ABSTRACT

Environmental pollution is global, however the deteriorating

situation in Nigeria especially in the oil and gas producing

areas calls for considerable attention. Channeling waste water

into the environs can result to severe consequence ranging from

contamination of land to destruction of aquatic lives.

This research focuses on sample collection and analysis. The

sampling and analysis has been planned to be carried out in

accordance with the respective regulatory DPR and WHO limits.

The methods employed to ascertain its reality ranges from

interviews, visitation to companies and active participation in

carrying out the analysis. The findings would be compared with

DPR and WHO standards.

1

CERTIFICATION

This is to certify that this project work titled

“Analysis of effluent water (a case study of PANOCEAN

OIL CORPORATION NIG. LIMITED, Oghara)” was carried out

by ARIOBEGWO EFEMENA BLESSING of Petroleum and Natural

Gas Processing Department, and was approved by:

____________________ ___________________Engr. A.F.U. Arhagba, FNSE Engr S. E. Onoji

2

Project Supervisor Head of Department

_____________________ ___________________

Date Date

DEDICATION

I dedicate this research work to the Sovereign of the

Universe, the giver of life and perfect presents.

It is also dedicated to My Parents and Mr. Simon Asite.

3

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT4

I appreciate the resolute effort of my supervisor,

Engr. A.F.U. Arhagba, FNSE which culminated in the

successful completion of this work. To the Head of

Petroleum and Natural Gas Processing Department, Engr

S. E. Onoji and the entire Management and Staff of the

Petroleum Training Institute Effurun, I say thank you.

With a heart full of Joy I tender my unalloyed

appreciation to my Parents Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Ariobegwo

for their unwavering support to me throughout the

duration this of programme. To my wonderful siblings, I

remain grateful to you all.

To Mr. Simon Asite, Ifeanyi Collins Udo, Theophilus

Osilamah, Mr. & Mrs. Josiah Onewuke, Aunty Abiodun,

Johnson Adjes for their support and care they rendered

to me all through my years of study.

5

Also to share in the thanks, are my relatives, friends,

roommates, and my entire classmates. I love you all and

God bless.

6

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

7

The immense reliability on crude oil and its products as the most

viable and economic source of energy has increased its continuous

exploration and production. The processes involved in the

drilling, stabilization, refining among others, generate large

amount of wastewater, which could be high in salts, organic and

inorganic compounds as well as metals. The global and cross

boundary effects of air pollution and the hazardous effects of

atmospheric emissions from E & P activities have also generated

worldwide concern. In order to examine the impacts that result

from these activities especially from upstream oil and gas

operations, there is need to know the sources and nature of the

emissions and their relative contributions to atmospheric

impacts, especially those related to global issues such as ozone

layer depletion and climatic change. Local impacts of gaseous

emission/flaring include health risk to humans, fauna,

vegetation, and effects on structures, directly or indirectly

through acid rain.

The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) and the Federal

Ministry of Environment (FMENV) stipulates in their Guidelines

and standards the monitoring requirements and parameters for

8

aqueous effluent discharge into near shore recipient environment.

In order to safeguard the environment and ensure sustainable

development, there is need to prudently monitor and comply with

the specified regulatory limits. Oil industry operators have to

ensure that treatment of effluent is undertaken before discharge

into recipient water body.

In line with Pan Ocean Oil Corporation, (Nigeria) Corporate

proactive policy on Environmental protection and commitment to

ensure sustainable development in the environment and compliance

with existing legislations as contained in the Department of

Petroleum Resources (DPR) Environmental Guidelines and Standards

for the Petroleum Industry (1991) and the revised version (2002),

a compliance Monitoring contract was awarded to Thermosteel

Nigeria Limited by Pan Ocean Oil Corporation, (Nigeria).

The project scope as recommended by the regulatory body includes

weekly monitoring of gaseous, aqueous, air quality and

meteorological parameters and monitoring of underground water on

quarterly basis at Ovade Ogharefe Flowstation and Gas Plant. The

purpose of the exercise was to provide evidence of compliance or

9

otherwise of the facilities with local and international emission

standards. The local standards are those of the Department of

Petroleum Resources (DPR) and the Federal Ministry of Environment

(FMEnv), while the international standards are those of the World

Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Environmental

Programmes (UNEP).

