted Vegetation Index (SAVI), Green Short Wave Infrared (GSWIR), and Green Near Infrared (GNIR). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS and Microsoft Excel. The results consistently indicated a negative impact on the environment resulting from the oil spill. A comparison of spectral reflectance values between the oil spill site and the non-oil spill site showed lower values at the oil spill site across all vegetation indices (NDVI 0.0665-0.2622, ARVI –0.0495-0.1268, SAVI 0.0333-0.1311, GSWIR –0.183-0.0517, GNIR –0.0104-–0.1980), indicating damage to vegetation. Additionally, the study examined the correlation between vegetation indices and environmental parameters associated with the oil spill, revealing significant relationships with TPH, THC, and PAH. A t-test with a significance level of p < 0.05 indicated significantly higher vegetation index values at the non-oil spill site compared to the oil spill site, suggesting a potential disparity in vegetation health between the two areas. Hence, this study emphasizes the harmful effect of oil spills on vegetation and highlights the importance of utilizing vegetation indices and spectral reflectance analysis to detect and monitor the impact of oil spills on vegetation.

Investigating beaked whale’s regional habitat division and local density trends near the Deepwater Horizon oil spill site through acoustics

Pre-spill and post-spill passive acoustic data collected by multiple fixed acoustic sensors monitoring about 2400 km2area to the west of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the northern Gulf of Mexico (GoM) were analyzed to understand long term local density trends and habitat use by different species of beaked whales. The data were collected in the Mississippi Valley/Canyon area between 2007 and 2017. A multistage algorithm based on unsupervised machine learning was developed to detect and classify different species of beaked whales and to derive species- and site-specific densities in different years before and after the oil spill. The results suggest that beaked whales continued to occupy and feed in these areas following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill thus raising concerns about (1) potential long-term effects of the spill on these species and (2) the habitat conditions after the spill. The average estimated local density of Cuvier’s beaked whales at the closest site, about 16 km away from the spill location showed statistically significant increase from July 2007 to September 2010, and then from September 2010 to 2015. This is the first acoustic study showing that Gervais’ beaked whales are predominantly present at the shallow site and that Cuvier’s species dominate at two deeper sites, supporting the habitat division (ecological niche) hypothesis. The findings call for continuing high-spatial-resolution long-term observations to fully characterize baseline beaked whale population and habitat use, to understand the causes of regional migrations, and to monitor the long-term impact of the spill.

Effect of Oil Spill on Physicochemical Properties of Soil Spilled Sites in Kokori, Ethiope East Local Government Area, Delta State, Nigeria

Oil pollution might affect soil physicochemical properties. Pore spaces might be clogged, which could reduce soil aeration, water infiltration and increase bulk density, subsequently affecting plant growth. This study investigated the effect of oil spill sites at Kokori, Delta State, Nigeria, analyzing physicochemical properties, total petroleum hydrocarbon, polyaromatic hydrocarbon, benzene, anions and selected heavy metal concentrations using standard methods. Data obtained revealed that the physicochemical properties of the assessed soils were insignificantly altered when compared with their respective DPR intervention values. PH values were in the range of 4.80-5.60 which is considered to be strongly acidic. The electrical conductivity ranged from 122µS/cm to 185µS/cm indicating that the soil is saline. Chloride ion values were between 32.50mg/kg to 82.10mg/kg. Nitrate ranged from 0.85mg/kg to 1.04mg/kg, while phosphate was between 0.34mg/kg and 0.96mg/kg. Total petroleum hydrocarbon varied from 7.12-45.66mg/kg for topsoil and 7.12-37.82mg/kg for bottom soil. It is lowest at 7.12mg/kg, mean at 18.1mg/kg. These values were within the DPR permissible limits. Benzene and Polyaromatic Hydrocarbon (PAH) had a constant value of 0.001mg/kg in all locations. Iron, arsenic, lead, mercury, cadmium, nickel and copper were the heavy metals detected. Their concentrations at spill sites were moderate and generally did not exceed their respective target limits. However, level of lead was as high as 11.6mg/kg in location 3. The soil should be monitored so that it does not exceed the threshold values of the studied parameters.

Natural Source Zone Depletion (NSZD) Quantification Techniques: Innovations and Future Directions

Natural source zone depletion (NSZD) is an emerging technique for sustainable and cost-effective bioremediation of light non-aqueous phase liquid (LNAPL) in oil spill sites. Depending on regulatory objectives, NSZD has the potential to be used as either the primary or sole LNAPL management technique. To achieve this goal, NSZD rate (i.e., rate of bulk LNAPL mass depletion) should be quantified accurately and precisely. NSZD has certain characteristic features that have been used as surrogates to quantify the NSZD rates. This review highlights the most recent trends in technology development for NSZD data collection and rate estimation, with a focus on the operational and technical advantages and limitations of the associated techniques. So far, four principal techniques are developed, including concentration gradient (CG), dynamic closed chamber (DCC), CO2 trap and thermal monitoring. Discussions revolving around two techniques, “CO2 trap” and “thermal monitoring”, are expanded due to the particular attention to them in the current industry. The gaps of knowledge relevant to the NSZD monitoring techniques are identified and the issues which merit further research are outlined. It is hoped that this review can provide researchers and practitioners with sufficient information to opt the best practice for the research and application of NSZD for the management of LNAPL impacted sites.

