Cogitation on Hydrocarbon Contaminants in Shallow Groundwater around Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company, Nigeria

Abstract

Kaduna refinery is the third petroleum refinery in Nigeria which consists of the fuels, lubricants and petrochemical plants. An investigation was carried out on groundwater around the refinery to ascertain the presence of hydrocarbon contaminants. Twenty-six groundwater samples were collected in the dry and rainy seasons and analyzed for identification of aromatic compounds followed by the analysis of five selected samples for the individual compounds of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX) determination. Only one sample out of the twenty-six indicated the presence of aromatic hydrocarbons. The sample was selected with four others for the GC-MS analysis. None of the samples confirmed the presence of BTEX in groundwater of the area. Benzene derivative compounds were however, found in one sample. Installation of properly designed monitoring wells around the refinery was recommended for continuous groundwater monitoring.