1.1. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF STUDY

To ascertain whether Pan Ocean is complying with the

regulatory permissible limits set by DPR before discharge of

effluent into receiving environment or otherwise, as well as

assessing the quality of the effluent.

To provide evidence of compliance with DPR regulations,

standards and guidelines.

To identify environmental problems from existing practices,

so that Pan Ocean may be in a position to plan and implement

effective additional environmental quality control

strategies.

10

1.2. SIGNIFICANCE AND RELEVANCE OF STUDY

To provide and safeguard against liability claims from past

practices and mitigate long-term liability.

To evaluate the extent to which the E and P operations

comply with regulations as well as to establish the

relationship between changes and the causal factor.

In cases where compliance is an issue, adequate

investigation will be conducted and findings communicated to

the regulators or exemption applied for.

1.3. SCOPE OF STUDY

There are many parameters that are to be considered in effluent

water sampling, however, the research will focus on the

following:

PH

Temperature

TDS, mg/L

Dissolved oxygen (DO), Mg/L

Oil and grease, Mg/L

Turbidity NTV

11

BODs, Mg/L

COD, Mg/L

Nitrate (NO3) Mg/L

Lead (Pb2+) Mg/L

Total Iron (Fe2+)

Chromium (Cr6+ )

1.4. STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Environmental pollution is global, however the deteriorating

situation in Nigeria especially in the oil and gas producing

areas calls for considerable attention. Channeling waste water

into the environs can result to severe consequence ranging from

contamination of land to destruction of aquatic lives

1.5. STUDY METHODOLOGY

Samples were collected from various points followed by samples

analysis carried out in the Laboratory in accordance with the

Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) (2002) Environment

Guidelines and Standards for the Petroleum Industry in Nigeria

(EGASPIN), Revised Edition and other International Standards

12

CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW

Nigeria, located in West Africa, has a total land area of 983,213

square kilometers. Presently, its estimated population is over

150 million people (World Bank Population figures) yielding an

average density of more than120persons per square kilometers.

Industrial activities, in its modern forms, are relatively recent

in the history of Nigeria’s economic development. During the pre-

13

colonial period, Nigeria featured considerable craft industry as

modern factory activity was then not known.

With the advent of the Second World War and its aftermath, the

economy of Nigeria changed tremendously and there were demands

from Europe for industrial raw materials. With time, due to the

low technological base, industrial development took on the

assembly-type pattern of import substitution. However, political

self determination since 1960 did provide the opportunity for

improving on its import substitution strategy as well as

developing its potentials for real industrial take off through

capital goods industry

Prior to the discovery of crude oil in Oloibiri, Rivers State in

1956, agriculture (before 1970) was the mainstay of the Nigerian

economy. The oil boom witnessed in the 1970s led to a tremendous

increase in industrial activities. With financial resources

available from oil and no development policy, unguided

urbanization and industrialization took place. As desirable and

necessary as this development was, it became an albatross not of

itself but because of the lack of appropriate environmental

protection policies to guide it.

14

The result was the indiscriminate sitting of industries,

deforestation and desertification, disregarding the need for

environmental concern. The process technology of some of these

industries often resulted in unacceptable levels of toxic and

dangerous industrial wastes and effluent emissions. These

culminated in the degradation of the environment and devastating

ecological and human disasters. As a result of these, the need to

combine industrial development and environmental protection

arose. Acts of legislation for environmental protection, known as

environmental laws, were then enacted. This paper highlights the

various challenges encountered in establishing an effective

environmental enforcement programme and the solutions proffered

by the government in tackling these problems .Measures are also

advocated for improved implementation of environmental pollution

control laws in Nigeria.

AN OVERVIEW OF ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION INNIGERIA

Oil is the primary base of Nigeria’s economy and is also the cause of

major environmental and social problems in the Niger Delta region

of Nigeria. Over the years, oil exploration, production, and

15

refinement in Nigeria has resulted in various environmental and

ecological problems that range from oil spills, gas flares,

habitat destruction, air and water pollution, and land

degradation. Also, a major cause of oil pollution in that same

region is also to a great extent, from the activities of illegal

oil bunkering and illegal refineries operated indigenes and some

highly placed individuals in government. The chemical properties

of spilled oil often affect the productiveness of soil and

pollute water bodies, thereby causing irreparable damage to

agricultural lands as well as aquatic bodies. Gas flaring is a

significant environmental and economic problem in and Nigeria

emits approximately 70 million metric tons of carbon dioxide

annually (US EIA1999) this adversely affects the socio-economic

actives of local communities, which is primarily based on fishing

and farming (Egunjobi1993). . It is estimated that in one region

alone in the Niger Delta, flaring is statistically likely to

cause 49 premature deaths, 5000 respiratory illnesses among

children and some 120,000 asthma attacks and 8 additional causes

of cancer each year (Environmental Rights Action and the Climate

Justice Programme).

