Evaluation of the levels of phthalate ester plasticizers in surface water of Ethiope River System, Delta State, Nigeria

The objective of this study was to determine the level of phthalate ester plasticizers in Ethiope River water samples. Gas chromatography (GC) coupled with mass spectrometer (MS) was used to evaluate the levels of dimethyl phthalate (DMP), diethyl phthalate (DEP), dibuthyl phthalate (DBP), diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), buthylbenzyl phthalate (BBP), di-n-octyl phthalate (DnOP in the water samples. Range of total phthalate level in different locations fell between 0.74μg/L and 1.75μg/L. It was found that Sapele-1 and Sapele-2 had highest total phthalates concentrations. The highest concentrations of phthalates were DBP and DEHP, which is consistent with their common use in plastic materials and other industrial chemicals. It was found that the individual phthalates concentration was low but total phthalate levels were high in most stations. The results for phthalates in the water samples is low but there is the need to guide against an upward rise in the concentrations as these may pose grave environmental and health concern for people living downstream of the river. These results can be used as reference levels for future monitoring programs for pollution studies of the river.Keywords: phthalates, acid esters, plasticizers, Ethiope River, surface water, pollutio

Integration of Sequence Stratigraphy and Petrophysical Analysis for Reservoir Characterization: A Case Study of “ED” Field, Offshore Niger Delta

Sequence stratigraphic concept for continental settings was assessed to analyze the depositional systems of the formations penetrated by wells in ‘ED’ Field. Identification and delineation of three sequences and their bounding surfaces was carried out using well logs. Three hydrocarbon bearing reservoirs labelled as ED-R-1000, ED-R-2000 and ED-R-3000 were delineated.  Computation of petrophysical properties of reservoir rocks was executed using well established relationship. The stratigraphy comprising of an alternation of sands and shales typically was of the Agbada Formation. The petrophysical analysis results give a good indication of the reservoirs’ capability of accumulating hydrocarbon in their interstitial pore spaces. Three stratigraphic surfaces were used to sub-divide the study field into three (3) depositional sequences and further subdivide the sequences into three system tracts. They are 1154ft(m), 382ft(m) and 738ft(m) thick respectively. The depositional environment of the study field includes distributary channel fill, regressive to transgressive shoreface delta, delta front and storm dominated shelf. The best quality reservoir will be found in the lowstand system tract while TST is a good sealing rock in the study field. Keywords: Stratigraphy, Depositional sequence, Petrophysical, Well logs. DOI: 10.7176/JEES/13-1-05 Publication date: January 31st 202

Leachate characterization and assessment of surface and groundwater water qualities near municipal solid waste dump site at Okuvo, Delta State, Nigeria

The paucity of standard engineered landfills in Nigeria has given rise to the proliferation of open waste dumpsites. The environment can be impacted negatively by leachates from these dumpsites if not properly managed. This study aimed at assessing the characteristics of municipal solid waste leachate and its contamination potential on surface and groundwater. Leachate, groundwater and surface water samples were collected from refuse dump site, saver pit, borehole and river in the vicinity of the Okuvo refuse dump site. Physical parameters, oxygen demanding parameters, nutrients and heavy metals were investigated using standard laboratory procedures. Results obtained were compared with standards from national regulatory agencies. The BOD/COD ratio for the leachates varied from 0.34 to 0.52, indicating high organic content.  Surrounding water bodies show low pollution from the discharged leachates as indicated by unobjectionable odour and colour, pH (6.55-7.20), DO (3.02-6.60mgl-1), BOD (0.55-2.90mgl-1), COD (1.98-7.45mgl-1), phosphate (0.18-0.52mgl-1) and nitrate (0.06-0.24mgl-1) results. Heavy metals concentrations range from 0.011-0.028mgl-1, 0.005-0.018mgl-1, 0.032-0.096mgl-1, 0.001-0.008mgl-1, 0.001-0.003mgl-1 and 0.010-0.018mgl-1 for Ni, Cr, Fe, Pb, Cd and Mn. Concentrations values for Arsenic and mercury were <0.001mgl-1. These were all within the country’s regulatory limits except few recorded concentrations of nickel where concentrations were observed to be slightly higher. These observed results may be as a result of the young age of the dumpsite. Some proactive remedial actions were suggested to curtail future environmental and health implications posed by the dumpsite. The study concludes that in spite of absence of pollution, the groundwater beneath the landfill has the tendency of being polluted in the distant future except the refuse dump site is upgraded to an engineered standard landfill with effective monitoring protocols put in place.Keywords: Landfills, Solid waste, Contamination, Surface and Water pollutio

