Assessment of the Impact of Artisanal Petroleum Refining on Surface Water Quality in Rivers State, Nigeria
Mabel E. Amesi *
Institute of Natural Resources, Environment and Sustainable Development (INRES), University of Port Harcourt, Choba, PMB 5323, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
Leo C. Osuji
Institute of Natural Resources, Environment and Sustainable Development (INRES), University of Port Harcourt, Choba, PMB 5323, Port Harcourt, Nigeria, Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, Petroleum & Environmental Chemistry Research Group, University of Port Harcourt, East-West Road, Choba, PMB 5323, Port Harcourt, Nigeria and World Bank Africa Centre of Excellence for Oilfield Chemicals Research, University of Port Harcourt, Choba, PMB 5323, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
Hycienth O. Nwankwoala
Institute of Natural Resources, Environment and Sustainable Development (INRES), University of Port Harcourt, Choba, PMB 5323, Port Harcourt, Nigeria and Department of Geology, Rivers State University, Mkpolu, PMB 5080, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Field reconnaissance surveys were carried out in the upland area of Rivers State, Nigeria, to determine areas associated with artisanal petroleum refining, Surface water samples were collected from four Local Government Areas (Emuoha, Etche, Eleme and Omuma LGAs) using sterilized sample bottles, and taken to the laboratory for water quality analyses. Surface water-pH. electrical conductivity (EC), Salinity, dissolved oxygen (DO) and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) were determined as part of a preliminary assessment. Results show that pH values range from 6.49 to 7.58, indicating slightly acidic to neutral conditions. EC varied from 281.7 to 983.42 µS/cm, while Salinity ranged from 35.28% to 84.96%, with the highest at Eleme Downstream (84.96%). DO fluctuated between 7.86 mg/l and 19.02 mg/l. All values were well within the regulatory limit of 8.5 and i1000 µS/cm for pH and EC respectively. However, the slightly lower pH (slight acidity) and higher turbidity suggest that there was reduced water quality in these areas. It is, therefore, necessary to mitigate the dangers linked to artisanal petroleum refining in the study areas specifically and the entire Nigeria’s Niger Delta region in general, through institutional strengthening and the application of relevant environmental and petroleum-related laws.
Keywords: Artisanal refining, petroleum, Rivers state, Niger delta, surface water quality