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Transcript of Comparative Assessment of Borehole Water Qualities from Oil … · · 2015-09-07State, there is...
J. Chem. Eng. Chem. Res. Vol. 2, No. 8, 2015, pp. 744-754 Received: June 25, 2015; Published: August 25, 2015
Journal of Chemical Engineering
and Chemistry Research
Comparative Assessment of Borehole Water Qualities from Oil-Producing and Non-Oil Producing Areas of Oron, Nigeria
Umunnakwe Johnbosco Emeka, Nnaji Austin Osondu and Uruh Ugada Uruh
Department of Environmental Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri Imo State, Nigeria
Corresponding author: Umunnakwe Johnbosco Emeka ([email protected])
Abstract: This study examined and compared the levels of borehole water quality variables in oil producing and non-oil producing locations of Oron, Akwa Ibom state, Nigeria during the month of October, 2014.The purpose was to show if the oil production activities impacted the borehole water qualities in its location and non-oil producing areas through groundwater migration. The methods involved sampling of borehole water from six different stations in the study area and analyses of the physiochemical and micro-biological variables. Parameters were measured both in situ and in the laboratory. Standard methods were adopted for field and laboratory studies. The result of the laboratory analysis of the borehole water revealed that the mean concentration of trace metal parameters such as cadmium, nickel, arsenic, lead and iron were above the WHO acceptable limit of drinking water for the two study locations. The concentrations of Hydrocarbon, Oil and Total Organic Carbon exceeded the standard limits of WHO in both the oil producing and non-oil producing sampled locations. This might be as a result of spill oil and contaminants that migrated into the groundwater during drilling because of serious oil exploration activities going on in the study area. The findings showed that there was no much difference in the values of analysed parameters of borehole water samples in the oil and non-oil producing areas under study. This could be as a result of non-point source of pollution by runoff and seepage from oil producing locations to the non-oil producing areas as the study area is situated along the coastal plain and coastal plains are porous and therefore permit even permeation of water rapidly along the water table. Also, the presence of bacteria such as Escherichia spp and total coliforms in all the water samples further confirmed the water from borehole sources in Oron was polluted. The borehole water in the study area is unfit for human consumption without further treatment. It is therefore suggested that constant monitoring and strict enforcement of existing environmental legislations by the relevant agencies be observed.
Key words: Borehole water, groundwater, analysis, parameters, oil and non-oil producing.
1. Introduction
Water is the most important resource to man apart
from air; and man survives longer without food than
without water [1]. Water is necessary for sustainable
economic development of an area, and in the urban
areas is made available through pipe-borne water,
bore-hole water and hand-dug wells. Groundwater is
of major importance and is intensively exploited for
private, domestic and industrial uses. Water is the
basis of an-all ecological resource for flora and fauna of
our earth and a fundamental necessity for human life
[2]. Water is an indispensible component of human
body and it is reasonable to verify the quality of
drinking water due to its large impacts on our health
[2]. The World Health Organization estimated that
80% of all diseases are in some way connected to
contaminated water [3]. Groundwater provides water
to rivers, lakes, ponds and wetlands helping to
maintain water level and sustain the ecosystem [4].
The presence of salt in ground water deteriorates or
improves the quality of water depending on the ions
Comparative Assessment of Borehole Water Qualities from Oil-Producing and Non-Oil Producing Areas of Oron, Nigeria
745
such as Ca2+ and Na2+ which can lead to improvement
on the taste of water [5]. Akwa Ibom State, one of the
leading producers of the Nigeria’s crude oil is
presently experiencing an increase in human and
industrial activities resulting in an increase in the rate
of potable water abstraction which might lead to
encroachment of seawater into the coastal aquifer [6].
Saline intrusion into coastal aquifers has become a
major concern because it constitutes the commonest of
all the pollutants transfer to freshwater. In Akwa Ibom
State, there is no single local government area without
borehole water in both oil producing area and non-oil
producing areas with concerns bordering on their
quality.
