Pollution potential of oil-contaminated soil on groundwater resources in Kuwait

2003 ◽  
Vol 47 (7-8) ◽  
pp. 259-265 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Literathy ◽  
M. Quinn ◽  
M. Al-Rashed
Keyword(s):  
Drinking Water ◽  
Crude Oil ◽  
Groundwater Resources ◽  
Measurement Techniques ◽  
Soil Layer ◽  
Soil Survey ◽  
Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons ◽  
Fluorescence Measurement ◽  
Groundwater Aquifer ◽  
Freshwater Resource

The only natural freshwater resource of Kuwait occurs as lenses floating on the saline groundwater in the northern part of the country, near to the oil fields. Rainwater is the only means of recharge of this limited groundwater resource. This groundwater is used as bottled drinking water and the fresh groundwater aquifer is considered as a strategic drinking water reserve for Kuwait. As a result of the 1991 Gulf War, the upper soil layer has been widely contaminated with crude oil and crude oil combustion products, which are potential pollutants likely affecting the groundwater resources. Significant efforts have been made to assess this pollution. These included: (a) a soil survey for assessing the soil contamination, and (b) leaching experiments to characterise the mobilization of the soil-associated pollutants. Fluorescence measurement techniques were used during field surveys as well as for laboratory testing. In addition, determination of the total extractable matter (TEM), total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH), and GC/MS measurement of polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were performed for the assessments. The laser induced fluorescence (LIF) measurement, having good correlation with the other laboratory measurements, was proved to provide necessary information for the assessment of the oil-contamination level in the desert soil. The subsequent leaching test with water demonstrated the mobilization of the fluorescing compounds (e.g. PAHs), and the alteration in the leaching characteristics of the contamination during the long-term environmental weathering of the oil.

Efficiency and Kinetics of Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPHs) Removal from Crude Oil Polluted Arable Soil using Palm Bunch Ash and Tween 80

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Godwin James Udo ◽  
Nnanake-Abasi O. Offiong ◽  
Alfreda Nwadinigwe ◽  
Clement O. Obadimu ◽  
Aniedi E. Nyong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Crude Oil ◽  
Petroleum Hydrocarbons ◽  
Tween 80 ◽  
Arable Soil ◽  
Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons ◽  
Kinetics Of ◽  
Palm Bunch

scholarly journals Quantifying aquifer properties and freshwater resource in coastal barriers: a hydrogeophysical approach applied at Sasihithlu (Karnataka state, India)

2012 ◽  
Vol 16 (11) ◽  
pp. 4387-4400 ◽  
Author(s):  
J.-M. Vouillamoz ◽  
J. Hoareau ◽  
M. Grammare ◽  
D. Caron ◽  
L. Nandagiri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sea Level ◽  
Groundwater Resources ◽  
Time Lapse ◽  
Unconfined Aquifer ◽  
Spatial Knowledge ◽  
Western India ◽  
Transient Electromagnetic ◽  
Freshwater Resource ◽  
Aquifer Properties ◽  
Rainfall Patterns

Abstract. Many human communities living in coastal areas in Africa and Asia rely on thin freshwater lenses for their domestic supply. Population growth together with change in rainfall patterns and sea level will probably impact these vulnerable groundwater resources. Spatial knowledge of the aquifer properties and creation of a groundwater model are required for achieving a sustainable management of the resource. This paper presents a ready-to-use methodology for estimating the key aquifer properties and the freshwater resource based on the joint use of two non-invasive geophysical tools together with common hydrological measurements. We applied the proposed methodology in an unconfined aquifer of a coastal sandy barrier in South-Western India. We jointly used magnetic resonance and transient electromagnetic soundings and we monitored rainfall, groundwater level and groundwater electrical conductivity. The combined interpretation of geophysical and hydrological results allowed estimating the aquifer properties and mapping the freshwater lens. Depending on the location and season, we estimate the freshwater reserve to range between 400 and 700 L m−2 of surface area (± 50%). We also estimate the recharge using time lapse geophysical measurements with hydrological monitoring. After a rainy event close to 100% of the rain is reaching the water table, but the net recharge at the end of the monsoon is less than 10% of the rain. Thus, we conclude that a change in rainfall patterns will probably not impact the groundwater resource since most of the rain water recharging the aquifer is flowing towards the sea and the river. However, a change in sea level will impact both the groundwater reserve and net recharge.

