Determination the concentration levels of total petroleum hydrocarbons (tph) in soils found in automobile shop

Project Abstract

Determining the concentration levels of total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) in soils found in automobile shops is vital due to the potential environmental and health risks associated with petroleum contamination. This study aimed to assess TPH levels in soils from automobile shops to evaluate the extent of contamination and potential risk to the environment and human health. Soil samples were collected from various locations within automobile shops and analyzed for TPH concentrations using standard laboratory methods. The results indicated varying levels of TPH contamination in the soil samples, with concentrations ranging from minimal to significantly high levels. The presence of TPH in soil samples from automobile shops suggests potential leaks or spills of petroleum products, which could have occurred during maintenance or storage activities. The findings highlight the importance of regular monitoring and proper management practices to prevent and mitigate soil contamination in automobile shops. Assessing TPH levels in soils is crucial for understanding the extent of petroleum contamination and its potential impact on the environment. High levels of TPH can pose risks to soil quality, groundwater contamination, and human health through exposure pathways such as inhalation, ingestion, or dermal contact. Therefore, effective remediation strategies should be implemented to address TPH contamination in soils found in automobile shops. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the concentration levels of TPH in soils from automobile shops, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to prevent and mitigate petroleum contamination. By identifying and addressing TPH sources in automobile shop soils, environmental and health risks can be minimized, ensuring a safer working environment and protecting surrounding ecosystems from the adverse effects of petroleum pollution. This research contributes to the broader understanding of soil contamination issues in automotive facilities and highlights the importance of regular monitoring and proper management practices to safeguard environmental and human health.

Project Overview

<p> </p><p><strong>INTRODUCTION</strong></p><p><strong>1.1 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;</strong><strong>BACKGROUND OF STUDY</strong></p><p>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.</p><p>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 <em>et al</em>., 2012).</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p><strong>STATEMENT OF PROBLEM</strong></p><p>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.</p><p><strong>1.3 &nbsp;SCOPE OF THE STUDY</strong></p><p>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).</p><p><strong>1.4 &nbsp;</strong><strong>OBJECTIVES OF STUDY</strong></p><p>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).</p><p><strong>Objectives:</strong></p><ul><li>The objective of this work is to ascertain the level of TPHin analyzed samples.</li><li>To determine the concentration of TPHin the selected locations ofWarri Metropolis (Warri, Effurun, Ughelli and Udu).</li><li>To evaluate the impact of TPH on soil consequently, the risk posed to public health as a result of the identified pollution.</li></ul> <br><p></p>