Distribution of phthalate esters in underground water from power transmission sites in Warri Metropolis, Delta State, Nigeria

This study investigates the distribution of phthalateacid esters (PAEs) in groundwater from some power stations in Delta State. Groundwater samples were collected from eight power transmission and distribution stations. Concentrations (μg/L) of six phthalate acid esters compounds in the groundwater ranged from 0.000–2.547(DMP), 0.053–0.180(DEP), 0.100–0.443 (DBP), 0.400-0.660(DEHP) and 0.000-0.020 (DnOP), while BBP was not detected in all the locations. Lowest total PAEs concentration was recorded in Edjeba Station (0.994±0.040μg/L) while the highest concentration was recorded in Mofo Station (3.380±0.012μg/L). Analysis of variance showed significant difference in concentration of DMP (p<0.5) from the eight transmission stations. DMP, DEP and DBP concentration in groundwater were found to be at level that does not pose immediate threat. Despite this, it would be advisable to continue to monitor the presence of these substances in water. DEHP content was high in most samples from the different stations and this is of serious concern, because it has been proven to be carcinogenic. It is advised that most of the old dilapidated transformers and other electrical equipment containing organic contaminant such polychlorobiphenyl (PCB) which is a major contributor of phthalate acids into water bodiesbe replaced with new ones and concrete bundwall built round the transformers to prevent unwholesome seepages into the environment. There should also be appropriate storage, decontamination and disposal of contaminated units prior to final disposal. Decommissioned transformers and equipment containing PCB should be stored on a concrete pad with curbs sufficient to contain the liquid contents.Keywords: Transmission stations, Phthalates acid esters, Underground water, GC-MS analysi

Assessment of the Level of Groundwater Contamination and Its Implications in Oil Pipeline Areas of Delta State, Nigeria

The rate of oil pipeline repairs and refined oil transportation through Delta State, Nigeria and its attendant environmental problems call for the need of regular monitoring of pollution prone areas particularly oil pipeline locations. In this study, water samples were collected from borehole and dug wells in some selected areas in Delta State where oil pipeline passes (experimental) and selected areas where oil pipelines are not situated (control). Samples were analyzed for physicochemical properties using standard methods. The physicochemical properties analyzed were pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolve solid, temperature, alkalinity oil and grease, total hardness, lead and manganese. The electrical conductivity and alkalinity of the study area were within recommended range of WHO, NAFDAC and SON. Total dissolve solid were within the recommended rage of the regulatory agency, except site 3B (111.5mg/L). The temperature of the water samples were above the stipulated value of 25°c as recommended by WHO, NAFDAC and SON. Total hardness of water were within recommended range of the monitoring agencies except sites 2B and 3B which had 364.00mg/L and 479.00mg/L respectively. Results of lead in the study area are within the recommended range of 0.01mg/L. There is no object able except site 1A and 1B. Results obtained from the study area indicate that ground water in the study area are contaminated. Amongst others, it is therefore recommended that ground water in the study area should be treated before usage. Keywords: Ground water, Oil pipelines, and physicochemical propertie

Assessment of the Level of Groundwater Contamination and Its Implications in Oil Pipeline Areas of Delta State, Nigeria

