Oil and Petrochemical Pollution最新文献

A Marine Oil Pollution Index (MOPI) is presented to characterize the hydrocarbon burdens of marine tissues or sediments. The index incorporates the ratios of unresolved to resolved components, even n-alkanes to odd n-alkanes, and branched hydrocarbons to n-alkanes, plus the total recoverable aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbon concentrations from gas chromatographic analysis, to yield a single value that can be used to compare the relative magnitude of oil contamination in a series of tissue or sediment samples. Several examples of tissue samples from the intertidal mussel Mytilus californianus are presented, along with results from the 1975-78 BLM Southern California Baseline Study and MMS-sponsored Georges Bank Monitoring Program, to demonstrate the usefulness of generating single index values for time-series or spatial trend analyses. MOPI values calculated for analyzed tissue samples reflect varying degrees of exposure, ranging from pristine to heavily petrogenic conditions. A MOPI value calculated for a drilling fluid sample containing diesel oil residues also reflects the heavily petrogenic contamination.

Fluorescence has become a common method for in-situ measurement of oil spills over the last decade. This paper describes advances in methodology which should encourage wider use.

An oil spill experiment in 1982 and measurements at Tr˦nabanken in 1983 have revealed the method to be cost effective in monitoring oil spills and leakages, but efforts are needed to improve data interpretation techniques, especially when measuring low concentrations.

Approximately 3.5 million tonnes of petroleum hydrocarbons enter the marine environment annually, either directly or indirectly from anthropogenic and natural, terrestrial, atmospheric and marine sources. This paper reviews available evidence on the biological consequences of such discharges and concludes that while effects are apparently not significant on a global scale, local catastrophes are a continuing reality.

In areas affected by oil slicks, local populations of invertebrates, birds and mammals may be greatly reduced and badly oiled vegetation may die. Particularly around the coast of the British Isles, whole populations of diving and gregarious birds are at risk. Generally, worst-affected organisms are those which inhabit shallow water and the littoral zone and those, such as marine mammals, which are obliged to cross the air-sea interface.

Special reference is made to vulnerable polar, salt-marsh, coral reef and mangrove habitats where biological effects of oil pollution may persist for decades. Effects on humans discussed range from dietary taste-tainting to theonomic costs of impaired recreational amenities. Possible risks from ingesting carcinogens in seafoods are outlined and a new research initiative in this area is recommended.

The increased prominence of the petroleum industry in Nigeria since the 1960s has given rise to a concomitant upsurge of real and imagined ecological disturbances, especially in the oil-producing areas of the country. An overview of the growth and development of the oil and petrochemical industry in Nigeria is presented. Notable cases of polluting disturbances during the 25 years of its existence are also cite dto highlight the causes and effects on the social, economic, agricultural and ecological characteristics of human and other biotic occupants of the oil regions.

The imminent expansion schemes could expose the environment to disturbances from exploration and drilling activities, gas flares, refinery effluents and refractory products and massive spillages due to handling operations.

The existing regulating governing the control of environmental pollution are viewed as inadequate and needing revision and overhauing. Recommendations are given as guides for the activities of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation in the prevention, control, and treatment of oil and petrochemical pollution.