Investigation of the use of Mangrove and Nypa palm Parts as Tools for Remediating Polluted Soils in the Niger Delta, Nigeria

This study is based on the theory that mangrove parts can be used to remediate polluted soils. Using chemicals to clean oil spill sites can cause negative feedback by increasing the heavy metal load of the soil and river. However, ground mangrove parts are harmless and can biodegrade faster when introduced on polluted soils. We thus postulate that mangrove parts can be used to remediate polluted sites by conducting an experiment with some parts of mangrove (leaves, root, stem seed, and branch) and nypa palm (leave, root, and seed) that were collected in situ, ground into fine powder applied to polluted soil. We also decided that reduced reduced hydrocarbon content (THC) and heavy metal concentration (Cadmium, Cd, Iron Fe, Zinc, Zn, and Lead Pb) over time means remediation. Soil samples were collected monthly for six months from the treated and control soils. The results show that THC and heavy metal concentrations reduced in the soil over time because of the remediating effect of the plant parts applied. The ANOVA result showed that there was significant difference in heavy metal concentration between treated and control soils (P< 0.05) where mangrove-treated soils had lower concentration of total hydrocarbon content and heavy metals from control (i.e., non-treated soils) for three of the five heavy metals analyzed (Cd, Fe and Zn) compared to the low concentration of two metals for nypa palm-treated soils (THC and Pb). Season has little or no effect on THC and heavy metal concentration apart from Fe that has low concentration during the wet season (P<0.05). There is more correlation in chemical concentration between the roots and soils of both plant species (R=0.95). More experiment is needed with mangrove and nypa palm parts to determine their effectiveness in remediation so that they can be used in a large-scale clean-up of polluted sites globally.

Microbes Might Munch Magnetic Minerals at Oil Spill Site

New experiments at an old oil spill site in Minnesota suggest that nonbiological processes alone may not account for decreased magnetization.

Application of Agro-Waste in Bioremediation of Crude Oil Polluted Soil from Agip Oil Spill Sites at Abecheke Ohaji-Egbema Local Government Area of IMO State

Application of Agro-Waste in Bioremediation of Crude Oil Polluted Soil from Agip Oil Spill Sites at Abecheke Ohaji-Egbema Local Government Area of IMO State

Recent Advances in Functional Materials for Wastewater Treatment: From Materials to Technological Innovations

The growing concerns about climate changes and environmental pollution have galvanized considerable research efforts in recent years to develop effective and innovative remediation technologies for contaminated soils and water caused by industrial and domestic activities. In this context, the establishment of effective treatment methods for wastewater has been critically important and urgent, since water pollution can take place on a very large scale (e.g., oceanic oil spills) and have massive impacts on ecosystems and human lives. Functional materials play a central role in the advancement of these technologies due to their highly tunable properties and functions. This article focuses on reviewing the recent progress in the application of various functional materials for wastewater treatment. Our literature survey is first concentrated on new modification methods and outcomes for a range of functional materials which have been actively investigated in recent years, including biofilm carriers, sand filters, biomass, biopolymers, and functional inorganic materials. Apart from the development of modified functional materials, our literature survey also covers the technological applications of superhydrophilic/superhydrophobic meshes, hybrid membranes, and reusable sponges in oil–water separation. These devices have gained significantly enhanced performance by using new functional materials as the key components (e.g., coating materials), and are therefore highly useful for treatment of oily wastewater, such as contaminated water collected from an oil spill site or oil–water emulsions resulting from industrial pollution. Based on our state-of-the-art literature review, future directions in the development and application of functional materials for wastewater treatment are suggested.

Environmental Phytoremediation Study of Oil Spill Site Using Common Vegetables: A Review

Environmental Phytoremediation Study of Oil Spill Site Using Common Vegetables: A Review

Assessing the extent of heavy metal contamination in crude oil-impacted soils in the Niger Delta, Nigeria using geochemical indicators

