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Microbial densities and physico-chemical quality of some crude oil flow stations' saver pit effluents in the Niger Delta Basin of Southern Nigeria

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Abstract

Five crude oil flow stations saver pit effluents were sampledduring the months of May, June, July and August to determinesome of their physico-chemical qualities and microbiologicaldensities before their discharge into the environment. Standardanalytical techniques were employed in the investigation. A highmicrobial density in the range of 106 cfu mL-1 was observed in the samples. The high coliform count obtained poses apotential threat to the local inhabitants of the area. Thephysico-chemical qualities of the effluents appear to falloutside acceptable standards. The pH of the effluent fell belowthe desirable range of 7.0 to 8.5 in May and August inflowstations 3, 4 and 5. Total dissolved solids were above thehighest desirable levels for most months from June to August inall flowstations. Dissolved oxygen levels fell below minimumdesirable level of 2.0 mg L-1 in August for flowstations 1, 2, and4. Adequate treatment of the effluent is required especiallyduring the month of August before discharge into the environment.

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Ekundayo, E.O., Fodeke, V.O. Microbial densities and physico-chemical quality of some crude oil flow stations' saver pit effluents in the Niger Delta Basin of Southern Nigeria. Environ Monit Assess 65, 523–530 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1006319912981

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