The Impacts Of The Oil Industry Development On The Soil Pollution, A Case Study Fula And Jake Oil Fields In Western Kordofan State, Sudan

Abstract

Over the decades, the oil industry's development has had significant impacts on the natural environment, including soil. This study aims to investigate the impact of the development of the oil industry on soil pollution in the Fula and Jake oil fields in West Kordofan, Sudan. To achieve this goal, the study used the results of laboratory tests conducted on soil samples, as well as the observation method, in addition to secondary data and studies related to soil pollution. The results of the study showed the presence of concentrations of hydrocarbons (TPH) with a total of 3044.72 tons of contaminated soil in the Fula field and a total of 15139.72 tons of contaminated soil in the Jake field, exceeding the recommended limit. Concentrations of heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb, and Zn) were also observed in soil samples in the Fula and Jake oil fields. These concentrations exceeded what is recommended by the World Health Organization, the Sudanese authorities, and the US Environmental Protection Agency, which indicates a risk to human health if this contaminated soil interacts with groundwater or surface water during the rainy season. The study recommended the necessity of activating government oversight of oil companies and conducting studies to detect any pollution or health risks that threaten the environment and negatively affect the health of animals, plants, and humans.