ABSTRACT
In the untreated produce water samples, the total oil grease content was measured using atomic mass spectrometer to a value of 1208 mg/L, n-alkanes hydrocarbon content of 580 mg/L, aromatic hydrocarbon of 12.57 mg/L, nitrogen, oxygen and sulphur (NSO) content of 10.68 mg/L, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon of 0.768 mg/L, nC17/Pristane ratio of 1.41 and nC18/Phytane ratio of 3.00.
Laboratory analysis using gas chromatography and other apparatus were applied on the samples of untreated produce water. Two fungal cultures were prepared and used in treating the produce water which degraded the hydrocarbon contents. After treating the produce water with the prepared fungal culture, hydrocarbon contents were then measured using the atomic absorption spectrometer. It was found out that the total oil grease content reduced from 1208 mg/L to 86 mg/L, n-alkanes content reduced from 580 mg/L to 75 mg/L and other parameters also saw drastic reduction upon treatment with the fungal cultures. Most importantly is the reduction in the ratio of nC17/Pristane from 1.41 to 1.24 and that of nC18/Phytane from 3.0 to 2.93. Produced water discharged into the environment have resulted in despoliation of mangrove forests, death of aquatic organisms, destruction of farm lands and pollution of fresh water bodies in the affected region.
Agencies in Nigeria should ensure that oil production platforms adequately treat produced water also Oil production companies should endeavour to try injecting treated produce water into oil reservoir to enhance oil recovery.
