Soluble Fraction Of Crude Oil Research Articles

Performance of <i>Pistia stratiotes</i> (L.) as affected by water soluble fractions of Universal Energy Akwa Ibom crude oil in Abraka, Delta State, Nigeria

Environmental pollution and degradation caused by the processing and refining of crude oil has been on the increase since its discovery in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. Its negative impacts are unquantifiable though its refined products are of immense benefits to the nation and the world at large. An assessment of the performance of Pistia stratiotes as affected by the water soluble fraction of Universal Energy Akwa Ibom crude oil was carried out in Abraka, Delta State, Nigeria in 2023. The five levels of WSF (0, 10, 25, 50, 75 and 100%) were used. Pistia stratiotes thalli were obtained from below the Bridge along River Ethiope and exposed to the different treatments. The results showed a significant reduction (p≤0.05) in all the plant parameters measured (leaf area, plant number, fresh weights, dry weight biomass, relative growth rate and survival percentage) in plants grown in the WSF media when compared to their counterparts exposed to the control plots. Against the normal healthy plants observed in the control, signs of dieback, yellowness of leaves, suppress growth and deaths were observed in plants subjected to the water soluble fraction of the crude oil and the effects were WSF dose dependent. There was gradual reduction in the shoot biomass of the plant with increasing level of WSF. There is a gradual increase in the root biomass although there was a total root growth. The study has established that the performance of Pistia stratiotes was significantly affected by the presence of water soluble fraction of crude oil. The study has great implication on water biology and food security. Continuous environmental monitoring and remediation exercises should be conducted in oil producing communities by the government.

Regular solution theory applied to asphaltene related phase behaviour

AbstractAsphaltenes are the least soluble fraction of crude oil and they can phase separate from the oil upon a change in temperature, pressure, or composition. This phase separation, often described as precipitation, may be beneficial (eg, in a partial deasphalting process) or detrimental (eg, in pipeline and surface equipment fouling). A phase behaviour model that can predict the onset and amount of asphaltene precipitation and is compatible with process simulators is desirable for the design and operation of these processes. This brief review focuses on the regular solution modelling approach. The regular solution model is based on activity coefficients and therefore is well suited for liquid‐liquid phase separations such as asphaltene precipitation. The model and its internal correlations are presented and its performance on asphaltene phase separation from mixtures of heavy oils and solvent is demonstrated. Recent updates to this approach are presented and potential future applications are discussed. The strengths and limitations of this approach for oilfield applications are highlighted.

Sublethal Effects of Crude Oil and Chemical Dispersants on Multiple Life History Stages of the Eastern Oyster, Crassostrea virginica

The eastern oyster Crassostrea virginica is an ecologically and economically important species that is vulnerable to oil pollution. We assessed sublethal effects of soluble fractions of crude oil alone (WAF) and crude oil in combination with Corexit 9500 dispersant (CEWAF) on oysters at three life history stages. Veliger swimming, pediveliger settlement, and adult clearance rates were quantified after 24 h exposures to the contaminants. Veliger swimming speeds were not significantly impacted by 24 h exposures to WAF or CEWAF. A larger proportion of veligers were inactive following WAF and CEWAF exposure as compared to the control, but the effect was greater for pediveligers, and pediveliger settlement in the highest concentration CEWAF treatment decreased by 50% compared to controls. Thus, pediveligers may be particularly vulnerable to oil exposure. In the adults, we found significant clearance rates reductions that persisted 33 days after acute exposure to CEWAF. Knowledge of sublethal effects of oil and dispersant at multiple life history stages aids understanding of how this important species will respond to an oil spill.