16

WATER POLLUTION

According to Anukam (1997), the main source of water pollution in

Nigeria has to do with forestry activities. Deforestation and

improper soil tillage practices increase the concentration of

soil particles that make their way into water bodies and in turn

increases their sediment loads. The discharge of industrial waste

materials into bodies of water is another major source of

pollution in Nigeria.

Discharges from industries such as petroleum, mining, iron and

steel, pharmaceuticals, and textiles among others have increased

the contents of sulfates and nitrates in water bodies and has

altered properties such as color and odor (Adelegan 2004). These

metals and other chemical substance increase the toxicity of

water bodies as well as soils. A large percentage of Nigerians

derive most of their domestic and drinking water from ponds,

stream, and shallow wells. Hence, water pollution is a major

health concern that places the health of about 40 million people

at risk of diseases such as cholera, dysentery, diarrhea, and

typhoid (Anukam 1997, Adelegan 2004, Orubu 2006).

DOMESTIC AND INDUSTRAIL WASTE

17

The improper disposal and ineffective management of municipal

solid waste and industrial waste creates major environmental and

aesthetic problems in most of Nigeria’s urban areas. Due to

overpopulation and the creation of slums, most municipal areas

currently generate more waste than

they can manage (Ogbonna and Ekweozor 2002). This has led to the

accumulation of waste heaps in “several areas, blocking motorways and

making passage along alleys and pavements difficult” (Ajayi and

Ikporokpo 2005). The most common method of waste disposal in

Nigeria is waste transfer from one region to another and

incineration. The first involves the transfer of waste from a

region that is considered to have a higher aesthetic value to one

that has a lower one. The waste incineration method of waste

disposal often results in air pollution due to the release

of gases such as carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, oxides of

nitrogen, halogenated carbons, and other particulate matter.

LOOKING AT THE NIGER DELTA

18

The United Nations’ Human Development Report of the Niger Delta

among several alarming declarations on the state of the region’s

environment asserts that “there is a strong feeling in the region

that the degree and rate of degradation are pushing the delta

towards ecological disaster” (UNDP, 2006). This feeling is

buttressed by results of research.

An impact assessment of the 1983 Oshika oil spill by Powell and

White (1985) confirmed the death of floating and submerged

aquatic vegetations especially water lettuce, crabs, fish and

birds. Atuma and Egborge (1996), NDES (1997), Egborge, (2000)

Orubu et al., (2002), and Otukunefor and Biukwu (2005) have all

shown that the pollution levels of aquatic ecosystems observed in

the region are a result of unregulated effluent discharges and

unsustainable methods of petroleum extraction. Amakiri (2005)

laments the loss of biodiversity, alteration of habitats and

deforestation that is associated with petroleum exploitation

related canalization. This canalization which is quite extensive

in the region opens up previously pristine and inaccessible

ecosystems to illegal logging activities. Ndiokwere and Ezehe

19

(1990), also report high levels of heavy metals in soils and

plants near the Warri Refinery. Emoyan et al., (2006a, 2006b)

have also confirmed high levels of heavy metal contamination of

River Ijana - an effluent receiving stream that flows by the same

refinery. Braide et al., (2004) observed high concentrations of

heavy metals in the Miniweja stream in the eastern Niger Delta.

Furthermore, Spiff and Horsfall, (2004) reported trace metal

contamination of the intertidal flats of the Upper New Calabar

River in the Niger Delta.

Meanwhile, Rowell (1977), Atuanya (1987), Anoliefo and Vwioko

(1994), Anoliefo(1991), Gill et al. (1992) and Agbogidi et al.

(2006) have independent studies, that documented the adverse

effects of crude oil, engine oil and spent lubricating oil on

soils and the suppression of germination of seeds, regeneration

as well as stomata abnormalities in diverse food crops.

