scholarly journals Treatment Efficiency of Drill Cuttings Using Thermal Desorption Technology

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Nwosu, Barry Emeka ◽  
Ogbonna F. Joel
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Moisture Content ◽  
Thermal Desorption ◽  
Treatment Efficiency ◽  
Drill Cuttings ◽  
Port Harcourt ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Drill Cutting ◽  
Ph Level ◽  
Rivers State

Aim: The aim of this study was to analyze and determine the treatment efficiency of drill cuttings using the Thermal Desorption Technology. Study Design: Drill cuttings were obtained from a work-over drilling operation with samples obtained at a depth of 2,750m from a typical well for this baseline study. The aim is to analyze the physical and chemical characteristics of the drill cuttings in a laboratory before and after the thermal desorption processes. A second drill cutting sample from another field location at the same depth of 2,750m was used for comparison during the analysis. Place and Duration of Study: Port Harcourt, Rivers state, Nigeria (Laboratory analysis was done at Anal Concept Ltd, Port Harcourt, Rivers state, Nigeria and the thermal desorption unit is situated at the Initiates Plc, Etche LGA, Rivers state, Nigeria). Methodology: A representative sample feedstock of cuttings was collected before and after the thermal treatment. The drill cutting sample was taken from a mixing tank by using a cup and auger. The samples of the cuttings were made for each case of the grab samples, and the samples later transferred into 500mL glass bottles. The sample contaminants were analyzed in a chemical laboratory using standard methods for determining the pH level, Electrical Conductivity, Moisture Content, Organic Pollutants and Heavy Metals. Results: The result showed significant reductions in all the pollutant concentrations after the drill cuttings were treated with the Thermal Desorption Unit. Moisture Content (MC) and the Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon (TPH) decreased significantly by 86% and 93% respectively. The concentration of the combination of Benzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene and Xylene (BTEX) reduced drastically by 98% and the heavy metals concentration levels were also reduced after treatment with the TDU. Also, the laboratory analysis result of the treated drill cuttings shows that the pH level, Electrical Conductivity, Moisture Content, Organic Pollutants and Heavy Metals concentrations did not exceed the recommended Department of Petroleum Resources (D.P.R) limits. Conclusion: This research reveals that the thermal desorption technology is the most economical, efficient and environmentally friendly method of waste management due to its contaminant removal efficiency. This method enhances product recovery and subsequent recycling which helps to reduce environmental impact and prevent economic losses.

scholarly journals Evaluation of the Effect of Some Marketed Herbal Cosmetics in Port Harcourt on Renal Parameters of Rabbits

2021 ◽  
pp. 70-77
Author(s):  
I. N. Thompson ◽  
E. S. Bartimaeus ◽  
E. O. Nwachuku ◽  
H. Brown ◽  
E. S. Agoro
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
The Body ◽  
Early Signs ◽  
Port Harcourt ◽  
Group A ◽  
Continued Use ◽  
Herbal Cosmetics ◽  
Group B ◽  
Animal House ◽  
Rivers State

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of three commonly marketed herbal cosmetics in Port Harcourt on the renal parameters in rabbits. Study Design:  This study is an experimental study. Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out at Animal House, Applied and Environmental Biology Department, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria, between April 2020 and November 2020. Methodology: A total of 48 rabbits were used for the study. They were divided into four groups with twelve rabbits in each group. Four rabbits from each group were treated for thirty, sixty and ninety days respectively. All the rabbits were given feed and tap water ad-libitum. Using the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) guideline for volume selection, 0.5ml/kg of Samples A, B, C and D were each applied to 5cm by 5cm scrapped dermal Forsa of the rabbits in each group every morning for the respective treatment periods stated above. At days thirty, sixty and ninety, respectively, four rabbits from each group were sacrificed under chloroform anaesthesia. Blood samples were collected from the rabbits at intervals, 30days, 60days and 90days. The kidneys were harvested at 90 days from the rabbits. The blood was collected to test sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, urea, creatinine, KIM-1 and kidney for histological analysis. GraphPad Prism v.7.0 was used for statistical analysis and p values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: The results showed that Potassium level was significantly higher (p<.05) from day 30 for group A compared to control, group B and group C. This is attributed to group A having a higher level of cadmium and arsenic compared to the other groups.  The urea and creatinine result for group A was significantly higher by day 30 (p<.05) compared to control with group B and group C. Whereas calcium became significantly lower at day 60. With chloride significantly higher (p<.05) at day 60. Early signs of toxicity to the Kidney were identified from the significant effect on the urea, creatinine, KIM-1 and histology results. The continued use of these products contaminated by these heavy metals will release them slowly into the body of recipients and which will invariably damage the kidney. Conclusion: The continued use of these products contaminated by these heavy metals will release them slowly into the body of recipients and which will invariably damage the kidney. Early signs of toxicity to the Kidney were identified from the significant effect on the urea, creatinine, KIM-1 and histology results.