Implementation of Brackish Groundwater Desalination Using Wind-Generated Electricity as a Proxy for Energy Storage: A Case Study of the Energy-Water Nexus in Texas

2011 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary E. Clayton ◽  
Ashlynn S. Stillwell ◽  
Michael E. Webber
Keyword(s):  
Drinking Water ◽  
Energy Storage ◽  
Wind Power ◽  
Groundwater Resources ◽  
Compressed Air ◽  
Energy Sources ◽  
Low Carbon ◽  
West Texas ◽  
Storage Technologies ◽  
Low Carbon Energy

With a push toward renewable electricity generation, wind power has grown substantially in recent U.S. history and technologies continue to improve. However, the intermittency associated with wind-generated electricity without storage has limited the amounts sold on the grid. Furthermore, continental wind farms have a diurnal and seasonal variability that is mismatched with demand. To increase the broader use of wind power technologies, the development of systems that can operate intermittently during off-peak hours must be considered. Utilization of wind-generated electricity for desalination of brackish groundwater presents opportunities to increase use of a low-carbon energy source and supply alternative drinking water that is much needed in some areas. As existing water supplies dwindle and population grows, cities are looking for new water sources. Desalination of brackish groundwater provides one potential water source for inland cities. However, this process is energy-intensive, and therefore potentially incongruous with goals of reducing carbon emissions. Desalination using reverse osmosis is a high-value process that does not require continuous operation and therefore could utilize variable wind power. That is, performing desalination in an intermittent way to match wind supply can help mitigate the challenges of integrating wind into the grid while transforming a low-value product (brackish water and intermittent power) into a high-value product (treated drinking water). This option represents a potentially more economic form of mitigating wind variability than current electricity storage technologies. Also, clean energy and carbon policies under consideration by the U.S. Congress could help make this integration more economically feasible due to incentives for low-carbon energy sources. West Texas is well-suited for desalination of brackish groundwater using wind power, as both resources are abundant and co-located. Utility-scale wind resource potential is found in most of the region. Additionally, brackish groundwater is found at depths less than 150 m, making west Texas a useful geographic testbed to analyze for this work, with applicability for areas with similar climates and water supply scarcity. Implementation of a wind-powered desalination project requires both economic and geographic feasibility. Capital and operating cost data for wind turbines and desalination membranes were used to perform a thermoeconomic analysis to determine the economic feasibility. The availability of wind and brackish groundwater resources were modeled using geographic information systems tools to illustrate areas where implementation of a wind-powered desalination project is economically feasible. Areas with major populations were analyzed further in the context of existing and alternative water supplies. Utilization of wind-generated electricity for desalination presents a feasible alternative to energy storage methods. Efficiency, economics, and ease of development and operation of off-peak water treatment were compared to different energy storage technologies: pumped hydro, batteries, and compressed air energy storage. Further economics of compressed air energy storage and brackish groundwater desalination were examined with a levelized lifetime cost approach. Implementation of water desalination projects using wind-generated electricity might become essential in communities with wind and brackish groundwater resources that are facing water quality and quantity issues and as desires to implement low carbon energy sources increase. This analysis assesses the economic and geographic feasibility and tradeoffs of such projects for areas in Texas.

scholarly journals Groundwater surveys in Developing Regions

2010 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
pp. ASWR.S6053
Author(s):  
Jeff Lewis ◽  
Birgitta Liljedahl
Keyword(s):  
Arid Regions ◽  
Groundwater Resources ◽  
Large Area ◽  
Developing Regions ◽  
Well Drilling ◽  
Regional Flow ◽  
Groundwater Aquifer ◽  
Interpretation Patterns ◽  
Hydrogeological Information ◽  
Semi Arid