The major sources of degradation of forests, land and water in

the region include oil spills, gas leaks, blowouts, canalization

and the discharge of wastes and effluent from oil and gas

20

operations directly into surface water bodies and the land

surface.

Oil spills in Nigeria occur due to a number of causes that

include corrosion of pipelines and storage tanks, sabotage, and

accidents in oil production operations. A World Bank survey

(Grevy, 1995) estimated that about 2.3million cubic meters of

crude oil is spilt in about 300 separate incidents in the region

each year; observed that oil companies deliberately understate

the incidents of oil spillage, and that the total volume of oil

spilt might be as much as ten times the official figures. The

official figures of SPDC (2004) show that between 1976 and 2001,

6,187 incidents in which 3 million barrels were spilled. Greater

than 70 per cent of this volume went unrecovered (UNDP, 2006).

Following from Grevy’s (1995) assertion, it may be concluded that

more than 30 million barrels have been spilled into the delta

environment in the same period. Also, the Funiwa 5 oil well

blowout in 1980 and Jones Creek oil spillage of 1998. These two

spills together resulted in greatest mangrove devastation ever

recorded worldwide.

21

In addition to deforestation, spills deplete aquatic fauna. The

spilled oil and indeed untreated oil industry related effluent

are considered priority pollutants as they interfere with

biological life in surface waters creating unsightly floating

matter and film. This situation is of high ecological concern as

a result of simultaneous transformation of oily compounds by

biochemical, chemical, microbiological and photochemical

processes. The consumption of dissolved oxygen by bacteria

feeding on the spilled hydrocarbons also contributes to the death

of fishes.

The Niger Delta Environmental Survey (NDES, 1997) attributes some

of the reasons for the high incidence of spills as the very old

age of the pipelines and the lack of regular inspection and

maintenance. Corrosion of equipment which account for high

percentage of all spills could be related to the small size of

the oil fields in the Niger Delta which has an extensive network

of pipelines, between the fields as well as numerous small

networks of flow lines –that carry oil from wellheads to flow

stations, allowing many opportunities for leaks. These pipelines

22

which were laid about 50years ago according to the then

prevailing standards and estimated to have a life span of about

fifteen years are old and susceptible to corrosion. Poor

management practices are common features around oil installations

leading to oil leaks and spills in the region.

Leaks and spills also affect ground water quality. Preliminary

results of ongoing ground water quality evaluation around the

WRPC show elevated levels of BTEX in shallow boreholes and dug

well water (Akpoborie et al. 2008). This is interesting because

Warri, an oil town of more than forty years, and arguably the

most important industrial centre in southwestern Nigeria does not

have a reliable public water supply system, and consumers must

rely on private sources, usually shallow boreholes and hand dug

wells. Indeed, this is the situation in most parts of the delta.

Because water table conditions are prevalent, depth to water is

on average less than a meter in the wet season and the topography

is virtually flat, spills as well as effluent impact directly on

ground water. The situation is compounded by the fact that there

is neither water quality surveillance nor monitoring systems

23

anywhere in the region. As it is well known, unrecovered spilled

hydrocarbon could under these conditions be retained for years in

the vadoze zone as well as on the phreatic surface from where it

would serve as a continuous water supply contaminant point

source.

CHAPTER THREE

EXPERIMENTAL WORK

3.1. EQUIPMENT AND MATERAILS

24

The materials used during sampling and analysis are silver ions,

potassium chromate Millipore filter paper and the equipment used

are shown below however unstable parameters such as pH, TDS, and

temperature were analyzed in-situ in the field. Results of such

analysis were recorded in the field logbook duly attested to by

the sampler.

Fig.3.1 An Extech Ph meter

Fig.3.1 a Thermometer

25

Fig.3.1 HACH TDS meter

Fig.3.1 HACH Ratio Turbid meter

Fig. 3.1 Spectrophotometer

26

Fig.3.1 Schott Gerate Dissolved Oxygen meter

3.2. EXPERIMENTAL DETAILS

The methodologies employed for analysis were in accordance with

the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) (2002) Environment

Guidelines and Standards for the Petroleum Industry in Nigeria

(EGASPIN).

3.2.1. In-Situ Analysis

Unstable parameters such as pH, TDS, and temperature were

analysed in-situ on

the field. Results of such analysis were recorded in the field

logbook duly attested

to by the sampler.