Borehole water serves as the major source of
drinking water in the local population of Nigeria, since
only very few can afford and rely on purified and
treated bottled water for consumption [7]. Oron is a
fast growing town in Akwa Ibom State with much
human activities going on in some localities such as
Ebughu, Ibaka, Enwang, Iquita, Eyoabasi and
Eyetong that constitute our sampling locations. The
Nigerian government has invested heavily in urban
and rural water supply schemes, including the
construction of dams, sinking of boreholes and so on.
Despite this effort, inadequate water supply remains
one of the major problems. In Akwa Ibom State, this
has led to the proliferation of boreholes and
sub-sequent reliance of greater number of people on
this source of water supply. In some of these areas,
there are inadequate toilet facilities; hence, most of the
populace passes faeces indiscriminately affecting the
quality or purity of the water sources. In some cases,
users do not see the need to depend on the borehole,
but prefer to source potable water at nearby streams
and lakes or other sources.
Boreholes are just dug anywhere without reference
to standards. Inadequate quality water assessment may
not reveal the level of these materials on the water
source, which may be detrimental to our health. When
such water is taken, the users are subjected to
suffering from untold diseases ranging from typhoid
fever, cholera, dysentery, river blindness and many
other diseases, to mention but few, which have been
recorded over the years in the State.
Akwa Ibom State has the coastal plain sands as the
main geological structure. The coastal plains are
porous and therefore permit percolation of water
rapidly to the water table. Boreholes are sunk to tap
water from this water table which may be polluted due
to human activities, particularly in the urban centres. It
is therefore instructive that borehole water quality
might differ between oil producing non-oil producing
areas.
It has been observed that crude oil extraction has
caused the pollution of river basin and surrounding
land, the destruction of subsistence crop and ground
water pollution.
A critical look at the movement of water and its
velocity shows that the effect of oil spillage could be
felt in areas without oil production facilities because
when there’s a spill in one area, it naturally passes to
the other area since the movement of spilled polluted
water is not directed in one way traffic. Oil spill that
make their way into groundwater can have devastating
effect that linger for many years, since spill that
cannot be seen are often costly and difficult to control.
It is imperative to note that some factors or
combination of factors that may guarantee successful
drilling processes may not guarantee the movement or
transportation of these products.
A study observed that in rural areas of Nigeria, the
sources of water supply for domestic use are not of
standard quality [8]. Supplementary supplies almost
invariably come from doubtful surface sources and
uncased or shallow wells [9]. The bulk of water
supplies for small scale industrial and commercial
establishments are also obtained from the public water
supplies [10]. These are usually metered and charged
for, at rates that vary from one state to another.
The data situation according to a study [8] with
respect to Nigeria hydrology and water resources
Comparative Assessment of Borehole Water Qualities from Oil-Producing and Non-Oil Producing Areas of Oron, Nigeria
746
should be improved. It has also been observed that our
knowledge of the quantity, distribution and quality of
Nigeria’s water resources is still far from satisfactory
[11]. There is therefore an urgent need to embark on a
training programmed to produce the necessary skilled
manpower in hydrology, water resources, and allied
fields.
2. Study Area
Oron is strategically located at the southern corner
of Akwa Ibom State, in south-south geopolitical zone
of Nigeria. It is located between latitudes 5°3″ N and
7°56″ E, and longitudes 5.050° N and 7.933° E. It is
sandwiched between Eket, Esit Eket, Nsit Ubium, Nsit
Atai, Uruan, Ibeno and the Atlantic Ocean to the south.
Oron is surrounded by some communities such as Idu,
Odot, Enwang, Ikang, Eket among others which are
shown in the figure below (Fig. 1).
Oron is in the tropical region and has a uniformly
high temperature all the year round. The two main
seasons are the dry which spans between October and
April and wet season which starts around May and ends
in September. The climate is tropical in Oron and there
is significant rainfall in Oron in most parts of the year.
