Analysis and treatment of produced water (Igbo-Etche) using natural biocoagulant from <i>Inga edulis</i>

Abstract

Produced water from Igbo-Etche a community in Rivers State (Niger Delta), Nigeria was analyzed and treated with Inga edulis a potential biocoagulant. It was observed that pH value was within the permissible limits of National Environmental Standard and Regulation Enforcement Agency (NESREA) limit of 6.50-9.50. Turbidity value of (49NTU); concentrations for chloride (21,872mg/l), polycyclic aromatics hydrocarbons (90.79 mg/l), oil and grease (17,742 mg/l) were reduced to 2NTU, 6351.7 mg/l, 13.72 mg/l and 2,884 mg/l respectively on treatment with Inga edulis. The biocoagulant had no effect on conductivity and chromium. However, there was an increase in the concentrations of total carbon (TC), total inorganic carbon (TIC), total organic carbon (TOC), biological oxygen demand (BOD) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) after treatment. The concentrations of iron, cadmium, chromium, copper and manganese in the untreated sample were below NESREA/WHO permissible limit. The high concentrations of nickel, zinc and lead in the untreated produce water sample were reduced after treatment with the biocoagulant. The 1.0g/63μg coagulant treatment gave higher reduction than 2.5g/63μg in most parameters.

Keywords: Biocoagulants, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, mutagenic, crude oil, eco-system, biodegradable and teratogenic