3.2.2. pH

27

pH value indicates the acidic, neutral or alkaline nature of a

liquid. The pH values range from 0 (very acidic) to 14 (very

alkaline) with a pH 7 being neutral. Measurements were carried

out by means of an Extech pH meter, which had been previously

calibrated in the laboratory. Calibration was checked on the

field by measuring standard buffer solutions. Calibration was

repeated, if reading was more than ± 5% of expected reading.

3.2.3. Temperature

This was determined by means of a mercury thermometer calibrated

in 0.20C units from 0oC to 100oC. The thermometer was dipped into

the sample and left for about 5minutes for equilibration before

the reading was recorded.

3.2.4. Total Dissolved Solids

Wastewater contains a variety of minerals or salts, which are

mainly composed of carbonates, bicarbonates, chlorides and

nitrates. TDS is a measure of the total combination of all these

minerals and salts. TDS was determined according to APHA-2540-C

28

i.e. instrumental method using the HACH TDS meter (Mettler Toledo

Conductivity/TDS meter model MC 126). TDS is reported in mg/l.

3.2.5. Turbidity

Turbidity of collected sampled were analyzed the same day using a

HACH Ratio Turbidimeter as described in APHA 2130-B (APHA, 1992).

3.2.6. Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD)

Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) was used as a measure of the oxygen

equivalent of the organic matter content of the sample, which is

susceptible to oxidation, by a strong chemical oxidant. COD was

determined using the open reflux method (APHA 1992), where a

sample is refluxed and digested in a strongly acidic solution

with a known amount of excess of potassium dichromate (K2Cr2O7).

After digestion, the excess un-reacted potassium dichromate was

read with a spectrophotometer at 600-nm and results were reported

in mg/l. Results were also verified by titrating with a standard

solution of Ferrous Ammonium Sulphate.

3.2.7. Biochemical Oxygen Demand

29

BOD, which depends on oxygen uptake by bacteria, was determined

using the dilution method according to APHA 5210B (APHA 1992).

The amount of oxygen consumed during a fixed period (usually 5

days) is related to the amount of organic matter present in the

original sample. Dissolved oxygen of the samples was first

determined using the Schott Gerate Dissolved Oxygen meter and

then incubated for five (5) days at 20oC. DO was again measured

after a period of five days and BOD in mg/l was determined from

the following calculation and reported accordingly.

3.2.8. Oil And Grease

Oil and Grease, a component of THC was determined according to

API-RP45 method using a Spectrophotometer. The sample was

extracted twice with 1: 10 ratio of xylene to sample. The

combined extract after centrifuging was read in the

spectrophotometer using xylene as the reference material. The

spectrophotometer had been previously calibrated with crude oil.

Readings obtained from the spectrophotometer were traced out on

the calibration graph and used to calculate the concentration of

THC (Oil and Grease) in mg/l (API, 1998).

30

3.2.9. Heavy Metals

The heavy metals analyzed in the effluent samples include the

following, Lead, Chromium, and Iron. The concentration in mg/l of

the specified heavy metals in the collected samples was

determined (after nitric acid digestion) by means of an atomic

absorption spectrophotometer. Specific metal standards in the

linear range of the metal were used to calibrate the equipment.

The concentrated and digested samples were then aspirated and

their actual concentrations are obtained by referring to the

calibration graph and necessary calculations (APHA, 1992).

31

CHAPTER FOUR

EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS AND ANALYSIS

Wastewater samples were collected from two different points at

the Flow station namely Skim and catcher pit (PAN OCEAN OIL

CORPORATION (NIG.) LTD). The results are presented below; however

only samples collected at the skim pit will be analyzed.

3.3. Skim pits (PAN OCEAN OIL CORPORATION (NIG.) LTD)

32

Presented in Table 4.1 below are physico-chemical properties of

the wastewater collected at the Skim Pit of Ovade-Ogharefe Flow

station. Aqueous effluents collected from the skim pit had pH

value of 6.90. This value complied with the DPR allowable range

of 6.5-8.5. The effluent temperature mean value was 28.000C which

exceeded the DPR set limit of 25.00C. These values are

environmentally insignificant when compared with tropical ambient

temperature range of 25.00C-28.00C according to Eborge (1994).