There is only a short dry season and it is not very
effective. The Köppen-Geiger climate classification is
Am. The average annual temperature in Oron is
26.3 °C. About 2,878 mm of precipitation falls
annually. There are also two prevailing winds, the
South-West onshore winds which bring heavy rains
and the North- East trade winds blowing across the
Sahara Desert, which brings in the dry season. The
warmest month of the year is March with an average
temperature of 27.5 °C. In August, the average
temperature is 25.2 °C. It is the lowest average
temperature of the whole year. The temperature data
of the study area is shown in the figure below (Fig. 2).
The difference in precipitation between the driest
month and the wettest month is 406 mm. The average
temperatures vary during the year by 2.3 °C. Akwa
Ibom State is within the Niger Delta basin and shares
boundaries with Cross River state, Rivers state and
Abia state of Nigeria as shown in the figure below
(Fig. 3).
Fig. 1 Map of Oron with adjoining communities (Source: Google Map, 2015).
Comparative Assessment of Borehole Water Qualities from Oil-Producing and Non-Oil Producing Areas of Oron, Nigeria
747
Fig. 2 Temperature Data Graph. (Source: Esin, 2007).
Fig. 3 Map of Nigeria showing the location of Akwa Ibom state. (Source: Esin, 2007).
Oron is on the lower basin with a seaport, and its
water drains to the Atlantic Ocean. The predominant
occupation of the local inhabitants is fishing and
farming [12]. Oron is found in the flood plain of South
Eastern Nigeria, with the land mainly intersected by
numerous streams and tributaries flowing into Cross
River. The entire coastline stretches from Uya Oro to
Udung Uko. The vegetation is characterized by three
easily distinguishable types namely, the saline water
swamp forest, the freshwater swamp and the rainforest.
Comparative Assessment of Borehole Water Qualities from Oil-Producing and Non-Oil Producing Areas of Oron, Nigeria
748
In terms of land use, Oron is rich in oil and natural
gas with most of its oil reserves in the off-shore. Oron
is presently rated as having one of the highest supplies
of natural gas deposits in sub-Saharan Africa with large
amounts of untapped natural gas and oil at Ukpata,
Udung Okung, and Edik Ekpu. The region is extremely
fertile and is known for its topographical Oil Palm Belt,
tropical rainforest, swamps, and beaches. The
mangrove forests also provide timber and raw materials
for medicinal purposes [13]. There are also deposits of
solid minerals such as iron, free silica or glass sand and
gravel. Sea foods such as grayfish, snipers, oyster and
periwinkle abound richly in all coastal areas. In terms
of population, Oron, fondly called “oro nation” by its
indigene comprises of five local Government Areas
(LGA) in Akwa Ibom state which include; Urue
Offong, Udung Uko, Mbo, Okobo, Oron. It is the third
largest ethnic group in the state after Uyo and Eket.
It,s population is about 250,000 according to the last
population figure by National population commission
census figure [14].
Studies have observed that, with the teaming
population of Nigeria and the increasing growth of
industrialization in most cities and the exodus of
workers from rural areas to the cities globally; a
baseline study of the aquatic environment becomes
necessary for the understanding of the physiochemical
variables of the water [5].
3. Methodology
3.1 Sampling Techniques
Reconnaissance survey of borehole water sites in oil
and non-oil producing areas in the study area were
carried out. Six borehole water samples were collected
randomly for analysis; three from each sampling area.
They include borehole water samples collected from
Ebughu, Ibaka, and Enwang being oil producing sites
as well as Eyetong, Iquita and Eyoabasi being non-oil
producing sites. These are shown in the table below
(Table 1).