scholarly journals Analysis of Heavy Metals Concentrations in Food Spices from Some Markets in Port Harcourt Meteropolis, Rivers State, Nigeria

2020 ◽  
pp. 61-69
Author(s):  
Austin A. Okwelle ◽  
Tamunosisi F. Mac- Pepple
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Daily Intake ◽  
Risk Level ◽  
Human Beings ◽  
Toxic Heavy Metals ◽  
Minimum Risk ◽  
Port Harcourt ◽  
Regular Consumption ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Rivers State

This study analysed the levels of some heavy metals like copper (Cu), cadmium (Cd), chromium(Cr), nickel (Ni) and lead (Pb) present in selected food spices widely used in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. The Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) and wet digestion was used for analysis. The results revealed different concentrations of heavy metals in the food spices analysed. The mean and standard deviation of heavy metals across the samples revealed that copper had the highest concentration in tomatoes (15.45±5.09 mg/Kg), curry (10.30±2.03 mg/Kg), garlic (8.65±2.08 mg/Kg), onions (6.50±2.52 mg/Kg) and uda (6.15±3.75 mg/Kg) respectively. Chromium was only detected in curry (2.75±1.00 mg/Kg), pepper (0.65±0.02 mg/Kg) and salt (0.05±0.00 mg/kg). The detected level of nickel was high in tomatoes (6.90±4.89 mg/Kg), curry (4.09±1.90 mg/Kg), salt (6.15±3.70 mg/Kg) and onions (3.09±2.10 mg/Kg). Lead occurred more in uda (3.08±2.87 mg/Kg), tomatoes (3.80±1.28 mg/Kg), curry (2.86±1.34 mg/Kg) and salt (2.60±0.76 mg/Kg) respectively. Cadmium was not detected in any of the food spices, while in chilles spice no heavy metals was detected. The daily intake limit was calculated and compared with minimum risk level (MRL) values. The concentrations of lead in some of the food spices were much larger than those of MRL values. The regular consumption of the spices can lead to accumulation of these toxic heavy metals in human beings.

scholarly journals Assessment of Heavy Metal Concentrations in Pawpaw (Carica papaya Linn.) around Automobile Workshops in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State, Nigeria

2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (14) ◽  
pp. 48-61 ◽  
Author(s):  
Olatunde Sunday Eludoyin ◽  
Onisoya Margaret Ogbe
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Heavy Metal ◽  
Carica Papaya ◽  
World Health ◽  
Human Consumption ◽  
Metal Concentrations ◽  
Heavy Metal Concentrations ◽  
Port Harcourt ◽  
Supporting Soil ◽  
Rivers State