Water soluble fractions of crude oil deteriorates water quality parameters and alters histopathological components of juvenile Clarias gariepinus

In this study, the water quality changes after the introduction of water soluble fractions of crude oil were monitored along-side the accompanying effects on histopathological changes in selected organs of juvenile Clarias gariepinus . After a preliminary short-term (96 hours) static toxicity tests, fish were exposed to four sub-lethal concentrations (30, 45, 60 and 75 % of the LC 50 corresponding to 67, 101, 135 and 169 mg/l respectively) and a control group containing clean water using a semi-static renewal method for 90 days. Water quality parameters, heavy metals and total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) were determined using standard methods. After the exposure period, liver, brain and gill were harvested, labeled and prepared for photomicrography. Chloride, conductivity, salinity, magnesium, biochemical oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, total dissolve solids, turbidity and nitrate levels increased significantly (p 0.05). Values of TPH increased (p<0.05) with increasing concentrations of the crude oil. All analysed heavy metals followed a direct proportional trend as their values increased (p<0.05) alongside concentrations. Several histopathological alterations were found in the liver (sinusoidal congestion, atrophy of hepatocytes, hepatocellular degeneration and diffuse coagulation necrosis of hepatocytes), brain (vascular congestion and atrophy of neurons, neuronal necrosis, gliosis and loss of neurons) and gill (moderate loss of the secondary gill lamellae, moderate lamellae atrophy and moderate diffuse lamellae hyperplasia). The intensity of these lesions increased with increase in exposure dose. Keywords: Toxicity, Petroleum, Heavy metals, Water quality, Organs, Clarias gariepinus , LC 50

Evaluation of Haematological and Biochemical Parameters of Juvenile &lt;i&gt;Oreochromis niloticus&lt;/i&gt; after Exposure to Water Soluble Fractions of Crude Oil

The influence of water soluble fraction of crude oil from Afiesere oil field on water quality components and its consequent effect on haematological and biochemical parameters in juveniles of Oreochromis niloticus were evaluated. After a preliminary determination of the 96 h-LC 50 of crude oil by probit regression was found to be 92.38 mg/l, fish were exposed to 4 sub-lethal concentrations (30, 45, 60 and 75% of the LC 50 corresponding to 28, 41, 55 and 69 mg/l respectively) of the oil and a control. After 84 days of exposure, blood was collected and used in conducting haematological and biochemical analyses. Exposure of water to crude oil caused increased levels in chloride, conductivity, salinity, magnesium, biochemical oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, turbidity and Nitrate. The crude oil contaminated water resulted in a significant reduction (p<0.05) in the values of red blood cells, packed cell volume and haemoglobin. Although no definite trend in the values of computed haematological indices was observed, MCHC, however, decreased with increased concentration. Also, Glucose, ALP, ALT, AST, Urea and creatinine activities of all the affected set of fish, which have been exposed to the crude oil were significantly higher (p<0.05) in comparison to their respective control. Keywords : Crude oil, Afiesere oil field, blood, toxicity, water quality, Oreochromis niloticus

Maternal and embryonic exposure to the water soluble fraction of crude oil or lead induces behavioral abnormalities in zebrafish (Danio rerio), and the mechanisms involved

The water-soluble fraction (WSF) of crude oil plays an important role in the toxicity of crude oil in aquatic environments. Heavy metals, such as lead (Pb) are also important environmental contaminants, which can reach aquatic systems via the effluents of industrial, urban and mining sources. In the present study, we investigated whether maternal and embryonic exposure to the WSF (5, 50 μg/L) or Pb (10, 100 μg/L) could induce behavioral abnormalities in zebrafish. Our results showed that maternal and embryonic exposure to the WSF (5, 50 μg/L) and Pb (10, 100 μg/L) induced swimming activity alterations in larval and juvenile zebrafish. In 15 days post-fertilization (dpf) larval zebrafish, the distance moved was significantly increased in the groups treated with the WSF (5, 50 μg/L), but the angular velocity and turn angle were decreased after treatment with the WSF (5, 50 μg/L) or Pb (10, 100 μg/L). In 30 dpf juvenile zebrafish, the distance moved was markedly decreased in both groups treated with the WSF (5, 50 μg/L) and the Pb (10 μg/L) group, but the percentage of zebrafish moving up and the inter-fish distance of two juvenile fish were increased after treatment with the WSF (5, 50 μg/L) or Pb (10, 100 μg/L). Maternal and embryonic exposure to the WSF (5, 50 μg/L) or Pb (10, 100 μg/L) likely impaired the brain neurons growth and induced behavioral abnormalities in the larval and juvenile zebrafish. Furthermore, the expressions of some key genes, which were associated with calcium channels, behavioral development or the metabolism of environmental contaminants, were changed.

