This study characterizes and evaluates the constituents of produced water at production wells and dumping sites.
The study examined the impact of offshore petroleum mining activities on aquatic systems for regulatory
compliance and the selection of management and disposal options. The physicochemical analyses of produced
water from the three study locations were within the permissible range for pH, temperature, and conductivity. Of
the four heavy metals detected, mercury had the lowest concentration at 0.002 mg/L, while arsenic the
metalloid, and iron had the highest concentrations at 0.038 mg/L and 36.1 mg/L, respectively. The total alkalinity
values for the produced water in this study are about six-fold compared to the other three locations (Cape
Three Point, Dixcove, University of Cape Coast). Compared to the other locations, produced water had higher
toxicity to Daphnia, with an EC50 value of 80.3 %. The levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs),
volatile hydrocarbons, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) analyzed in this study were all insignificant in
terms of toxicity. The total hydrocarbon concentrations indicated a high level of environmental impact. However,
considering the possible breakdown of total hydrocarbons over time, and the marine ecosystem's high pH
and salinity conditions, further recordings and observations should be conducted to ascertain the overall cumulative
effects of oil drilling activities at the Jubilee oil fields along the shores of Ghana. |
University of Cape Coast