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

Abstract

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 properties