The rate of oil pipeline repairs and refined oil transportation through Delta State, Nigeria and its attendant environmental problems call for the need of regular monitoring of pollution prone areas particularly oil pipeline locations. In this study, water samples were collected from borehole and dug wells in some selected areas in Delta State where oil pipeline passes (experimental) and selected areas where oil pipelines are not situated (control). Samples were analyzed for physicochemical properties using standard methods. The physicochemical properties analyzed were pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolve solid, temperature, alkalinity oil and grease, total hardness, lead and manganese. The electrical conductivity and alkalinity of the study area were within recommended range of WHO, NAFDAC and SON. Total dissolve solid were within the recommended rage of the regulatory agency, except site 3B (111.5mg/L). The temperature of the water samples were above the stipulated value of 25°c as recommended by WHO, NAFDAC and SON. Total hardness of water were within recommended range of the monitoring agencies except sites 2B and 3B which had 364.00mg/L and 479.00mg/L respectively. Results of lead in the study area are within the recommended range of 0.01mg/L. There is no object able except site 1A and 1B. Results obtained from the study area indicate that ground water in the study area are contaminated. Amongst others, it is therefore recommended that ground water in the study area should be treated before usage. Keywords: Ground water, Oil pipelines, and physicochemical propertie

Determination of some physico-chemical parameters of sediments from Ethiope River, Delta State, Nigeria

The physico – chemical properties of sediments collected from River Ethiope, Delta State, Nigeria were examined. Sediments were collected from eight sampling locations along the river which are Umutu 1, Umutu 2, Abraka 1, Abraka 2, Eku (Igun) 1, Eku (Igun) 2, Sapele 1, Sapele 2. pH, electrical conductivity, total organic carbon (TOC), total nitrogen, total phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium were examined. Findings from this study revealed that pH ranged from 6.07 ± 0.00 to 8.73 ± 0.00; electrical conductivity 27.90 ± 0.00 to 110.05 ± 0.01μS/cm; temperature ranged from 28.60 ± 0.01 to 29.80 ± 0.01; total phosphorus 0.020 ± 0.00 to 0.163 ± 0.00; TOC range from 0.50 ± 0.02 to 8.80 ± 0.00%; total nitrogen 0.004 ± 0.00 to 0.030 ± 0.01; Potassium 0.69 ± 0.07 to 5.18 ± 0.02mg/kg; calcium 1.92 ± 0.01 to 7.88 ± 0.0 mg/kg, and magnesium 5.05 ± 0.01 to 12.32 ± 0.01 mg/kg. The results of the present investigations suggest that the present increasing pollution load resulting from rapid industrialization along the Sapele axis may not have affected sediments, but maylead to subsequent effects in the aquatic environment. The experimental data suggests a need to start implementing common objectives, compatible policies and programmes to discourage the discharge of untreated effluent into rivers and also for improvement in the industrial and domestic waste water treatment methods.Running Title: Determination of Physico-Chemical Parameters of Sediments from Delta StateKeywords: Determination, Physical, Chemical, Properties, Sediment, River Ethiop

PCB levels in soil at e-waste dumpsite, Alaba International market, Ojo, Lagos

The improper dumping of materials containing polychlorinated biphenyls known as PCBs has caused many dangerous environmental and health effects. This is due to the environmental persistence, bioaccumulation and biomagnification in the terrestrial and aquatic food chains, to humans and other living organisms. This study was undertaken to determine the level of PCBs in the soil environment of Alaba International Market, Ojo in Lagos State of Nigeria. Samples of varying distances were collected from five e-waste dumpsites in the market. Extract from the samples were analyzed using a GC coupled with ECD detector. The results of the study show that the total amount of PCB congeners in the different sites ranged from 0.058mg/kg to 1.352 mg/kg with a mean concentration of 0.386mg/kg. Statistical test showed that there was no significant difference (P˃0.05) in sites 1, 2, 4 and 5. The concentration values of total PCBs were higher than the allowable limit of 0.050mg/kg in soil by the WHO. The result from this study has given an oversight function by human in the indiscriminate dumping of electronic waste in soil environment. Keywords: PCBs, E-waste, dumpsite, GC/ECD, Alaba International Market, Statistical test