Water Soluble Fraction of Crude Oil Uncouples Protease Biosynthesis and Activity in Hydrocarbonoclastic Bacteria; Implications for Natural Attenuation

Water Soluble Fraction of Crude Oil Uncouples Protease Biosynthesis and Activity in Hydrocarbonoclastic Bacteria; Implications for Natural Attenuation

Toxic Effects of Water Soluble Fractions of Crude Oil, Diesel and Gasoline on Ceratophyllum Demersum

Abstract- Oil exploration and exploitation has resulted in oil pollution in the Niger Delta. This study investigated the toxicity of water soluble fractions (WSFs) of crude oil, diesel fuel and gasoline on Ceratophyllum demersum (L). The parameters measured include fresh weight, biomass production and relative growth rate. The water soluble fractions concentrations used were 25%, 50% 100% for crude oil and diesel and 5%, 10%, 20% were used for gasoline. Results from the study showed that at 25% WSF of crude oil and diesel fuel and 5% WSF of gasoline, there was significant increase (P &lt; 0.05) in fresh weight, biomass production and relative growth rate of Ceratophyllum demersum. While increase in concentration resulted in decrease in the growth parameters. High concentrations of Water Soluble Fractions of gasoline were the most toxic followed by diesel fuel. This study showed that low concentration of water soluble fractions of petroleum hydrocarbons enhanced growth while high concentration was toxic to the aquatic macrophyte. &#x0D; Keywords: Crude oil, diesel, gasoline, Ceratophyllum demersum.

Water Soluble Fraction of Crude Oil Uncouples Protease Biosynthesis and Activity in Hydrocarbonoclastic Bacteria; Implications for Natural Attenuation

Three hydrocarbonoclastic bacteria isolated from crude oil-impacted mesotidal waters of the Niger Delta area of Nigeria, and identified, by 16S rRNA sequencing, as Vibrio fluvialis OWPB63, Serratia sp. MWPB18 and Pseudomonas fluorescens OWPB17 demonstrated commendable protease production ability in skimmed milk-minimal medium. Protease biosynthesis commenced in all three bacteria before the first 2 h of fermentation with peak productivities of 4.12, 0.73 and 1.12 μg/mL/h reached at 12, 36 and 48 h for Vibrio fluvialis, Serratia sp. and Pseudomonas fluorescens respectively. Activities of the enzymes assessed with azocasein as standard substrate were respectively 116.61, 174.56 and 145.84μg/mL/min. Median inhibition concentration (IC50) for Vibrio fluvialis enzyme biosynthesis, significantly (P<0.05, 0.01) influenced by exposure time, was <10% (<0.91 mg/L) with a corresponding IC50 for protease activity of <50% (<4.55 mg/L). This suggests that protease biosynthesis was more amenable to toxicity by WSF than its activity. Supplementation of respective crude bacterial proteases in pure-culture biodegradation medium containing casein-N significantly (P = 0.005; R2 = 0.9914) enhanced hydrocarbonoclasis, however only 13.8 mg C-CO2 was evolved in the mixed-culture study as against 98.4 mg in the control containing NH4Cl. These findings imply that inhibition of bacterial protease biosynthesis by WSF of crude oil reduces nitrogen availability thus limiting natural attenuation opportunities oil-spilled aquatic ecosystems.

