EVALUATION OF TOTAL PETROLEUM HYDROCARBONS (TPH), TOTAL HYDROCARBON CONTENT (THC) AND HEAVY METALS COMPOSITIONS OF DRILLING MUD EFFLUENTS IN EASTERN OBOLO OILFIELD, NIGERIA
Abstract
Drilling mud are suspensions consisting of solid additives and dissolved materials in base of water (WBM) or oil (OBM) which functions to maintain hydrostatic pressure control in the well, lubricate the drill bit, as well as the other drilling operational functions. Drilling fluids (mud) used in oil/gas operational activities in the oilfields of Eastern Obolo, Akwa Ibom State were investigated. The parameters were: Total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH), total hydrocarbon content (THC), as well as the concentrations in seven (7) heavy metals in WBM and OBM, using UV-Vis spectrophotometer and GC-MS respectively. The TPH and THC of OBM and WBM analyses with UV-Vis spectrophotometer indicated 1.60mg/kg for OBM and 1.30mg/kg for WBM. A value of 5.35mg/kg was obtained for OBM compared to 5.15mg/kg for the OBM in the THC. The result indicated that TPHZn>Cr>Pb>Cu>Ni>Cd. The concentrations range in the OBM were; Fe>Cr>Zn>Ni>Cu>Pb>Cd. The evaluation of the concentrations of these elements in drilling mud are of environmental significance from pollution viewpoint especially ferrochrome lignosulphate (Chromium pollution) and lead compounds (lead pollution). The results from this study indicate the presence of varying concentrations of heavy metals and petroleum hydrocarbons in the drilling mud. This is significant when making a choice for subsequent disposal of drilling mud effluents respectively in the study area where extensive oil/gas operation is ongoing.
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