Background. Consumption of plants such as Carica papaya grown around automobile workshops is common in big cities in Nigeria. However, little is known about the heavy metals contamination of these consumables due to the influence of automobile emissions during maintenance activities. Objectives. This study aimed to assess heavy metal concentrations in C. papaya and supporting soils around automobile workshops in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State, Nigeria. Methods. Seven automobile workshops were used for the present study. First, 20 m × 20 m quadrats were laid out for soil and C. papaya tissue sampling. One composite soil sample was collected from the topsoil (0–15 cm depth) around each of the automobile workshops. Three C. papaya stands at least 30 cm apart around each workshop were used for the study and from these stands, tissues (root, stem, leaf, fruit) of C. papaya were collected. Standard laboratory techniques were used to determine the pH, electrical conductivity (EC) and heavy metals (lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn)) in the soil samples and C. papaya tissues. Pairwise t-test was used to determine significant differences (p&lt;0.05) in the heavy metal concentrations in soil and C. papaya tissues between the sample and control sites, while correlation statistics were used to determine the relationship of heavy metal concentrations between soil and C. papaya tissues. Results. C. papaya tissues and supporting soil had significantly higher levels of pH, EC and heavy metals in the sampled plots than the control plot. The heavy metal concentrations in C. papaya and soil occurred in the decreasing order of Pb&gt;Cu&gt;Hg&gt;Zn&gt;Cd. The fruit of C. papaya had the highest mean concentrations of Pb (51.4±14.1 mg/kg) and Zn (26.4±1.9 mg/kg), while the leaf had the highest mean concentration of Hg (32.0±2.3 mg/kg). The pH, Cu and Zn in the supporting soil were significantly correlated with the levels in the C. papaya tissues. Conclusion. Bio-accumulation of heavy metals by C. papaya is evident around automobile workshops, and Pb, Hg, Cd concentrations were found to be above the permissible limits for human consumption according to World Health Organization (WHO) standards. Consumption of food materials grown around automobile workshops could pose health risks. Competing interests. The authors declare no competing financial interests.

scholarly journals Assessment of Some Heavy Metal Content of Dried Crayfish Sold in Creek Road Market, Borokiri, Port Harcourt, Nigeria

2019 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
H. A. Waribo ◽  
E. S. Bartimaeus ◽  
I. C. Onuoha
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Atomic Emission ◽  
Mercury Content ◽  
Permissible Limit ◽  
Lead Content ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Muscle Tissues ◽  
Standard Procedures ◽  
Port Harcourt ◽  
Rivers State

Heavy metals are elements that contaminate seafood and make them harmful to human health when present in quantities that are higher than the permissible limit. This study was conducted to determine some heavy metals such as lead and mercury contained in dried crayfish gotten from three different locations (Oron, Ataba and Nembe town in Akwa Ibom, Rivers and Bayelsa State respectively) and sold in the Creek Road Market, Borokiri, Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The dried crayfish samples were purchased randomly from marketers in the market. 5g of the dried crayfish samples with its different organs (Gills, muscle tissues) were ground into powdered form and digested with HNO3  using standard procedures   and analysed for lead and mercury using the micro plasma atomic emission spectrophotometric analyser. The results showed that Lead content in the dried crayfish from Oron, Ataba and Nembe were 0.140 ± 0.014 mg/kg, 0.040 ± 0.014 mg/kg and 0.016 ± 0.002 mg/kg respectively while for Mercury content, Oron crayfish contained 5.136 ± 0.017 mg/kg, Ataba 3.744 ± 0.017 mg/kg and Nembe 3.948 ± 0.023mg/kg. The mean values in the three different crayfish samples were significantly different (p<0.05). This result shows that the lead content present in the dried crayfish are within the permissible limit of 1 mg/kg as indicated by FAO hence safe for consumption purposes with no expected form of toxicity and health implication to consumers whereas for mercury content, the level was found to be above the permissible limit.

scholarly journals Levels of some chemical species in water of boreholes situated near dumpsites in Rumuolumeni, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 202-211
Author(s):  
Nwoke IB ◽  
Edori ES
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Health Risk ◽  
Atomic Absorption ◽  
Chemical Species ◽  
Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Port Harcourt ◽  
The Mean ◽  
The Government ◽  
Rivers State

The concentration of six chemical species Pb, Cd, As, nitrates, fluorides and sulphates in the groundwater (borehole) samples were investigated in four boreholes sited close to a dumpsite in Rumuolumeni, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. Nitrates, fluorides and sulphates were analyzed using standard conventional methods while the heavy metals were determined and analyzed with Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The mean values obtained for the different chemical species within the months of investigation for the stations were in the range: lead; 0.012±0.001-0.015±0.000mg/L, with an average of 0.013±0.001mg/L within the months, Cd; 0.004±0.002-0.005±0.001mg/L, with an average of 0.005±0.001mg/L within the months, As; 0.002±0.001-0.003±0.002mg/L, with an average of 0.003±0.001mg/L within the months, nitrates; 0.413±0.172-0.730±0.691mg/L, with an average of 0.511±0.139mg/L within the months, fluorides; 0.004±0.001-0.006±0.001mg/L, with an average of 0.005±0.001mg/L within the months and sulphates; 0.197±0.046-0.338±0.072mg/L, with an average of 0.290±0.055mg/L within the months. These values obtained for the different chemical species showed that the boreholes sited near the dumpsite were still at the level that will not pose any health risk to the user, for their concentrations were still within limits allowed by WHO and USEPA. Even though the government and its agencies should regulate the mode of dumping of refuse and also the siting of boreholes so that the groundwater will not be polluted.