3.2 Analysis of Physiochemical and Biological
Variables of Borehole Water
3.2.1 Physicochemical Analysis
Borehole water samples were collected in sterilized
plastic containers with cover, labelled with date and
taken to Etalyx laboratory, Oron for analysis. Prior to
been transported in-situ measurements using Horiba
multi water Sampler-Model U50 were determined for
temperature, conductivity, salinity, turbidity. The pH
value was obtained using pH meters within one hour
of collection. Most chemical parameters of the
samples were analyzed at Etalyx laboratory, Oron
using Gallenkamp Flame Analyzer (model FGA 330c)
and Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (model PYE
INICAM SP 2900) respectively. Multiprobe meter
(Metler Toledo-Model in Lab 730) was used to
determine sulphates concentrations. Titrimetric
method was used in determining the physiochemical
properties of the borehole water for some parameters
such as alkalinity and chlorides. The pH value was
obtained using pH meters to determine the level of
acidity and by implication organic pollution. The
values obtained from the analyses were compared with
World Health Organization (W.H.O) standard.
The analytical procedures employed in the analysis
of some parameters in the borehole water samples are
briefly described below:
Table 1 Borehole water sample location areas.
S/N Oil producing area Borehole water sample taken Non-oil producing area Borehole water sample taken
1 Ebughu 1 Eyetong 1
2 Ibaka 1 Iquita 1
3 Enwang 1 Eyoabasi 1
Total Number of Samples 3 3
Source: Researcher’s fieldwork (2014).
Comparative Assessment of Borehole Water Qualities from Oil-Producing and Non-Oil Producing Areas of Oron, Nigeria
749
3.2.1 Physical Parameters using Multiprobe Meter
The borehole water quality was assessed in situ
using handheld probes (Horiba multi water
Sampler-Model U50) for some parameters such as
temperature, salinity, conductivity and turbidity. The
panel was preset to the parameter for measurement
and the probe dipped into beaker containing the
borehole water samples until a constant figure was
taken and recorded.
3.2.2 Determination of Total Suspended Solid, TSS
(APHA 2540 D)
Membrane filter paper was placed in wash glass
(petri dish) and dried in an oven at 105 °C for 1hour
and later on transferred to a dessicator for 30 mins.
The filtering apparatus and suction pump were
assembled. The membrane filter paper was weighed
and placed into the funnel of filtering
apparatus.100-150 mL of the borehole water sample
was measured, weighed through the weighed
membrane filter paper, carefully transferred with the
residue into the same wash glass and dried in an oven
for 1hr.The membrane filter paper and residue were
transferred to a dessicator to cool for 30 mins, washed
and weighed. This drying cycle was repeated until a
constant weight was attained. The TSS was calculated
as:
Mg/L = (A-B) × 1000/Sample Vol.
where A = weight of filter paper + residue; B = weight
of filter paper.
3.2.3 Determination of Total Dissolved Solid
(Ademoroti, 1996)
A clean glass dish was dried at 103 °C to 105 °C in
an oven until constant weight was achieved, cooled in
a desiccators and weighed. 100 mL of filtrated water
samples were evaporated in a water bath followed by
drying in an oven 103 °C to 105 °C for about an hour.
These were cooled in desiccators, weighed again and
the increase in weight recorded.
3.2.4 Determination of Metals (A.O.C. 1984)
Determination of Lead, Cadmium, Arsenic, Nickel,
Iron, were carried out by direct aspiration of the water
samples into an acetylene flame but some were
determined by directed aspiration of water sample into
a flame analyser. Before determination of any metal in
the sample, a calibration curve of the metal was
prepared using aliquots from standard stock solution
of the metals in the sample. Alternatively, the
concentrations of the metals in the samples were
directly related to the concentration of the calibration
curve where dilution of the samples was carried out;
the concentration of the metals was multiplied by the
dilution factor. The stock solutions (usually of 1000
mg/L working standards) were stored in plastic bottles
instead of glassware to prevent contamination and
absorption.