Impact of Water Soluble Fractions of Crude Oil on Growth Performance of Ptychadena mascariensis

Impact of Water Soluble Fractions of Crude Oil on Growth Performance of Ptychadena mascariensis

Maternal exposure to the water soluble fraction of crude oil, lead and their mixture induces autism-like behavioral deficits in zebrafish (Danio rerio) larvae

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a serious debilitating mental illness with complex symptoms and multi-factorial pathogenesis. Although the pathogenesis of ASD remains unclear, etiology is thought to involve complex, multigenic interactions and possible environmental contributions. In the present study, we used zebrafish (Danio rerio) as a model to investigate whether maternal exposure to the water soluble fraction of crude oil (WSF, 5μg/L), lead (Pb, 20μg/L) and their mixture (5 μg/L WSF+20 μg/L Pb) could induce autism-like behavior in larvae. Our results showed that isolated and combined WSF/Pb exposure altered the behavioral pattern of fish swimming. WSF significantly increased anxiety and locomotor activity, decreased repetitive behavior in the open field test, and reduced the level of serotonin. However, co-exposure to WSF/Pb decreased behavioral activity and shoaling behavior, and increased cycle swimming and edge preference. Significant changes in the expression level of the multiple genes potentially critical for regulating environmental factor induced autism-like behavior were found. A gene network regulating ASD disturbed by WSF/Pb exposure was established using computational analysis. The information from the network could provide a clue for further mechanistic studies explaining molecular events regulating WSF/Pb mediated ASD.

The effect of the water soluble fraction of crude oil on survival, physiology and behaviour of Caspian roach, Rutilus caspicus (Yakovlev, 1870)

The water soluble fraction (WSF) of crude oil is a complex and toxic mixture of hydrocarbons that aquatic organisms directly encounter in oil spills. WSF plays an important role in the toxicity of crude oil to aquatic organisms. In the present study, the effects of WSF on juvenile Caspian roach, Rutilus caspicus, at lethal and sub-lethal level was investigated. The lethality of WSF on R. caspicus was studied by conducting 96h LC50 tests with semi-static exposure methods with 6 and 24h solution renewals. The 96h LC50 of WSF was estimated at 62.5% and 35.9% WSF concentrations for 24h and 6h renewal methods, respectively. To investigate the sub-lethal effect of WSF on R. caspicus, fish were exposed to 62.5, 31.3, and 6.3% concentrations of WSF for 24h and changes in their respiration rate and swimming activity was monitored during the exposure. At the end of the exposure period, four hematologic parameters [O2 and CO2 pressures (pO2 and pCO2), hematocrit, and hemoglobin content] of the fish were measured. The result of the behavioural experiment revealed that all three studied concentrations of WSF elevated the respiration rate and reduced the swimming activity of R. caspicus. No significant changes were detected in the hematocrit and hemoglobin content of the fish blood, but the blood pO2 of the fish exposed to 62.5% WSF decreased while the blood pCO2 increased. The results of this study suggest that the egression of the volatile components in hydrocarbon mixtures during conventional semi-static toxicity tests may lead to underestimating the toxicity of the hydrocarbons. The results of the sub-lethal experiments propose that failure of the respiratory system that leads to asphyxia may be a major mechanism that results in lethal effect of WSF in high concentrations.

Biomarker responses in the bivalve Chlamys farreri to the water-soluble fraction of crude oil

