Impact of petroleum and its products on the environment is often positive and at the same time, negative because it is toxic to almost all life forms. This can be seen in various aspect as shown below:
OIL SPILLAGE
This is the release of liquid hydrocarbon into the environment from a failed pipeline [corroded pipe]. This occurs on land and water bodies. This is a form of pollution that is detrimental. Oil spillage may also occur from as a result of release of products from tankers, offshore platforms, drilling rigs and wells. It can also be due to leakage caused by corrosion of pipelines as. It can be caused by spills of oily refuse or waste oil.
Oil spillage penetrates into the structure of the plumage of birds and the fur of mammals, reducing its insulating ability, making them more vulnerable to temperature fluctuations and much less buoyant in water.
I. It affects evaporation and biodegradation.
II. Oil spillage causes plasmolysis in membranes of organisms in water.
III. It causes reduction in available oxygen in water and hence disrupt metabolism of organisms.
IV. It causes diseases when water is ingested.
POLLUTION
Pollution is the introduction of contaminants into the natural environment which causes adverse change. These contaminants are referred to as waste. Pollution in petroleum industry can take different forms such as noise, water, soil, air. (Blacksmith institute, 2009).
These products cause different types of pollution:
AIR POLLUTION
This is the release of chemicals and particulates into the atmosphere. During oil spillage, toxic gases tend to evaporate to the atmosphere and thus, cause hazard to the e
NOISE POLLUTION
This is caused by machines used in refining processes. This tend to destroy hearing ability of workers.
THERMAL POLLUTION
This is the temperature change in natural water bodies caused by human influence, such as use of water as coolant in a power plant.
WATER POLLUTION
This is the discharge of waste water from industrial waste (intentionally or through spillage) into surface waters. Discharge of chemical contaminants such as chlorine and hydrocarbons which tend to disrupt productivity and metabolism of organisms in water. These also cause contamination of drinking water.
LAND POLLUTION
This is the release of waste (pollutant) on earth surface. As we know that soil harbors living organisms mainly decomposers, this pollution tend to eliminate these organism. The release of this waste to the soil removes nitrogen oxide which makes the soil fertile and this changes the species composition microorganism in the ecosystem.
Smog and haze can reduce the amount of sunlight received by plant to carryout photosynthesis and also leads to the production of tropospheric ozone which damages plant. Soil can be become infertile and unsuitable for plants and microorganism; this affects other larger organisms in the food web. Sulphur oxide and nitrogen oxide can cause acid rain which losses the soil pH value (Richardson, 1989).
CONTROL OF POLLUTION
1. Recycling of waste.
2. Reusing of waste to produce new product.
3. Reduction of spillage.
4. Safety precaution.
5. Mitigating
TOXICITY OF POLLUTANTS:
Crude is a mixture of many different kinds of organic compounds which are both beneficial and harmful to man, animal and plant. Some are highly toxic as well as Carcinogenic to many different organisms.
SAFETY AT WORK
Safety at work is ensured by the health and safety environment (HSE) and fire protection agency (FPA). These agencies make sure workers undergoes safety induction course which entail theory and practical work, to prevent hazard in work areas and environment (MAGAJI, 2014).
SAFETY EQUIPMENT
These are equipment for protection against hazards during work. During refining processes, chemicals/gases are released into the atmosphere and can get into our body through:
1. Inhalation (Nose)
2. Ingestion (Mouth)
3. Absorption (Skin)
4. Injection (through bruises and wound)
This equipment are used for different parts of the body;
Breathing apparatus for nose
Goggles for eyes
Safety boots for legs
Helmets for head
Ear mule for ear
Acid suit/ canisters
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