This paper discusses the interpretation of surface features that can assist in the evaluation of groundwater resources in semi-arid and arid developing regions. The lack of infrastructure in these areas places serious constraints on borehole drilling, which in turn limits the data which can be obtained directly from the subsurface. Under these conditions, surface indicators may be used to infer useful information about the subsurface, which includes shallow aquifers. This article summarizes those surface indicators which provide useful data in arid and semi-arid regions and provides a review of the literature to assist in their interpretation. Patterns of surface indicators covering a large area may be more effective and less costly for interpreting basic regional hydrogeological conditions than detailed data obtained from a limited number of boreholes. The hydrogeological information which can be obtained by using the methods discussed in this article include the regional flow patterns, an estimate of the depth to groundwater, aquifer geology and estimates of the regional recharge and discharge zones. This data may in turn provide support for subsequent well drilling campaigns, limited environmental assessments, and potable water assessments for humanitarian base camps in developing regions.

scholarly journals Bioremediation of clayey soil contaminated with crude oil: comparison of dynamic and static biopiles in lab-scale

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jorge Antonio Lopes ◽  
Graciane Silva ◽  
Marcia Marques ◽  
Sérgio Machado Correa
Keyword(s):  
Crude Oil ◽  
Contaminated Soil ◽  
Organic Contaminants ◽  
Clayey Soil ◽  
Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons ◽  
Oil Composition ◽  
Polycyclic Aromatic ◽  
Forced Aeration ◽  
Total Fungi ◽  
Technological Options

Bioremediation of aged and newly clayey soil contaminated with crude oil was investigated in lab-scale using two different strategies (biostimulation-BIOS and bioaugmentation-BIOA), also simulating two different technological options: dynamic biopile (M) and static biopile with forced aeration (B). The inoculum used for bioaugmentation was obtained from the aged contaminated soil. The treatments were performed in triplicates and included one control (original contaminated soil-CONT). The treatments were monitored with soil sampling obtained after 0, 24, 59 and 121 days when the populations of total heterotrophic microorganism (THM), total fungi (TF), and oil-degrading microorganism (ODM) as well as the extracted total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) and the 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) prioritized by U.S. EPA were analyzed by gas chromatography. It was observed a trend for reduction of the microbial population density from 0 to 121 days. As expected, the population densities of THM and ODM were much higher in bio-augmented soils in both technologies (BIOA-m and BIOA-b) at day 0. However, after 121 days, the superiority in THM density was observed only in the bioreactor simulating static biopile with forced aeration (BIOA-b). Regarding treatment efficiency, the static biopile with forced aeration performed better in the removal of TPH when associated with bioaugmentation (BIOA-b), being equivalent to the microcosms (simulating dynamic biopile) for the other treatments (CONT and BIOS). For PAH, the superiority of the bioreactor was less conspicuous but observed in both bioremediation strategies (biostimulation BIOS-b and bioaugmentation BIOA-b). The results suggested that regarding TPH, the strategy of bioaugmentation was superior to biostimulation and that the bioreactor (simulating static biopile with forced aeration) reached better contaminant reductions than the microcosm (simulating dynamic biopile). Clayey soil contaminated with crude oil poses big challenges for the bioremediation, due to the texture of the soil favouring adsorption of organic contaminants and due to the complex crude oil composition. The bioprocesses are slow, cleavage of larger molecules are likely to generate smaller hydrocarbons and therefore the elimination of the toxicity is very slow, which may require longer periods and auxiliary tools, such as surfactants.

scholarly journals Climate Changes Impacts on Groundwater Recharge in the UAE

10.29007/kdpc ◽  
2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohamed Mostafa Mohamed
Keyword(s):  
Groundwater Recharge ◽  
Groundwater Resources ◽  
Climate Change Impacts ◽  
Water Source ◽  
Eastern Region ◽  
Continuous Increase ◽  
Groundwater Availability ◽  
Groundwater Aquifer ◽  
Abu Dhabi Emirate ◽  
Desalination Plants

