Environmental Problems Associated with Oil Pollution
image
Pollution has to do with the introduction or addition of substances, contaminants or strange bodies into the natural environment that causes changes and are harmful.
Oil pollution is a form of pollution caused by the presence or introduction of excessive amount of oil to the environment. And this form of pollution is one of the major pollutions faced by the oil industry.
There are certain environmental problems caused by oil pollution and some of this problems includes ; acid rain, air pollution and noise pollution.
ACID RAIN
image
Acid rain is a form of rain that has acidic content (the pH is low). This kind of rain is caused by a chemical reaction of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides compounds that are released into the air due to cars and industrial activities.
When this compounds mix and react with water, oxygen, and other chemicals, they form acid rain. Acid rain usually occurs kilometers away from where they are generated.
They following are some of the effects of acid rain.
- Environmental Acidification
When acid rain occurs, it causes damages not
only to the natural habitat,forest and lakes but it also damages building materials and speeds up rusting reaction on galvanized roofing sheets.
- Soil fertility reduction
Acid rain leaches aluminum from the soil and this may be harmful to plants and animals. When acid rain occurs nutrients are strip from trees, leaving back in most cases brown or dead leaves. The affected trees are also weak and due to their weakness are less able to absorb sunlight.
- Skin cancer
Most scientist say that when acid rain occurs, the risk of getting skin cancer is very high. This is because people who get exposed to acid rain suffer from skin blisters and burns.
AIR POLLUTION
image
Air pollution is a mixture of harmful substances which may include particulates and biological molecules in the air. Car emissions, chemicals from factories, dust, pollen and mold spores may be suspended as particles. Air pollution is also one of the major environmental problems faced in most cases. The following are some air pollutants common during oil production which is due to emission and flaring.
Carbon monoxide (CO): This is toxic gas yet non-irritating. It is odorless and has no color. This gas is produced by the incomplete combustion of fuel. Vehicular exhaust is one of the major source of this gas.
Sulfur oxides (SOx): This gas is produced volcanoes and various industrial processes. The combustion of petroleum products generates sulfur dioxide and further oxidation in the presence of nitrogen oxide as a catalyst can lead to the occurrence of acid rain.
Hydrogen sulphide: The release of hydrogen sulphide into the atmosphere is one of the most significant public health concern. This gas is found in petroleum and natural gas. Hydrogen sulphide, is an air pollutant near areas where refineries are located.
Volatile organic compounds (VOC): The are classified as either methane or non-methane. Methane gas contributes to enhance global warming while the non-methane VOC can lead to leukemia with prolonged exposure.
The light parts include air toxics such as benzene, xylene, toluene and ethylbenzene. Concentrations of these in the air tend to be highest during the first 24 hours of a spill. These toxics are harmful to breathe. Inhaling oil droplets and oil particles that may go into the air during cleanup can also be irritating to eyes, nose, throat and lungs. Some of these chemicals can cause short-term symptoms, including dizziness, headaches, and respiratory symptoms. Long-term exposure to air toxics can cause cancer and other health effects. Anyone experiencing symptoms after exposure to these toxics should consult a doctor.
NOISE POLLUTION
image
Noise pollution also known as environmental noise, is noise that causes discomfort and harm to living being’s mental and physical health.This pollution interfere with normal activities for humans and wildlife, such as sleeping, conversation, reproduction, communication, or disrupt or diminish one's quality of life.
The major source of noise pollution worldwide is mainly from machines, transport and transportation systems. And noise pollution is one of the major cause for deafness and other health hazards.
Every industrial activity is naturally accompanied by noise. According to World Health Organization (WHO),
exposure to levels of noise exceeding safe limits (anything over 50 decibels), can be detrimental to hearing and has the risk of contributing to high blood pressure, strokes, and even heart attacks.
Facilities and processing equipments in the petroleum industries are mostly constructed and located on open-frame steel structures. And while on operation, this processing equipments produce unique noise.
These operations which include pumps, compressors, blowers, agitators and coolers, run out in the open, with limited barriers in place to restrict equipment noise from carrying beyond the confines of the plant.
An earplug is used to reduce the sound that enters the eardrum. An earplug is a device that is meant to be put in the ear canal to protect users ears from loud noises. Therefore, for sounds or noise reduction, earplugs can be used in conjunction with earmuffs.
References:
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