3.2.5 Determination of Alkalinity
Titrimetric method was used for the determination
of Alkalinity by standardising 10 mL of 0.05 M
Na2CO3 with 0.01 M HCL for the titration to get an
initial titre value after an initial colour change using
methyl orange and phenolphtalene as indicators. The
titration was repeated for blank until a colour change.
The total alkalinity was reported as CaCO3 in mg/L.
3.3 Analyses of Biological Properties
3.3.1 Material Sterilisation
All materials were sterilised before use. Dry heat
sterilisation in oven at 200 °C for 1 hour was
employed for petri dishes, glassware etc while sterile
materials such as agar media, forceps were sterilised
in autoclave or pressure cooker at 121 °C at 15 psi for
15 mins.
3.3.2 Preparation of Culture Media
The media was weighed out and poured into a
labelled conical flask, dissolved in distilled water
using glass rod. The flask was plugged with a non
absorbent cotton wool and covered with aluminium
foil, autoclaved at 121 °C for 15 mins. The autoclave
was allowed to cool for 20 minutes and the media
poured into sterile plates, set on a flat surface and
stored at 4 °C.
Comparative Assessment of Borehole Water Qualities from Oil-Producing and Non-Oil Producing Areas of Oron, Nigeria
750
3.4 Diluent Preparation
A quater-strenght ringers solution was prepared by
dissolving one tablet of ringers solution in 500 mL of
distilled water. 9 mL of the solution was poured into
screw capped diluents bottles and autoclaved at 121 °C
for 15 mins allowed to cool before use.
3.5 Sample Preparation and Analysis
Water sample was collected in sterile plastic bottles
and stored at 4 °C until analysed. The sample was
mixed properly with a mechanical shaker and serial
dilutions of the sample made. The spread plate
technique was used for analysis by firstly allowing the
pre-poured agar to dry for few minutes at 60 in an
incubator for 20 minutes to allow the surface to dry.
Media preparation and culturing were used in
determining the variation in the biological properties
of water sample in order to ascertain the coli forms
and plate count content of the sample. Also, values
obtained from the analyses were compared with the
WHO standard values
3.6 Total Counts of Heterotrophic Microorganisms,
Bacteria and Fungi
MacConkey Agar, Nutrient Agar, Lactose Broth
with evaporated Milk were used in the isolation of
bacteria while Chloramphenicol, a broad-spectrum
antibiotic was added to Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA)
for the isolation of fungi. Aliquots of 0.1 mL of the
serially diluted samples were plated out on the
appropriate media on sterile Petri dishes. The pour
plate technique was used. The cultures were incubated
at 37 °C for 24 hours for bacteria, and 48 hours for
room temperature.
3.7 Identification of Isolated Micro-organisms
Pure cultures of bacterial isolates were identified
according to standard procedures. Isolated fungi were
identified relying on the spores and mycelia and their
growth characteristic on the isolation medium.
4. Results and Discussions
The results of the analysis were presented in the
tables below. Table 2 showed the result of
physiochemical parameters of borehole water samples
in non-oil producing area of Oron. Table 3 showed the
result of physiochemical parameters of borehole water
samples in oil-producing area of Oron. Table 4
showed the result of Mean values table of borehole
water quality in oil and non-oil producing areas of
Oron. Table 5 showed the result of total plate count
characteristics of borehole water quality in
oil-producing and non-oil producing area.
The mean concentration of lead and iron in the
results were above the limit acceptable for drinking
water for the two study locations. Lead ranged
between 0.2 mg/L-15.0 mg/L for non-oil producing
area and 1.0 mg/L-10.1 mg/L for oil producing area
respectively. The high level of lead is attributed to the
deposition of pollutants from gaseous emissions
possibly by the gas flaring which was later absorbed
and percolated into the ground water. High levels of
lead above the maximum permitted limits affect the
mental development of infants and toxic to the central
nervous nervous system [15]. Iron values (9.16 mg/L,
6.33 mg/L) were above allowable limits of the WHO
standard .Similar high values of iron were detected in
other study areas of Niger Delta [16, 17]. Also the
high level of iron could be as a result of some scrap,
metallic and lateric iron within the soil particle which
leaches into the water table. The concentrations of
Hydrocarbon, oil and Total Organic Carbon exceeded
the standard limits of WHO in both the oil producing
and non-oil producing sampled locations. This may be
as a result of spill oil that percolated into the
groundwater during drilling because of serious oil
exploration activities going on in the study area.
