Physiochemical Properties of Basrah oil refinery discharges and its potential effects on Shatt Al-Basrah Canal

Abstract

The study was from October 2009 to July 2010 to identify the efficiency of the wastewater treatment system within Basrah Oil Refinery, the discharges posed by drainage pipe, which flows near Shatt Al-Basrah Canal Monitoring was executed on Monthly basis included 18 criteria for the quality of discharged water, including, Water temperature, pH , Total Alkalinity, Turbidity , Total Suspended Solids, Total Dissolve Solids, Hydrogen Sulfide , Sulfate, BOD5, COD, Oil and Grease , Phenols, Nitrates, Phosphates and some Heavy Metals (Lead , Copper, Cadmium and Zinc). Some physiochemical values of refinery wastewater treatment unit were reduced in output(drainage pipe) in comparison with input .The values of some properties were acceptable depending on Iraqi limiting criteria except turbidity ,Total dissolved solids, Sulfide, Sulfate ,COD, Oil &Grease, Phenols. Water quality of Shatt Al-Basrah canal was influenced by some extreme values of refinery discharges seasonally. The study concluded that the wastewater treatment system was relatively efficient to reduce levels of oils and grease and total suspended solids, but it lacks for an integrated treatment units. There were potential impact of Basrah oil refinery discharge on Shatt Al-Basrah canal because of some problems in the treatment system that minimizes hazardous waste in the refinery.