scholarly journals Application of pollution assessment models in soil contaminated by heavy metals in two steel rods markets, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 025-035
Author(s):  
Edori ES ◽  
Iyama WA ◽  
Edori OS
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Ecological Risk ◽  
Risk Index ◽  
Pollution Assessment ◽  
Potential Ecological Risk ◽  
Control Site ◽  
Contamination Degree ◽  
Port Harcourt ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Rivers State

Soil samples were collected at a depth of 0-30cm within two steel markets and a control site in Port Harcourt, Rivers State Nigeria to assess the level of heavy metals (Fe, Pb, Cu, Cd, Cr, Ni and As) in the environment. Atomic Adsorption Spectrophotometer was used to analyze the samples for heavy metals. The concentrations of all the heavy metals in the steel rods markets exceeded that of the control. The results indicated that heavy metals concentrations in the sites were in the order; Mile III > Kala > RSU. The average levels of contamination of heavy metals recorded followed the order Fe > Cr > Cu > Pb > Ni > As > Cd in Mile III, Fe > Pb > Cu > Cr > Ni > As > Cd in Kala and Fe > Cu > Pb > Cr > Ni > As > Cd in RSU (control). Mean concentrations obtained for heavy metals within the months of investigation were; 1420.931±9.155, 7.753±0.184, 8.730±0.050, 2.843±0.124, 9.428±0.122, 7.433±0.047 and 3.732±0.047 mg/Kg for Fe, Pb, Cu, Cd, Cr, Ni and As respectively at the mile III station, while the mean concentrations of heavy metals observed at the Kala station were; 1161.173±1.823, 9.425±0.054, 7.596±0.027, 1.425±0.020, 6.507±0.006, 5.455±0.033 and 1.901±0.010 mg/Kg for Fe, Pb, Cu, Cd, Cr, Ni and As respectively. The mean values of heavy metals concentrations observed at the RSU station within the period were; 892.064±1.025,5.603±0.007, 5.841±0.051, 0.173±0.005, 3.389±0.009, 2.309±0.010 and 0.706±0.006 mg/Kg for Fe, Pb, Cu, Cd, Cr, Ni and As respectively. Pollution assessment models used for assessing the anthropogenic input on the quality of the soil in the area using the control site as the basis of judgment were: contamination factor (CF), pollution load index (PLI), contamination degree (CD), modified contamination degree (mCD), potential ecological risk coefficient (Eir), potential ecological risk index (RI), Geo-accumulation index (Igeo) and anthropogenicity. These indices revealed that the steel markets were contaminated and polluted and poses ecological risks by heavy metals, even though the values obtained were still below the WHO acceptable limits. The steel rods markets need to be adequately monitored and regulated to avoid further soil contamination by heavy metals to a degree that will be dangerous to human health.

scholarly journals Phytoremediation Of Crude Oil Impacted Soil Using Purple Nutsedge

2021 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 475-479
Author(s):  
E.O. Nwaichi ◽  
C.O. Chukwuere ◽  
P.J. Abosi ◽  
G.I. Onukwuru
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Crude Oil ◽  
Petroleum Hydrocarbons ◽  
Control Site ◽  
Polluted Soil ◽  
Bioaccumulation Factor ◽  
Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons ◽  
Purple Nutsedge ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Rivers State

