Olof Lindén

Comparison of landfarming amendments to improve bioremediation of petroleum hydrocarbons in Niger Delta soils

Large scale landfarming experiments, using an extensive range of treatments, were conducted in the Niger-Delta, Nigeria to study the degradation of oil in contaminated soils. In this work the effect of nutrient addition, biosurfactant, Eisenia fetida (earthworm) enzyme extract, bulking and sorption agents and soil neutralization were tested. It was found that these treatments were successful in removing up to 53% of the total petroleum hydrocarbon in the soil within 16 weeks. A comparison between treatments demonstrated that most were no more effective than agricultural fertilizer addition alone. One strategy that did show better performance was a combination of nutrients, biochar and biosurfactant, which was found to remove 23% more Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPH) than fertilizer alone. However, when performance normalized costs were considered, this treatment became less attractive as a remedial option. Based on this same analysis it was concluded that fertilizer only was the most cost effective treatment. As a consequence, it is recommended that fertilizer is used to enhance the landfarming of hydrocarbon contaminated soils in the Niger Delta. The attenuation rates of both bulk TPH and Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon Criteria Working Group (TPHCWG) fractions are also provided. These values represent one of the first large scale and scientifically tested datasets for treatment of contaminated soil in the Niger Delta region. An inverse correlation between attenuation rates and hydrocarbon molecular weight was observed with heavy fractions showing much slower degradation rates than lighter fractions. Despite this difference, the bioremediation process resulted in significant removal of all TPH compounds independent of carbon number.

Chapter 6 – Marine Pollution

Pollution of the marine environment occurs in many different forms, such as input of chemicals, radioactivity, solid waste, human-induced sedimentation, energy (i.e., heat and noise), as well as in the form of oil spills and what is more and more referred to as “biological pollution” (pathogens, parasites, and invasive species). This chapter describes the different sources, pathways, and threats to marine ecosystems posed by some of the pollutants that are most frequently discussed within research and policy (excluding nutrients and organic material), and attempts to summarize the current and predicted risks associated with marine pollution at a global scale. While pollution can have serious impacts on species and habitats in many areas and regions, the global marine ecosystems may on average be relatively resilient to single types of pollution of typical magnitudes. However, the long-term combined effects of, e.g., chemicals and synergies between different types of pollutants are virtually unknown. Pollution impacts may also undermine the resilience of ecosystems to other stressors such as elevated sea-surface temperatures and ocean acidification. Solid and concise predictions of the future magnitude and impact of marine pollution at global scale are not possible to make, as future global development can take different pathways in terms of, for example, production, transport and consumption patterns of goods, services, and energy.

Oil Contamination In The Niger Delta

ABSTRACT Oil spills in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria has occurred frequently since oil extraction started in the 1950s. The oil spills originates from facilities and pipelines, leaks from agei...

Limitations of the Swedish network coordination of oil spill preparedness

The management of extreme crisis situations in Sweden has shown delays in decisive actions at higher levels during emergencies, such as oil spills. This has been blamed on unclear responsibilities that undermine the decision-making process. Confusing, conflicting, or delayed orders impede response effectiveness. This article uses network analysis and survey responses to examine the Swedish oil spill crisis management network and show the Swedish Coast Guard, Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management, Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency and Oil Spill Advisory Service as central organizations. However, the roles of these organizations need to be clarified and communicated better to other organizations. In order to improve coordination of Swedish oil spill preparedness, it is suggested to formalize and strengthen the roles of these central organizations. Weak connections between municipalities in different counties were also observed. This weakness could be overcome by more frequent exercises across counties to improve familiarity.

Limitations of the Swedish coordination capacity for large oil spills

The inadequacy of the Swedish national emergency management system has been highlighted during several large-scale national emergencies, including forest fires (Vastmanland 2014) and storms (Gudrun...

COMPARING SWEDISH OIL SPILL PREPAREDNESS TO REGIONAL COUNTRIES USING THE RETOS™ EVALUATION TOOL

ABSTRACT 2017-253 Few standardised frameworks are designed to assess the full range of oil spill preparedness activities, from plan development, implementation, equipment, training, exercises, and response sustainability. This paper analyses the international practice of oil spill preparedness measures and compares them to Swedish practice. Friedman’s test and Dunn’s post-test have been used to compare the RETOS™ evaluation scores of Finland, Russia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Germany, Denmark, and Norway to Sweden. The United States is examined as an external reference. The RETOS™ programme is an Excel tool developed for the International Oil Spill Conference 2008. It is a guide for industry and governments to assess their level of oil spill response, planning, and preparedness management in relation to established criteria, and is intended for international best management practices. Swedish oil spill preparedness is shown to be comparable to the Baltic Sea regional practice. The Swedish RETOS™ evaluati...