Petroleum often pollutes water bodies in the form of
oil resulting from oil spills. They occur as s result of
fractured pipeline, off-shore drilling operations,
careless handling of equipment, spillage from
overflowing storage tank among others.
Comparative Assessment of Borehole Water Qualities from Oil-Producing and Non-Oil Producing Areas of Oron, Nigeria
751
Table 2 Result of physiochemical parameters of borehole water samples in non-oil producing area of Oron.
S/N Parameters Eyetong Iquita Eyoabasi Mean WHO FMENV
1 Temperature (°C) 26.20 28.40 27.70 27.43 25-28
2 pH 8.0 8.0 7.8 7.93 6.5-9.2 6.5-9.2
3 Turbidity NTU 0.76 1.30 0.90 0.99 5 25
4 TSS (mg/L) 7.0 3.0 1.0 3.67 28 28
5 TDS (mg/L) 22 20 28 23.3 500 500
6 CL (mg/L) 10.0 10.2 0.8 7.0 250 250
7 Alkalinity (mg/L) 85.2 90.0 80.0 85.07 100 100
8 Oil (mg/L) 0.4 0.2 0.2 0.23 0.01 0.05
9 HCO3- (mg/L) 40.5 55.0 52.3 49.27 25 25
10 Hydrocarbon (mg/L) 0.4 0.2 0.2 0.23 0.01 0.05
11 Conductivity (µS/cm) 101 60 120 93.67 250 250
12 Salinity 18.78 17.99 17.81 18.19 < 81 -
13 Cadmium (mg/L) 0.015 0.011 0.011 0.12 0.003 -
14 Nickel (mg/L) 0.023 0.041 0.016 0.027 0.02 -
15 Arsenic (mg/L) 0.002 0.001 0.002 0.0017 0.01 -
16 Iron (mg/L) 10.0 0,2 0.3 3.5 0.2 1.0
17 Lead (mg/L) 15.0 0.2 0.3 5.16 0.01 -
18 TOC (mg/L) 5.03 5.11 5.05 5.06 5 -
19 Sulphate (mg/L) 265.3 241.7 200.5 235.83 200 200-400
20 Aluminum (mg/L) 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 1.0 -
Source: Researcher’s fieldwork (2014).
Table 3 Result of physiochemical parameters of borehole water samples in oil-producing area of Oron.
S/N Parameters Ebughu Ibaka Enwang Mean WHO FMENV
1 Temperature (°C) 28.04 27.20 26.10 27.11 25-28 -
2 pH 7.46 7.60 8.0 7.69 6.5-9.2 6.5-9.2
3 Turbidity NTU 1.00 0.83 0.70 0.84 5 25
4 TSS (mg/L) 3.0 9.0 2.0 4.97 28 28
5 TDS (mg/L) 29 24.4 22.1 37.75 500 10
6 CL- (mg/L) 14.2 12.9 10.2 12.4 250 250
7 Alkalinity (mg/L) 95.0 89.7 93.5 92.73 100 100
8 Oil & mineral (mg/L) 0.18 0.19 0.19 0.19 0.01 0.05
9 HCO3- (mg/L) 50.5 52.3 65.5 56.03 25 25
10 Hydrocarbon (mg/L) 0.18 0.19 0.19 0.187 0.01 0.05
11 Conductivity (µS/cm) 189.0 100.0 201.0 163 250 250
12 Salinity 18.30 16.78 17.81 18.63 < 81 -
13 Cadmium (mg/L) 0.005 0.008 0.006 0.006 0.003 -
14 Nickel (mg/L) 0.024 0.031 0.031 0.029 0.02 -
15 Arsenic (mg/L) 0.003 0.001 0.002 0.002 0.01 -
16 Iron (mg/L) 10.0 2.5 15.0 9.16 0.2 1.0
17 Lead (mg/L) 1.0 10.1 2.0 4.36 0.01 -
18 TOC (mg/L) 6.7 7.01 6.89 6.87 5 -
19 Sulphate (mg/L) 271.4 288.7 249.0 269.7 200 200-400
20 Aluminium (mg/L) 0.02 0,01 0.01 0.013 1.0 -
Source: Researcher’s fieldwork (2014).
