Concentrations of Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Soil Samples Adjacent to Oil Facilities and Fields in Basrah: A Geo-Environmental Study

Abstract

This study aims to detect residual concentrations of aromatic hydrocarbons in soil samples collected from areas affected by oil pollution near oil facilities and fields, as well as from uncontaminated areas, which were used as control samples. Samples were collected from 13 locations between November 2023 and February 2024, and laboratory methods involving digestion and extraction were employed to determine the concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).

The findings indicate elevated concentrations of petroleum hydrocarbons in soil samples collected within or near oil facilities and fields, suggesting significant contamination resulting from oil-related activities. In contrast, the control samples did not exhibit notable hydrocarbon pollution, reinforcing the impact of industrial oil operations on contamination levels.

The study emphasizes the need for caution when approaching areas with intensive oil activity and advises against direct interaction with contaminated soil. Additionally, it calls for continuous monitoring and proposes guidelines for assessing carbon pollution levels to mitigate environmental risks.