Determination of Selected Physicochemical Parameters and Heavy Metals in a Drilling Cutting Dump Site at Ezeogwu–Owaza, Nigeria.

Abstract

The work was undertaken to determine some selected physicochemical parameters and heavy metals in a drilling cutting dump site. Test results indicated that some of the heavy metals like copper, iron and calcium showed a high level of contamination in most of the plots under the study area. Iron had a value as high as 880mg/kg, copper 84mg/kg and calcium 12560mg/kg. These values were above target values as specified by the regulatory body, Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR). Moreover, the oil and grease indicated a high level of contamination, with a concentration of up to 840mg/kg in one of the plots. This was evident in lack of plant growth noticed in the study area as a result of depletion of NPK values below specified value by USDA Standards for plant growth. The high level of contamination of some of the physicochemical parameters and heavy metals as seen in this project underscores the need for due diligence in managing drilling cutting discharges from drilling activities. @ JASEM