Evaluating Water Quality in the Oil and Gas Exploitation Regions within the Excravos River Catchment

The physicochemical parameters and heavy metals in produced water effluent and receiving Ugborodo river in Escravos of the Niger Delta was evaluated. The sampling technique applied was purposive which was designed in descriptive statistical manner involving means and standard deviations, to ensure that all the parameters analysed were effectively recorded and presented accurately. Samples were collected at three points namely produced water effluent at point of discharge, and Upstream and Downstream of the receiving river for comparisons. Findings revealed that pH 7.37 , temperature 31ºC , total suspended solids 36mg l and biochemical oxygen demand 152mg l are within the permissible limit as regulated by Department of Petroleum Resources DPR . The corresponding results of the upstream and downstream samples are also in line and therefore no considerable environmental concern to the ecosystem. However, salinity 9396mg l , turbidity 50NTU , total dissolved solids 11409mg l , chemical oxygen demand 215mg l and total hydrocarbon content 35mg l analyses results indicate slightly higher values than the permissible limits. These higher values could lead to environmental concerns over time therefore, it is recommended that further treatment of the produced water to meet regulatory standards is necessary before discharging to the environment. There is therefore the need to improve treatment facilities, procedures, enforcing compliance and strict supervision to meet standards before discharging of produced water effluent into the environment. In conclusion, this study has created the awareness of the possible environmental impact that may arise from the continuous discharge of produced water effluent that is less than adequate in treatment and management into the Ugborodo river in Escravos, Delta State in the Niger delta. Igonikon, Abariowua Chidiadi | S. A. Ngah | C. L. Eze "Evaluating Water Quality in the Oil and Gas Exploitation Regions within the Excravos River Catchment" Published in International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (ijtsrd), ISSN: 2456-6470, Volume-6 | Issue-1 , December 2021, URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/papers/ijtsrd47758.pdf Paper URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/other-scientific-research-area/enviormental-science/47758/evaluating-water-quality-in-the-oil-and-gas-exploitation-regions-within-the-excravos-river-catchment/igonikon-abariowua-chidiadi