Effects of Refinery Processes on the Quality of Various Water Samples from Kaduna Refinery and Petrochemical Company (KRPC) Limited

Effects of refinery processes on the quality of various water samples from Kaduna Refinery and Petrochemical Company (KRPC) Limited was investigated. Water quality assessment was carried out on samples collected at different water treatment sampling points in the refinery. The physicochemical parameters and other forms of analytical processes used in the work were of the standards of American Standards of Testing Materials (ASTM) and American Public Health Association (APHA) using spectrophotometric and volumetric methods. Results obtained showed that the quality of water samples subjected to treatment at each water treatment section in KRPC during the course of study was acceptable from physico-chemical parameters assessed and may not be injurious to the boiler and its other end uses. Also, result of the pre and post refinery operations on cooling water sample assessed showed the significant effect the refinery operation had on the cooling water

Petroleum contamination of Sombreiro River in Akuku-Toru Local Government Area Rivers State, Nigeria, revealed by Chemical Fingerprinting of Aliphatic Hydrocarbons

Water samples were collected from the lower section of Sombreiro River in Akuku Toru local government area (L.G.A.) of Rivers State, Nigeria and analyzed for aliphatic hydrocarbons using gas chromatographyflame ionization detector (GC-FID) after extraction and clean up. GC identified well resolved aliphatic hydrocarbons from C9 to C40 which showed similar bimodal n-alkane distributions and unresolved complex mixtures (UCM). Pristane was observed as the most prominent aliphatic hydrocarbon and dominant over phytane in all the samples. Common aliphatic hydrocarbon diagnostic ratios used for fingerprinting and interpreting chemical data were determined. These include carbon preference index (CPI) from 0.70 to 0.82; Pr/Ph from 1.85 - 2.17; Pr/nC17 from 1.67 - 1.87; Ph/nC18 from 0.94 - 1.07 and cross plot.The results reveal the following: (1) crude oil contamination of the lower section of Sombreiro river in Akuku Toru L.G.A. of Rivers State; (2) the same crude oil spilled in the river; (3) the spilled oil is Niger Delta in origin, derived from mixed marine and terrigenous organic matter deposited in an oxic environment; (4) the spilled oil was slightly degraded, its chemical composition has not undergone significant alteration.Keywords: Petroleum, Aliphatic hydrocarbon; Gas chromatography,  Fingerprinting, Correlation

Characterization of Petroleum Hydrocarbons in Post-Burn Crude Oil-Spilled Soils, Gokana, Rivers State, Nigeria

In the Niger delta, crude oil spilled soils are burned as a means of decontaminating the impacted soils. Gas chromatography - flame ionization detector (GCFID) analyses were performed on oil residues extracted from burnt spilled oil soil samples to facilitate detailed chemical composition and characterization of petroleum hydrocarbons. The concentrations of aliphatic hydrocarbons (AHCs) from C13 to C36 were low and range from 363.4 to 439.6 mg/kg, with hydrocarbons burning ≤ C12 and the monocyclic aromatics – BTEX not detected in all the samples. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) concentrations, which ranged from 3236.6 to 4190.0 mg/kg, were significantly high and constituted from 88.26 to 91.25% of total petroleum hydrocarbon compositions in the burnt spilled oil soil samples. Petroleum hydrocarbon distribution profiles for the AHCs and PAHs were similar for all the samples and indicated similar alteration source. The compositions of AHCs were generally low, between 1.13 and 11.18%, while compositions of PAHs varied considerably from 0.17 to 30.50%. The composition of the 5-6 ring PAHs were between 3.94 - 4.65 times more than the 2-4 ring PAHs. From these results, the burning of spilled oil soils extensively degraded the AHCs and volatile low molecular weight aromatic hydrocarbons and generated significant amounts of 5-6 ring PAHs, some of which are carcinogenic

Occurrence and sources of aliphatic hydrocarbons in soils within the vicinity of hot mix asphalt plants in Obigbo and Igwuruta Areas of Rivers State, Nigeria

This study investigated the occurrence and sources of aliphatic hydrocarbons (AHCs) in soils within the vicinity of hot mix asphalt (HMA) plants. Soil samples were collected from two HMA plants and analysed with gas chromatography - flame ionisation detector (GC-FID). Sample collection was from both surface (0-15 cm) and subsurface (15-30 cm) soils at an increasing distance of 10 m from the HMA plants while the control samples at both depths were collected at 1 km away from the plants. The AHCs concentration (nC9-nC38) in soils from both HMA Plants ranged from 8.16 - 433.04 mg/kg and 5.91-177.83 mg/kg for surface and  subsurface soils respectively while the concentration in the control samples ranged from 5.97 - 23.95 mg/kg and 2.52 - 13.31 for surface and subsurface soil respectively. The sources of the AHCs were determined using isoprenoid ratios, carbon preference index (CPI) and maximum carbon chain (Cmax). The isoprenoid ratios and CPI values of the samples closer (< 20 m) to the HMA plants were < 1 and < 2 respectively indicating anthropogenic inputs. Samples > 20 m from the HMA plants showed mixture of both anthropogenic and biogenic sources.Keywords: Asphalt Plants; Soil; Aliphatic hydrocarbons; Pristane; Phytane

