Thesis Abstract

Abstract
This research project aims to determine the concentration levels of total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) in soils found in an automobile shop. The presence of TPH in soils can result from various sources, including leaking underground storage tanks, improper disposal of motor oil, fuel spills, or other activities related to automobile maintenance and repair. TPH contamination in soils can pose significant environmental and health risks, as these compounds are toxic and can persist in the environment for long periods. The study will involve collecting soil samples from different locations within the automobile shop, including areas near fuel storage tanks, vehicle service bays, and waste disposal areas. These samples will be analyzed in the laboratory using standard analytical techniques to determine the concentration levels of TPH present in the soils. The results obtained from the analysis will be compared to regulatory guidelines and thresholds to assess the extent of TPH contamination in the soil. In addition to analyzing soil samples for TPH concentration levels, the study will also consider factors such as soil type, moisture content, and organic matter content, which can influence the transport and fate of TPH in soils. By considering these factors, the research aims to provide a comprehensive assessment of TPH contamination in the soil and its potential impact on the surrounding environment. The findings of this research project will have implications for environmental management and remediation efforts in automobile shops and similar facilities where TPH contamination may be a concern. By identifying the sources and extent of TPH contamination in soils, appropriate remediation strategies can be developed to mitigate the environmental risks associated with TPH exposure. Furthermore, the study will contribute to the existing body of knowledge on TPH contamination in soils and provide valuable information for regulatory agencies, environmental consultants, and other stakeholders involved in managing soil pollution issues. Overall, this research project will contribute to our understanding of TPH contamination in soils found in automobile shops and provide valuable insights into the environmental implications of such contamination. The findings of this study will help inform decision-making processes related to soil remediation and environmental protection in settings where TPH contamination may be a prevalent issue.

Thesis Overview

INTRODUCTION

1.1      BACKGROUND OF STUDY

Petroleum hydrocarbons are used generally in our environment as fuel and chemicalcompounds. The uncontrolled release of petroleum hydrocarbons negatively impacts many of our soi1 and water resources. The contamination can result from leaking Underground Storage Tanks (UST), petroleum refineries and bulk storage facilities, broken oil pipelines, spills of petroleum products in chemical plants and transportation processes as well as commercial and industrial uses(automobile workshops)under which this research work falls into. The risks of explosion and fire are also serious threats to the environment.

Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPH) concentration is a global parameter includingmany derived petroleum products, commonly applied to establishtarget soil cleanup levels implemented by several regulatoryagencies (Presidency Ministry, 2005; VROM, 2012; Weisman, 1998).The Standard ISO 16703 (ISO,2004) is an internationally acceptedmethod to obtain TPHconcentrations from C10 to C40, althoughthere are other standards currently in use (Rosano-Hernández et al., 2012).

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reported that due to the uncontrolled release of petroleum hydrocarbons into the environment, there has been a considerable amount of contamination in soil and groundwater. As reported by Gruiz and Kriston (1995) an amount of 6,000,000 tons petroleum waste enters into the environment each year causing serious environmental problems.

Even if the problems associated with fuel storage and distribution are solved, contamination incidental to production and commercial usage would continue to threaten groundwater supplies. Many manufacturing processes necessarily produce water and sludge that are contaminated with hydrocarbons.

High concentration levels of hydrocarbons present in contaminated sites could pose a health risk to humans, plants and animal lives. In recent years, the release of hazardous and toxic substances into the soil, water, sediment and air in Niger Delta, Nigeria has been a widespread problem. The economy of Nigeria, the most populous, black African country is largely dependent on crude oil tapped from the Niger Deltaregion. Niger Delta has a population of about 30 million and an estimated 2.8 million barrels of crude oil per day come from this region.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

In evaluating the relevance of pollution cleanup standards, thereare many things that must be considered. Risk factors such as fate, transport, and toxicity of constituents, and monetary factors such as expected cost of remediation are but just afew of the considerations that must be addressed in such an endeavor.This hypothesis evaluates, from a risk and cost perspective, the use of TPH as a cleanupstandard for remediation of petroleum contaminated soils and compares the use of a TPHstandard to a compound specific standard. This thesis also analyzes sampling and analysisData contained in the Installation Restoration Program Information Management System(IRPIMS) database to evaluate the use of the compounds upon which current statestandards are based.

1.3  SCOPE OF THE STUDY

The scope of this study covers the sampling exercise, field study, a laboratory analysis of samples obtained and interpretation of laboratory data using statistical, graphical illustration. The field study was carried out in Warri Metropolis (Warri, Effurun, Ughelli and Udu), Delta State. Soil samples were collected at different points in the workshops (main workshop and 10metres away from the main workshop).

1.4  OBJECTIVES OF STUDY

The aim of this study is to determine the concentration levels of total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) in soils found in automobile shop (keke, car, bikes, and truck workshops).

Objectives:

• The objective of this work is to ascertain the level of TPHin analyzed samples.
• To determine the concentration of TPHin the selected locations ofWarri Metropolis (Warri, Effurun, Ughelli and Udu).
• To evaluate the impact of TPH on soil consequently, the risk posed to public health as a result of the identified pollution.