Despite the continuous increase in water supply from desalination plants in the UAE, groundwater remains the major source of fresh water satisfying domestic and agricultural demands. Additionally, groundwater has always been considered as a strategic water source towards groundwater security in the country. Quantification of groundwater recharge is a prerequisite for efficient and sustainable groundwater resources management in arid regions. Therefore, groundwater recharge from the ephemeral Wadi beds and subsurface flow from mountainous valley beds play an important role in water management. Although, both surface and groundwater resources in UAE are scarce; the anticipated climate change impacts could make these resources even scarcer. As such, the main aim of this paper is to assess the potential impacts of future climate variability and change on groundwater recharge in the eastern region of UAE. This paper will explore rainfall characteristics in the region, their projections and their impacts on Wadi hydrology and groundwater recharge processes. Another objective of the study is to identify groundwater recharge regions to the shallow unconfined groundwater aquifer in the northeastern part of Abu-Dhabi Emirate. Outcomes of this study will help to accurately estimate current and future sustainable extraction rates, assess groundwater availability, and identify pathways and velocity of groundwater flow as crucial information for determining the best locations for artificial recharge.

scholarly journals Study Relating to the Spatial Distribution of Ground Water Quality for Different Elements using Legacy Data of RWS&S, Andhra Pradesh, India

2014 ◽  
Vol XL-8 ◽  
pp. 383-390
Author(s):  
P. Prakash ◽  
A. Kumar Das ◽  
C. V. S. Sandilya
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Drinking Water ◽  
Spatial Distribution ◽  
Ground Water ◽  
Andhra Pradesh ◽  
Chemical Elements ◽  
Groundwater Resources ◽  
Water Levels ◽  
Contamination Level ◽  
Ground Water Quality

The state of Andhra Pradesh, India falls in water stress<sup>4</sup> area. The primary objective of this study is to examine the spatial distribution of different chemical elements with respect to its contamination level. About 70 % of drinking water needs in rural areas and 40 % drinking water needs in urban areas are met from groundwater resources. In the last decades, rapid population growth coupled with agricultural expansion due to subsidized power to agriculture has significantly increased demand on groundwater resources. Combined to this, the effect of Global warming has put stress on ground water which is resulting in declines in water levels and deterioration of ground water quality. This may be evidenced by the fact that the phreatic aquifer which was in use two decades ago, is existing no more now in some of the parts of the study area and the water is being drawn from deeper aquifers beyond phreatic aquifers. The study has been carried out for which one or more elements are contaminated and to study its spatial distribution.

scholarly journals Spatial Distribution of Fluoride in Drinking Water in Dhamar City, Yemen

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 49-63
Author(s):  
Hefdhallah Al Aizari ◽  
Rachida Fegrouche ◽  
Ali Al Aizari ◽  
Saeed S. Albaseer
Keyword(s):  
Drinking Water ◽  
Anthropogenic Activities ◽  
Groundwater Resources ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
World Health ◽  
Residential Areas ◽  
Central Plateau ◽  
The World ◽  
Pca Method ◽  
Health Organization

The fact that groundwater is the only source of drinking water in Yemen mandates strict monitoring of its quality. The aim of this study was to measure the levels of fluoride in the groundwater resources of Dhamar city. Dhamar city is the capital of Dhamar governorate located in the central plateau of Yemen. For this purpose, fluoride content in the groundwater from 16 wells located around Dhamar city was measured. The results showed that 75% of the investigated wells contain fluoride at or below the permissible level set by the World Health Organization (0.5 – 1.5 mg/L), whereas 25% of the wells have relatively higher fluoride concentrations (1.59 – 184 mg/L). The high levels of fluoride have been attributed to the anthropogenic activities in the residential areas near the contaminated wells. Interestingly, some wells contain very low fluoride concentrations (0.30 – 0.50 mg/L).  Data were statistically treated using the principal component analysis (PCA) method to investigate any possible correlations between various factors. PCA shows a high correlation between well depth and its content of fluoride. On the other hand, health problems dominating in the study area necessitate further studies to investigate any correlation with imbalanced fluoride intake.