Paraneoplastic hypoglycaemia secondary to IGF-2 secretion from a metastatic gastrointestinal stromal tumour

We report the case of a 79-year-old male with previous history of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in remission, who presented acutely to the Accident and Emergency department with recurrent episodes of hypoglycaemia. At the time of presentation, a random glucose was low at 1.4 mmol/l, which upon correction resolved his symptoms. In hindsight, the patient recalled having had similar episodes periodically over the past 2 months to which he did not give much notice. While hospitalized, he continued having episodes of symptomatic hypoglycaemia, requiring treatment with intravenous dextrose and per os steroids. Once stable, he was discharged on oral prednisolone and dietary advice. A computed tomography scan performed during inpatient stay showed multiple deposits in the abdomen. An ultrasound guided biopsy of one of the liver deposits was performed. Immunohistochemistry supported the diagnosis of a gastrointestinal stromal tumour (GIST) positive for CD34 and CD117. The diagnosis of non-islet cell tumour hypoglycaemia (NICTH) secondary to an IGF2 secreting GIST was confirmed with further biochemical investigations (IGF2=105.9 nmol/l; IGF2:IGF1 ratio 23, Upper Level of Normal (ULN) <10). Targeted cytoreductive treatment with Imatinib mesylate following assessment of the tumour's mutational status was successful in preventing hypoglycaemia over a 21-month follow-up observation period

A six year review of hysterectomy for benign gynaecological conditions at the Federal Medical Centre, Owerri

Background: Hysterectomy is one of the commonest major gynaecological surgeries performed for both benign and malignant conditions. Hysterectomy for benign gynaecological conditions is usually done to improve the quality of life of women who suffer from these disorders. Aim of current study was to analyze hysterectomies performed in the centre for benign gynaecological conditions during the period of the study.Methods: This was a retrospective descriptive study of all cases of hysterectomy (for benign gynaecological disorders over a 6 year period (January 1, 2006 - December 31, 2011) at Federal Medical Centre, Owerri. Information on socio-demographic characteristics, clinical presentation, indication for surgery, type of hysterectomy, operative findings, and postoperative complications during admission were retrieved and analyzed.Results: Hysterectomy for benign gynecological conditions accounted for 14.1% of all major gynecological surgeries. The leading indications for hysterectomy were uterovaginal prolapse (47.3%), uterine fibroid (33.6%), and dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB) (9.1%). Abdominal hysterectomy accounted for 55.0% while vaginal hysterectomy accounted for 45.0% of hysterectomies performed for benign gynecological conditions. A post-operative morbidity rate of 23.7% was found. Post-operative fever, requiring investigation and treatment, was the leading complication. No mortality associated with hysterectomy was recorded.Conclusions: Hysterectomy for benign gynaecological conditions is relatively common and safe in our centre, but there is need for improvement on the high post-operative morbidity rate

Outcome of single breech term deliveries at the Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, South Eastern Nigeria: a five year review

Background: The best mode of delivery of breech presentation for optimum neonatal outcome has been a subject of controversy over the years. Aim of current study was to determine the pattern of distribution, incidence, mode of delivery and outcome of singleton breech presentations at term among parturients at this centre.Methods: This was a retrospective study of singleton breech term delivery at the federal medical centre, Owerri between January 1, 2007 and December 31, 2011. Singleton breech term deliveries were identified from the labor ward register and the hospital numbers extracted to retrieve the case notes from the medical records department of the hospital. Some data were collected and analysed.Results: There were a total of 9624 deliveries during the study period, out of which 328 (3.4%) were singleton breech presentation at term. Term singleton breech was commoner in multiparous 200 (61%) than in primiparous 128 (39%) women. Extended (Frank) breech was the commonest type of breech presentation (60.4%) followed by flexed (complete) breech (36.0%) and footling breech (3.6%) was the least common. Assisted vaginal breech delivery was conducted in 66.2% of cases while 27.4% were delivered by emergency caesarean section and 6.4% of cases were delivered through elective caesarean section. There were one maternal and 24 perinatal death. Twenty one (87.5%) of perinatal deaths those occurred in unbooked mothers.Conclusion: Although assisted vaginal breech delivery for singleton breech term delivery was commonly performed in our centre, elective caesarean delivery gives the better neonatal outcome for fetuses presenting breech.