The effluent generally recorded high dissolved solutes with an

average of 4850.00mg/l which does not comply with the DPR limit

of 2000mg/l. Oil and grease content has an average value of

0.3mg/l - a value below the DPR set maximum permissible limit of

10.0mg/l. Dissolved oxygen, BOD, and COD mean values were

4.10mg/l, 5.26mg/l and 8.80mg/l respectively. These parameters

compared favourably with the respective DPR limits of 10.00mg/l

and 10.00mg/l except for TDS which requires specific effluent

treatment method to be put in place for compliance. Anion such as

nitrate (NO3-) had a value of 0.26mg/l. All the heavy metals

measured complied with their respective DPR and WHO limits as

presented in Table 4.1 and Figure 4.1 below.

33

Table 4.1: Some Physico-chemical characteristics of the aqueouseffluent from the skim pit

PARAMETER DPRLimits

WHO’s Max.Allowablelimit Results

pH6.5 –8.5 6.5-9.2 6.90

Temperature, oC 25 N/A 28.00

Conductivity, µS/cm N/A 5.00 9,700

Total Dissolved Solid, mg/l 2000 1500 4850

Dissolved Oxygen, mg/l N/A N/A 4.10

Oil & Grease, mg/l 10 N/A 0.23

Turbidity, NTU N/A 5.00 21.10

Biochemical Oxygen Demand, mg/l 10 N/A 5.26

Chemical Oxygen Demand, mg/l 10 N/A 8.80

Anions

Nitrate mg/l N/A 1.00 0.26

Metals

Lead, mg/l 0.05 0.05 <0.002

Total Iron, mg/l 1.0 1.00 0.183

34

Chromium, mg/l 0.03 N/A <0.001

35

Fig. 4.1. Scan copy of the results

3.4. SAMPLING POINTS

Samples were taken from several points, areas having direct

channeling to the environment. The map below shows the sampling

points:

Fire House Gas Process Plant

Control Room

Admin Block

Canteen

Accommodation

Road

Accommodation

Tank Farm

Effluent Water Sampling point 2

Flare Area

First Sampling Point

36

Fig.4.2 layout of the gas plant Pan Ocean Oil Corporation,

(Nigeria)

Fig. 4.2 skim pit

DEPARTMENT OF PETROLEUM RESOURCES

The Minister of Petroleum Resources is empowered to make

regulations for the prevention of pollution of water courses and

the atmosphere. All licenses are expected to adopt all

practicable precautions including the provision of up to date

37

equipment approved by the DPR to prevent pollution in Nigerian

waters. The Licensees or Lessees are expected to carry out their

operations in a proper and workmanlike manner in accordance

regulations and practices accepted as by the DPR as good oil

field practices.

pH Temperature, oC

TDSDO (mg/l

Turbidity, mg/l

EC Salinity, mg/l

Oil & Grease

BOD mg/l

COD, mg/l

Nitrate, mg/l

Lead, mg/l

Total iron, mg/l

Chromium, mg/l

0

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

Column1

Fig. 4.2c A graph showing DPR limit

WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION (WHO)

The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of

the United Nations (UN) that is concerned with international

public health. The World Health Organization (WHO) is responsible

for the World Health Report, a leading international publication

38

on health. In this limelight, the organization in its attempt to

safeguard lives also proposed standards as regards the effluent

water entering into the surrounding.

0200400600800

1000120014001600

WHO Limit

Fig. 4.2 A graph showing WHO limit

LABORATORY’S RESULTS

The samples collected from the field were taken to the laboratory

for analysis under strict compliance to regulations.

39

0

2000

4000

6000

8000

10000

12000 RESULTS

RESULTS

Fig. 4.2 A graph showing Results of analysis

MAKING OUT A BENCHMARK

The graph below shows a concrete comparison of the limits and

results under consideration.

0

2000

4000

6000

8000

10000

12000WHO MAX Accpt LIMITWHO Allowable LimitDPR LimitResult

40

Fig. 4.2 A graph showing comparison of PANOCEAN average values, atthe Skim Pit, with the

DPR and WHO limits

It is appropriate to determine a reference point or percentage compliance for the above, this will be done for each limits (DPR and WHO)

Calculations for percentage compliance of Pan Ocean values with DPR's limit

% Compliance = Obtained value (Results) x 100

Expected value (DPR's limit) 1

41

Table 4.2: Tabular comparison of PANOCEAN average values, at theSkim Pit, with the DPR limits

With the

table above it is easier to conclude that results with %

difference exceeding 100% are above the acceptable limits which

of course can contaminate the surrounding.

