Effect of Drilling Fluid Additives on the Niger Delta Environment: -A Case Study of the Soku Oil Fields

Abstract

The effect of drilling fluid additives on the Soku oil fields environment has been examined. Soil and reserve pits in various locations were assessed for some physico-chemical characteristics and heavy metal content using standard methods for water and wastewater analysis. Plant growth and other biomass were also assessed. The result showed that the levels of most physiochemical characteristics are generally within the limits of guidelines by regulatory authorities. However, trace metal levels are generally below toxic levels, except Fe, Ca and Mg, which were higher than recommended values. These high values of Fe, Ca and Mg (17.70-220.2; 11.03-296.80; and 12.62-75.71 ppm) respectively are characteristic of the Niger Delta Swamp soils. Also a poor plant growth was observed in the immediate vicinity of location of drilling operations, an indication of the toxic effect of drilling fluids on the environment.