Serum adiponectin and metabolic profile in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome in relation to body mass index

Background: Polycystic ovarian syndrome is a common endocrine disorder which affects approximately 5-10% of women in reproductive age. It is both a reproductive endocrinopathy and a metabolic disorder.Methods: 160 women aged 18 to 40 years attending obstetrics and gynaecology clinic at Federal medical centre, Owerri, Imo State Nigeria were recruited and divided into 2 groups (women diagnosed with PCOS using Rotterdam criteria and control) of 80 participants each. Anthropometric data were collected, and participants categorized into 3 based on BMI. Fasting blood samples was collected for biochemical analyses. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences SPSS version 23.0, and level of significance set at p<0.05.Results: The mean serum levels of adiponectin and high density lipoprotein (HDL-C) were significantly lower while fasting plasma glucose, serum insulin, homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL-C), very low density lipoprotein (VLDL-C) and triglyceride were significantly higher in women with PCOS when compared with the control (p<0.05) as well as in obese when compared with normal weight women with PCOS (p<0.05). BMI negatively correlated with serum adiponectin and HDL-C, but positively correlated with FPG, insulin, HOMA-IR, TC, TG, LDL-C and VLDL-C in women with PCOS (p<0.05).Conclusions: This study highlights the prevalent biochemical and metabolic derangements in PCOS patients and was more evident in the obese and overweight patients. Early detection with subsequent application of preemptive measures including lifestyle modifications are therefore essential in the management of PCOS patients

Comparison of serum levels of calcium and magnesium among preeclamptic and normotensive pregnant women at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Nigeria

Background:Despite numerous studies, the exact aetiology of pre-eclampsia remains unknown. Some studies have shown that supplementation of calcium and magnesium could ameliorate the effects of pre-eclampsia. The objective of this study was to compare the calcium and magnesium levels in the serum of Nigerian women with or without pre-eclampsia.Methods:In this study, serum calcium and magnesium levels were determined using atomic absorption spectrometry in 54 patients and 48 healthy normotensive pregnant women. The mean, standard deviation, Student’s‘t’ test and Pearson correlation were employed.Results:Serum calcium was significantly lower in patients than controls (9.17 ± 0.6 vs. 7.22 ± 0.5 mg/dl. P <0.001) (t test). Plasma Magnesium was significantly lower in patients than controls 13.19 ± 1.1 vs. 9.81 ± 0.7 mg/dl. P <0.001). The systolic and diastolic blood pressure showed significant inverse correlation with both calcium and magnesium (P<0.01).Conclusion:There was significant reduction in the levels of calcium and magnesium in patients with pre-eclampsia. Dietary supplementation of these trace elements may help to prevent pre-eclampsia

3-D Seismic Interpretation and Volumetric Estimation of “Osaja Field” Niger Delta, Nigeria

3-D seismic interpretation and petrophysical analysis of the Osaja Field, Niger Delta, was carried out with aim of carrying out a detailed structural interpretation, reservoir characterization and volumetric estimation of the field. Four wells were correlated across the field to delineate the lithology and establish the continuity of reservoir sand as well as the general stratigraphy of the area. The petrophysical analysis carried out, revealed two sand units that are hydrocarbon bearing reservoirs (Sand_A and Sand_B).The spatial variation of the reservoirs were studied on a field wide scale using seismic interpretation. Time and depth structural maps generated were used to establish the structural architecture/geometry of the prospect area of the field. The depth structure map revealed NE-SW trending anticlinal structures with F5 and F6 as faults assisted closures to the reservoir. Furthermore, reservoir parameters such as net pay, water saturation porosity, net-to-gross etc, were derived from the integration of seismic and well log data. The structural interpretation on the 3-D seismic data of the study area revealed a total of seven faults ranging from synthetic to antithetic faults. The petrophysical analysis gave the porosity values of the reservoir Sand_A ranging from 18.1 - 20.3% and reservoir Sand_B ranging from 13.1-14.9% across the reservoir. The permeability values of reservoir Sand_A ranging from 63-540md and reservoir Sand_B ranging from 18-80md hence there is decrease in porosity and permeability of the field with depth.The net-to-gross varies from 22.1% to 22.4% in Rerservoir Sand A to between 5.34- 12% for Rerservoir Sand _A while Sw values for the reservoirs ranges from 38-42% in well 2 to about 68.79-96.06% in well 11. The result of original oil in place for all the wells calculated revealed that well 2 has the highest value with 9.3mmbls. These results indicate that the reservoirs under consideration have a poor to fair hydrocarbon (oil) prospect