42

PARAMETER DPRLimits Results

(%)Differenc

e

pH6.5 –8.5 6.90 92%

Temperature, oC 25 28.00 112%

Total Dissolved Solid, mg/l 2000 4850 242.5%

Oil & Grease, mg/l 10 0.23 2.3%

Biochemical Oxygen Demand, mg/l 10 5.26 52.6%

Chemical Oxygen Demand, mg/l 10 8.80 88%

Metals

Lead, mg/l 0.05 <0.002 4%

Total Iron, mg/l 1.0 0.183 18.4%

Chromium, mg/l 0.03 <0.001 3.33%

Also Calculations for percentage compliance of Pan Ocean values

with

WHO's

limit

%

Compliance = Obtained value (Results) x 100

Expected value (WHO's limit) 1

Table 4.2b: Tabular comparison of PANOCEAN average values, at the Skim Pit, with the WHO limits

43

PARAMETER WHOLimits Results

(%)Differenc

e

pH 6.5-9.2 6.90 87.9%

Temperature, oC N/A 28.00 N/A

Total Dissolved Solid, mg/l 1500 4850 323.3%

Oil & Grease, mg/l N/A 0.23 N/A

Biochemical Oxygen Demand, mg/l N/A 5.26 N/A

Chemical Oxygen Demand, mg/l N/A 8.80 N/A

Metals

Lead, mg/l 0.05 <0.002 40%

Total Iron, mg/l 1.00 0.183 18.4%

Chromium, mg/l N/A <0.001 N/A

With the table above it is easier to conclude that results with %

difference exceeding 100% are above the acceptable limits which

of course can contaminate the surrounding.

44

CHAPTER FIVE

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

5.1. CONCLUSION

The pH value at the skim pit effluent was within the DPR and

WHO allowable limit of 6.5-8.5 and 6.5-9.2 respectively.

Temperature average values (28 oC) were insignificantly

above the DPR and WHO’s allowable limit of 25oC for domestic

water. However, Temperature is a factor of the sampling time, in

the tropical region, as it varies according to the time of the

day.

Most oil and gas companies in Nigeria ensure compliance with

DPR standards, however comparing the results with WHO standards

was worthwhile.

5.2. RECOMMENDATION

I recommend from the above findings that the oil recovery

system should be regularly skimmed, cleaned and flushed to

ensure compliance with the regulatory limit in Temperature,

Conductivity and TDS.

45

I recommend that the present compliance status should be

sustained for the parameter that complied.

Also, monitoring should be continuous to promptly identify and

forestall any deviation from the regulatory limits.

A timely and co-ordinate oil spill response mechanism is

needed which would produce more rapid clean –up action.

Attempts should be made to develop a realistic compensation

package for pollution victims.

REFERENCE

Agbogidi, O.M., Eruotor, P.G.; Akparobi, S.O. (2006), Effects of

Soil Contaminated with Crude Oil on the Germination of Maize (Zea

Mays L.), Nig. Jnr. of Sc. and Env., 5:1-10.

Akpoborie, I. A.; Diwanbor, G. U. (2007), Do Environmental Laws

in Nigeria Encourage Conflict? A Case Study Of The Ozoro Deep-

Well Waste Injection Facility, In, Readings in Conflict

Management and Peace Building in Africa, Eds. Omotor, D.G. et

al., Vol. 2:

46

Gill, L. S.; Nyawuame, H. G. K.; Ehikhametalor, A. O. (1992),

Effect of Crude oil on growth and anatomical features of

Chromolaena odorata L. Newsletter 5:46-50

Grevy, P. (1995), The Niger Delta in Nigeria: A Pollution

Assessment Study, World Bank, Washington D.C.

Ibe, A.C.; Awosika, L. F.; Antia, E. E. (1984), Progress Report

No.2. Coastal Erosion Project. NIOMR Special Publication. 106

Jimoh, H I; Aghalino, S. O. (2000), Petroleum and Environment

Degradation: A Perspective on Government Policies in Nigeria, In:

Contemporary Issues in Environmental Studies. (Eds) Jimoh, H.I.

and Ifabiyi I.P. 238- 244.

http://www.bioline.org.br/request?ja08046

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