The study presents heavy metal (HM) [copper-Cu, chromium-Cr, nickel-Ni, vanadium-V, lead-Pb, zinc-Zn and iron-Fe] contamination in genuine crude oil-impacted soils and pristine (control) soils. HM concentrations were measured using inductively coupled plasma (ICP). Using soil Contamination factor, Enrichment factor, Pollution load index and Geo-accumulation index, the extent of heavy metal contamination in soils were determined and compared. Results of contaminated factor (CF) of Cu, Cr, Ni, and V were very high in the impacted soils whereas CF of Pb indicated considerable level of contamination. Pollution load index was greater than 1 which implies severe pollution in all the impacted soils while; the control soils indicated a pollution load index of less than 1 showing no pollution. Enrichment factor values of the impacted soils were between 0 and 1, which reveals background enrichment showing the presence of the metals above the threshold values. This may be attributed to anthropogenic sources especially oil spill contamination. The results of geo-accumulation index of Zn, Pb, and V showed considerable accumulation whereas, Fe, Cu, Cr and Ni indicated unpolluted to moderately pollution. Results of V, Ni, Pb, and Cr may be attributed to anthropogenic origin, which are in agreement with the calculated values of the enrichment factor. Results suggest the need for environmental risk assessment and/or remediation of the numerous oil spill sites for soil health and wellbeing of humans.

Quantification of synthetic-based drilling mud olefins in crude oil and oiled sediment by liquid column silver nitrate and gas chromatography

Synthetic-based drilling muds (SBMs) are complex mixtures of man-made fluids used during the drilling of oil and gas wells. SBM-derived chemicals can enter the environment through failed wells and routine or poor disposal practices, where they can persist and thereby warrant measurement. SBMs are commonly formulated with linear and methyl branched α- and internal-olefins mostly in the C14 to C20 carbon range, which are not native to crude oils. Thus, SBM-derived olefins can provide a basis to recognize the impact of these drilling wastes in the environment. However, the presence of abundant native hydrocarbons in oils and sediments can hinder the detection of trace level SBM-derived olefins by conventional organic sample preparation and analytical methods. Silver ion chromatography using silver nitrate (AgNO3) impregnated silica gel can serve to physically separate olefins from saturated aliphatic hydrocarbons native in crude oils, which can subsequently be analyzed and measured by conventional one-dimensional gas chromatography-flame ionization detection (GC-FID). In this study, SBM-derived olefins are measured in crude oils from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill and in their laboratory mixtures to a detection limit of approximately 5000 µg/g (0.5 wt%). In oiled sediment, SBM-derived olefins were reliably detected at concentrations as low as 1 µg/g-dry. An application of this method is demonstrated through analysis of crude oils and oil-contaminated seafloor sediment from the Taylor Energy oil spill site in the northern Gulf of Mexico where SBM was historically used and discharged.

Slippery, Water-Infused Membrane with Grooved Nanotrichomes for Lubricating-Induced Oil Repellency.

Water, abundant and ubiquitous in nature, is an easy yet powerful resource for the creatures to survive by putting together with their topologies interfacing their living environment. Here, a slippery, water‐infusing surface (SWIS) that retains a thick and stable water layer on the membrane is presented, robustly maintaining the oil repellency against the pressure and friction of immiscible liquids. Inspired by the plant trichome structures and their function, grooved nanotrichome, formed on the fibrous membrane by the oxygen plasma etching, induces robust water lubrication on the SWIS. SWIS membrane repels and separates highly viscous and adhesive oils in air and underwater by preventing oils from adhering to the lubricating surface. Repeated tests both in air and underwater confirm the antiadhesion and self‐cleaning properties of the SWIS. The SWIS oil scooper, fixed on a frame with a handle, successfully collects spilled oil on a pilot‐scale oil spill site and a real ocean oil spill site by simply scooping and recovering the oil. In addition, SWIS membrane is expected to help protect environments with further applications such as oil‐wastewater treatment and oil separation in food.

Concentration of heavy metals and petroleum hydrocarbons in previously remediated sites in Niger Delta, Nigeria

This study was aimed at assessing the soil conditions of previously remediated oil spill sites in the Niger Delta region. Ninety-six (96) soil samples were collected over two seasons from remediated sites from three states (Rivers, Abia, and Imo). Gas Chromatographic (GC) Analysis was used in analyzing for Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon (TPH) content while heavy metals analysis for Lead (Pb), Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu), Chromium (Cr) and Iron (Fe) was done using absorptive spectrophotometric analyses. The data generated was subjected to ANOVA and multiple comparisons, Post-Hoc Tukey HSD test using IBM SPSS version 26.0. Results showed TPH range of 0.85±0.72mg/kg to 1.76±0.42mg/kg in samples from Owaza site in Abia state. Concentration of heavy metals in soil samples was below the standard permissible levels of the World Health Organization and other regulatory bodies such as Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) intervention values, United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), and Environmental Guidelines and Standards for Petroleum Industry in Nigeria (EGASPIN 2002), accepted values for soil samples. There were no effects of season variation observed. Enrichment factor of (323.20- 508.64) and (298.37-567.26) indicates anthropogenic activities as sources of pollution. The result of the current studies signifies that, the soils of previously remediated sites have safe levels of the contaminants; however, werecommended a regular routine check on the levels of contaminants.