The present study investigated the viability of purple nutsedge in the phytoremediation of a crude oilcontaminated land in the Kom-Kom community, Oyigbo, Rivers state, Nigeria. 150g of soil samples were randomly collected from two (2) different points on the polluted site and a control site and analyzed for Petroleum Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs), Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPH) and Heavy metals ( Pb, Cd, Cr & Ni). in soils and plants before and after phytoremediation. Plants were transplanted into the contaminated and contaminated soil after soil sample collection.After planting,the progress of plant growth was observed and recorded biweekly for 3 months before harvesting. From the results obtained, over 80% and 66% PAHs and TPHs phytodegradation efficiencies were achieved using the plant while Cd, Pb and Cr were removed by 90%, 67% and 39.2% respectively. The Bioaccumulation Factor (B.F) of the heavymetals in study plant were found to be greated than 1 which makes it suitable for phytoextraction of heavy metals. Therefore, the study suggests that purple nutsedge can be useful in the phytoremediation of a crudeoil polluted soil. Keywords: Hydrocarbons, Heavy metals, Phytoremediation, Crude oil, Purple nutsedge

scholarly journals Microbiological and Physicochemical Evaluation of Oil-polluted Soil from Major Auto Mechanic Shops in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State, Nigeria

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Janet Olufunmilayo Williams ◽  
Prekebi Peter Akemi
Keyword(s):  
Control Sample ◽  
Pollution Index ◽  
Sole Source ◽  
Polluted Soil ◽  
Soil Samples ◽  
Port Harcourt ◽  
Physicochemical Evaluation ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Ph Level ◽  
Rivers State

The capability of microorganisms to utilize spent oil in polluted soil from some major auto mechanic workshops in Port Harcourt metropolis as the sole source of carbon and energy was studied. Soil samples were collected from three (3) Auto mechanic workshops (Mile 3 Mechanic Village (N 4º48' 34.07'', E 6º59' 10.17''), Ikoku Mechanic Workshop (N 4º47' 54.28'', E 6º59' 36.42'') and Elekahia Zone H Mechanic Workshop (N4º49' 11.62'', E 7º1' 16.58'') in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria from depths of 0–30 cm, 30–60 cm and 60–90 cm at the same spot from each station. Soil samples were analysed microbiologically and physicochemically using standard methods. The control sample was obtained behind the Biology Building of Rivers State University, Port Harcourt. The results of the total heterotrophic bacterial and fungal counts showed that the microbial load was high at a depth of 0 to 30 cm for all the samples analysed including the control. With 60-90 cm depth, low microbial counts were obtained. The total heterotrophic bacterial counts from the three mechanic workshops ranged from 6.8 X 108 to 2.3 X 109cfu/g while the total heterotrophic fungal counts ranged from 1.3 X 106 to 8.0X 106 cfu/g. The spent oil-utilizing microbial populations ranged from1.0 X 105 to 3.0 X 106cfu/g and1.0 X 105 to 8.0 X 105 cfu/g for the bacterial and fungal counts respectively. Five spent oil utilizing bacterial isolates of the genera, Pseudomonas, Klebsiella, Bacillus, Micrococcus and Proteus and five fungal isolates of the genera, Penicillium, Candida, Rhizopus, Fusarium and Aspergillus were obtained from spent oil-polluted soil in this study. The pollution index of the different physicochemical parameters obtained from the different sample stations was as follows: Electrical Conductivity (EC): Mile 3 had the highest with the mean of 12.50 ±0.0-13.20±0.0µs/cm, while Ikoku had the lowest with mean of 10.99 ± 0.0-11.50 ± 0.0 µs/cm. Ikoku had the highest pH level with mean of 7.0 ± 0.0- 8.5 ± 0.0 while Mile 3 had the lowest pH level with mean of 6.5 ± 0.0-7.59 ± 0.0. Ikoku had the highest Total Organic Carbon (TOC) with mean of 17.55 ± 0.0-20.60 ± 0.0 mg/kg while Elekahia had the lowest with the mean of 16.99 ± 0.0-18.0 ± 0.0 mg/kg. Ikoku had the highest Total Hydrocarbon Content (THC) with mean of 38,862 ± 0.0-40,500 ± 0.0 mg/kg while Mile 3 had the lowest with the mean of 20,550 ± 0.0-30,000 ± 0.0 mg/kg. From the Pollution Index Analysis, Ikoku Auto Mechanic Workshop is more contaminated with Spent oil than Mile 3 and Elekahia.

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