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Response of microalgae
from mud-flats to petroleum hydrocarbons in the presence of
nitrogenous fertilizer effluents
A. Adoki
Health
Safety and Environment, Shell Petroleum Development Co. Ltd,
P.O. Box 263, Old Aba Road, Port Harcourt, Nigeria. E-mail:
akuro.adoki@shell.com.
Accepted
6 February, 2008 |
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Untreated industrial waste (effluent) from out-fall of the
National fertilizer company of Nigeria (NAFCON) was found to
be weakly alkaline with a pH of 7.8. Total dissolved solids
and sulphate were relatively high with levels of 2052 and
1599 mg/l, respectively. Nitrogen as ammonia was high in
comparison to nitrate nitrogen. Phosphate was also found to
be low in concentration. Using indigenous microalgae and
aeration, there was a reduction in nutrients; NH4+,
NO3-, PO43- and
SO42-. However, in the presence of the
hydrocarbon, there was delayed nutrient uptake. The
consequence of this response was the observed reductions in
chlorophyll content, biomass, etc. There was however a quick
recovery in the oiled systems.
Key
words:
Industrial, effluent, petroleum, mudflat, microalgae,
nitrogenous, fertilizer, response. |