Comparative Assessment of Borehole Water Qualities from Oil-Producing and Non-Oil Producing Areas of Oron, Nigeria
752
Table 4 Mean values table of borehole water quality in oil and non-oil producing areas of Oron.
S/N Parameters Average non-oil producing area
Average oil producing area
Mean WHO FMENV
1 Temperature (°C) 27.43 27.11 27.27 25-28 -
2 pH 7.93 7.69 7.81 6.5-9.2 6.5-9.2
3 Turbidity NTU 0.99 0.84 0.91 5 25
4 TSS (mg/L) 3.67 4.97 4.32 28 l 28
5 TDS (mg/L) 23.3 37.75 30.53 500 10
6 CL- (mg/L) 7.0 12.4 9.7 250 250
7 Alkalinity (mg/L) 85.07 92.73 88.90 100 100
8 Oil and mineral (mg/L) 0.26 0.187 0.22 0.01 0.05
9 HCO3- (mg/L) 49.27 56.03 52.65 25 25
10 Hydrocarbon (mg/L) 0.23 0.187 0.208 0.01 0.05
11 Conductivity (µS/cm) 93.67 163 128.3 250 250
12 Salinity 18.19 18.63 18.41 < 81 -
13 Cadmium (mg/L) 0.12 0.006 0.063 0.003 -
14 Nickel (mg/L) 0.027 0.029 0.028 0.02 -
15 Arsenic (mg/L) 0.0017 0.002 0.001 0.01 -
16 Iron (mg/L) 3.5 9.16 6.33 0.2 1.0
17 Lead (mg/L) 5.16 4.36 4.76 0.01 -
18 TOC (mg/L) 5.06 6.87 6.00 5 -
19 Sulphate (mg/L) 245.76 269.7 257.73 200 200-400
20 Aluminum (mg/L) 0.01 0.013 0.0115 1.0 -
Source: Researcher’s fieldwork (2014).
Table 5 Result of total plate count characteristics of borehole water quality in oil-producing and non-oil producing area.
S/N Location Oil-producing area
Who limit Bacteria isolated Bacteria load bac/Gram Remarks
1 Ebughu Proteus Spp. 0.25 × 102 Bac/Gram Non pathogenic Nil in 1 Ml
2 Ibaka Escherichia Spp. 0.10 × 103 Bac/Gram Non pathogenic Nil in 1 Ml
3 Enwang Staphylococcus Spp. Coliforms Spp.
0.1 × 103 Bac/Gram; 0.4 × 104 Bac/Gram
Non pathogenic Nil in 1 Ml
Non-oil producing area
1 Eyetong Bacillus Spp. 0.45 × 103 Bac/Gram Pathogenic Nil in 1 Ml
2 Iquita Coliforms 0.5 × 105 Bac/Gram Pathogenic Nil in 1 Ml
3 Eyoabasi Streptococcus Staphylococcus Spp. Coliforms
0.1 × 103 Bac/Gram 0.2 × 104 Bac/Gram
Pathogenic Nil in 1 Ml
Source: Researcher’s Fieldwork (2014). Normal range 104-105 bac/gram.