To investigate the effect of the water soluble fraction of crude oil (WSF) on marine bivalves, the scallop Chlamys farreri was exposed to three WSF concentrations (0.18 mg/L, 0.32 mg/L, and 0.51 mg/L, respectively) in seawater. Petroleum hydrocarbon contents in scallops and a suite of enzymes [7-Ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD), aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase (AHH), glutathione S-transferase (GST), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx)] in gills and digestive glands were monitored over 10 days. The results revealed that WSF affected the activity of the four enzymes in the gills and digestive glands. EROD activity in the gills was significantly induced in most individuals of the three test groups, while in the digestive gland it was significantly induced in the low-concentration group within 4 days but was inhibited in the middle- and high-concentration groups on days 1, 4, and 10. AHH activity in the gills of all treatment groups was significantly induced on day 1. In the digestive gland, AHH activity was induced in most individuals from the treatment groups. In all treatment groups, GST activity was significantly inhibited from days 2 to 10 in the gills and was induced after day 4 in the digestive gland. GPx activity in the gills was significantly inhibited throughout the exposure period in all treatment groups. There was no overall significant difference in GPx activity in the digestive gland between the control and treatment groups. Our results also revealed that petroleum hydrocarbon concentrations in the tissues increased linearly with exposure time. EROD activity in the digestive gland and GST and GPx activity in the gill tissue were negatively correlated with petroleum hydrocarbon body burden. These enzymes play important roles in detoxification and can act as potential biomarkers for monitoring petroleum hydrocarbon contaminants in the marine environment.

Acute Toxicity of Water Soluble Fraction of Crude Oil to the Early Life Stages of the African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus)

Acute Toxicity of Water Soluble Fraction of Crude Oil to the Early Life Stages of the African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus)

Evaluation of the Effect of Water Soluble Fraction (Wsf) of Bonny Light Crude Oil and Sublethal Concentrations of &lt;em&gt;Lepidagathis alopecuroides&lt;/em&gt; (Vahl) on Reproduction in Clarias gariepinus (Burchell 1822)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of crude oil Water Soluble Fraction (wsf) and the aqueous extract of <em>Lepidagathis alopecuroides</em> on fertilty and hatchability of <em>Clarias gariepinus</em>. Artificially fertilized eggs of <em>Clarias gariepinus</em> were exposed to five sublethal concentrations of <em>L. alopecuroides</em> and five concentrations of the water soluble fractions of crude oil. The results showed that there was concentration dependent reduction in hatchability of eggs exposed to <em>L. alopecuroides</em>. A highly significant (p<0.01) but negative linear correlation (r = -0.9327) was observed between percent hatchability and the concentration of crude oil water soluble fraction. Both relationships were linear with regression equations y = -73.68x+65.92 vs. y = -0.085x+75.03 and coefficient of determination (R²) = 0.870 vs. 0.915, respectively. This result confirms that both <em>L. alopecuroides</em> and crude oil water soluble fraction are capable of inhibiting hatchability of <em>Clarias gariepinus</em> and reducing the reproductive capacity of this species in the wild.

Toxicity of crude oil and pyrene to the embryos of beach spawning capelin ( Mallotus villosus)

Due to a northward shift in oil and gas activities, there is an increasing need to understand the potential anthropogenic impacts of oil-related compounds on sub-Arctic and Arctic organisms, particularly those in coastal habitats. Capelin ( Mallotus villosus), a key fish species in the Barents Sea ecosystem, undertakes aggregated spawning at both intertidal and subtidal coastal localities in northern Norway. To investigate the sensitivity of capelin embryos to oil compounds, newly fertilized capelin eggs were collected from a spawning beach and exposed until hatch (32 days) to either the water soluble fraction of crude oil or the single PAH compound, pyrene. Threshold levels for egg mortality, development and hatching success were determined. Concentrations of 40 μg/L crude oil (∑26 PAHs) and 55 μg/L pyrene significantly increased embryonic mortality rates and decreased hatching success, compared with controls, indicating that a potential oil spill in the vicinity of capelin spawning grounds may cause significant impacts. No significant incidence of adverse effects such as yolk sac oedema, pericardia oedema, haemorrhages, craniofacial abnormalities, premature hatch or inhibited growth was observed. Histological studies of hatched larvae did not reveal specific sublethal effects in tissues and organs. Developmental delays and subsequent embryo death were noticed at the period of eye pigmentation in affected groups. Early life-history stages of capelin are sensitive indicators of PAH impacts, but the mechanisms responsible for the toxic effects require further investigation.