scholarly journals Monitoring and risk assessment for groundwater sources in rural communities of Romania (GROUNDWATERISK)

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Oana Teodora Moldovan ◽  
Rannveig Øvrevik Skoglund ◽  
Horia Leonard Banciu ◽  
Alexandra Dinu Cucoș ◽  
Erika Andrea Levei ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Assessment ◽  
Drinking Water ◽  
Rural Communities ◽  
Groundwater Resources ◽  
Molecular Techniques ◽  
The Past ◽  
Physico Chemical ◽  
Groundwater Ecosystems ◽  
Alternative Sources ◽  
Agricultural Areas

In the past 100 years, a decreasing rainfall trend has been recorded on Romanian territory, a trend that continues today. Therefore, realistic estimation of the groundwater resources is crucial, especially for the rural communities lacking the economic power to use alternative sources of drinking water. The groundwater sources used by rural communities in Romania generally originate directly from caves, wells or springs with no proper evaluation of the water quality. Groundwater is exposed to different pollutants, as bats' guano in caves, fertilizers in agricultural areas or livestock (cattle, sheep, goats, etc.) farms on the surface. On the other hand, the water extracted directly from inside the caves is affecting groundwater ecosystems, highly vulnerable to any human impact and neglected by European legislation so far. The project aims to monitor, during two consecutive years, groundwater sources with different degrees of above- and underground pollution, from different regions of Romania. To achieve the goals of the project, a multidisciplinary monitoring strategy that will include measurements of hydrological, physico-chemical and biological (microbiology and aquatic invertebrates’ assessment) parameters alongside the quantification of radon and stable isotopes, rainfall or possible inflows of water. The specific outcomes of this project are: i) to test, develop and validate a new, more rapid and efficient method for monitoring and risk assessment of groundwater sources – and not only – by using molecular techniques, and propose this method to the water agencies in Romania; ii) to propose for Romanian authorities to implement a harmonized coherent methodology to measure radon concentration in water, as a consequence of EURATOM Directive; and iii) to educate local communities that are using groundwater as source for drinking water and raise young people’s awareness on the benefits of ecosystem services provided by the groundwater.

scholarly journals Assessment of Physiochemical Characteristics of Drinking Water Quality in Allahabad Metropolitan City, India

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 121-135
Author(s):  
Roohi Rawat ◽  
A. R. Siddiqui
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Drinking Water ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Groundwater Resources ◽  
Large Population ◽  
Drinking Water Quality ◽  
World Health ◽  
Natural State ◽  
Consumption Pattern ◽  
The World

Clean and safe drinking water is important for the overall health and wellbeing; therefore, access to safe potable drinking water is one of the basic amenities of humankind, especially in urban areas with high consumption pattern of the large population inhabiting these spaces. Among the various sources of water, groundwater is considered to be the safest source of drinking water. However, due to rapid industrialization and population growth, the groundwater resources are getting polluted with harmful contaminants. These contaminants can be chemical or microbiological and cause various health problems. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 80 percent of all diseases in the world are directly or indirectly related to the contamination of water. Water in its natural state is colorless, odorless, and free from pathogens with pH in the range of 6.5–8.5. This water is termed as “potable water.” In the present study, the researchers have made an attempt to assess the physiochemical characteristics of drinking water quality in Allahabad and the effect of these contaminants on the health of the consumers. A comparison of the parameter standards as per the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) (ISI, Indian standard specification for drinking water (IS10500). New Delhi: ISI, 1983 ) and the WHO (Guidelines for drinking water quality (Vol. 1). Geneva: WHO, 1984 ) have also been made to understand the national and global benchmarks. With the help of the standards of various parameters given by these organizations, the assessment of water quality of samples from various locations in Allahabad has been done.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document