The high concentration of sulphate from the results
could be attributed to the level of combustion in
sulphur containing hydrocarbon fuel in the region. The
oxidation of sulphur containing compound discharged
into the groundwater during precipitation may
increase its acidity.
The results also revealed that the values of
temperature and pH in the non-oil producing area was
higher than that of the oil producing area, but they
both were within W.H.O standard limits. Conductivity
values in the oil producing area were higher than that
of the non-oil producing area but are within the WHO
acceptable standard. This is an indication of the
presence of more ionic substances, salts in the oil
producing area [18]. Conductivity depends on the
quantity of dissolved salts present in a water body and
is approximately proportional to the TDS content [19].
This could be affected by several environmental
factors which include climate, the local biota, bedrock,
geology and other anthropogenic factors.
Comparative Assessment of Borehole Water Qualities from Oil-Producing and Non-Oil Producing Areas of Oron, Nigeria
753
The Total Dissolved Solid (TDS) and Total
Suspended Solid (TSS) mean values were higher in oil
producing area is than that of non-oil producing area.
Generally, the amount of dissolved solids in a sample
of water is a measure of the salinity of the water [20].
The concentration of dissolved solids is an important
indicator of the usefulness of water for various
applications. However, the levels of the dissolved
solids were within WHO acceptable standard.
Similarly, turbidity values from the results showed
that the oil and non-oil producing areas were within
the acceptable limit of WHO standard.
From the results, it was revealed that Cadmium
values in both the oil and non-oil producing areas
were higher than the WHO maximum concentration
limit of 0.03 mg/L. Elevated values of cadmium is
toxic to the human kidney [21]. Also, the value of
Nickel in the oil producing area was higher than that
of non-oil producing area. Comparing the value with
that of WHO allowable standard, the value exceeded
the WHO and FEPA (now FMEnv) allowable
concentration limit of 0.02 mg/L. Nickel is always
associated with industrialisation and the health impact
is possibly carcinogenic [21]. The Chloride value in
the oil producing area is higher than that of non-oil
producing area; and was within the WHO acceptable
and allowable concentration limit of 200 mg/L and
600 mg/L.
The results of the micro-biological analyses showed
that all borehole water samples analysed contain
different bacteria as isolated from each water sample.
Coliforms organisms were found in virtually all the
samples of borehole water. There is also a spatial
variation in the bacteria in water quality between the
classified areas. The result of the microbial analysis
reveals a spatial variations in the concentration of the
bacteria isolated from the water samples for both oil
and non-oil producing areas. Although the
concentration of most of the coli from bacteria is less
than the allowable limit, the presence of opportunistic
bacteria at any level (whether high or low) has
harmful effect on water quality. This is because
bacteria at any concentration level should not be
tolerable at all in public water supply. The implication
being that high incidence of diseases such as typhoid,
dysentery, cholera, and hyper theses in the study area
could be attributed to the consumption of this source
of water.
5. Conclusion
The findings regarding the deterioration in quality
of borehole water in the oil and non oil producing
areas of Oron are indications of the negative impact of
oil production activities on the study area. The result
of the laboratory analysis of the borehole water
revealed that the mean concentration of trace metal
parameters such as cadmium, nickel, arsenic, lead and
iron were above the WHO acceptable limit of drinking
water for the two study locations. The concentrations
of hydrocarbon, oil and total organic carbon exceeded
the standard limits of WHO in both the oil producing
and non-oil producing sampled locations. This might
be as a result of spill oil and contaminants that
migrated into the groundwater during drilling because
of serious oil exploration activities going on in the
study area. The results of the analysis showed minor
variations in the values of the parameters determined
at the different areas, though there was no definite
pattern. Also, the presence of bacteria such as
Escherichia spp. and total coliforms in all the water
samples further confirmed the water from borehole
sources in Oron was polluted.
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