Tolerance and Sodium Ion Relations of Paspalum conjugatum Bergius (Sour Grass) to Water Soluble Fractions of Crude Oil

Tolerance and Sodium Ion Relations of Paspalum conjugatum Bergius (Sour Grass) to Water Soluble Fractions of Crude Oil

Biomarker responses in polar cod ( Boreogadus saida) exposed to the water soluble fraction of crude oil

In order to mimic the biological effects of an oil spill in Arctic waters, we examined several types of biomarkers (genes, enzymes, metabolites, and DNA damage) in polar cod Boreogadus saida experimentally exposed to the water soluble fractions of crude oil. During 4 weeks of exposure, induction of the studied biomarkers exceeded baseline levels. The mRNA expression of the cytochrome P4501A1 ( cyp1a1) gene was the most promising biomarker, with glutathione S-transferase ( gst) as a suitable complement. The delayed ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase (EROD) and GST activities and their persistence following 2 weeks of depuration may allow detection of previous exposures in field samples. The composition of PAH metabolites in the bile indicated the bioavailability of different PAH size-classes. Although mRNA expressions of antioxidant defense genes were induced at start of the exposure, with the strongest responses from catalase and cytosolic superoxide dismutase, they were poor for oil monitoring purposes due to their very short response times. Significant DNA damage demonstrated genotoxicity even at low PAH concentrations (<15 μg L −1) and was correlated with benzo(a)pyrene and pyrene metabolites in the bile.

Biological effects of water soluble fraction of crude oil on the Arctic sea ice amphipod Gammarus wilkitzkii

With increasing petroleum related activity in the Barents Sea and the subsequent risk of accidents, there is a demand for knowledge about the effect of oil pollution in Arctic ecosystems. In the present study, the sea ice amphipod Gammarus wilkitzkii was exposed to a water soluble fraction (WSF) of oil in two experiments, using a rock column system. First, three groups of adult females were exposed for 36 days for control (n=9), low dose (n=10) (initial and final oil concentration: 14, 115 and 120 μ g/l) and high dose (n=10) (initial and final oil concentration: 78, 764 and 395 μ g/l). Total oxyradical scavenging capacity (TOSC), malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase activity (CAT), respiration rate and mortality were measured. In the second experiment, moulting rate was measured in immature individuals of two groups, control (n=10) and exposed (n = 20), over 113 days. No mortality was observed in either of the experiments. There was a dose-related significant increase in respiration rate (40.69 (±22.82), 55.63 (±20.98), 94.57 (±22.80)) mg O2 h−1g ww−1 in control, low dose and high dose, respectively. A higher MDA level was detected in the low dose group (25.04 (±6.00) nmol g−1 of tissue) compared to both control (20.44 (±2.62) nmol g−1 of tissue) and high dose groups (20.93 (±4.79) nmol g−1 of tissue). Likewise, the low dose group had the highest value of TOSC towards hydroxyl (727.74 (±475.58), 1157.58 (±278.62), 1067.30 (±369.22) TOSC unit value mg−1 of protein for control, low and high dose, respectively). Although no difference in the catalase activity between control and exposed groups was detected, higher activity was measured at 0 °C (average: 248 μ mol−1 min−1 mg−1 of protein) than at the standard temperature for catalase measurement of 25 °C (average: 140 μ mol−1 min−1 mg−1 of protein), indicating a need to optimise the standard operational procedure when working with Arctic organisms. No effect of WSF exposure on moulting rate was detected. In conclusion, little mortality was observed during the experiments, indicating some degree of tolerance levels. However, the biomarker results indicated sub-lethal effects in G. wilkitzkii after exposure to WSF.

Toxicological Effects of Water Soluble Fraction of Crude Oil on Macrobenthic Invertebrates: Chironomus and Mosquito Larvae

Toxicological Effects of Water Soluble Fraction of Crude Oil on Macrobenthic Invertebrates: Chironomus and Mosquito Larvae