An Analytical Study on Petroleum Hydrocarbons Contamination in the Urban Environment of Basra City, Southern Iraq

Abstract

The present study aims to analyze the spatial and seasonal variations in levels of petroleum hydrocarbons at the urban environment of Basra City. This is made by determination of their concentrations in water, ambient air, and soils. Several samples were collected from different sampling stations during 2009. The determination of hydrocarbons in water samples was carried out using the procedure of UNESCO, and the hydrocarbons in ambient air were measured by the portable gas detector of Drager CMS, whereas the determination of hydrocarbons in soils was conducted as described in Al-Saad. The findings demonstrated that seasonal variations in hydrocarbon concentrations which were increased during winter for both water and soil samples, while increased during summer for ambient air samples. Moreover, there were spatial variations in hydrocarbon concentrations which were significantly higher at the sampling stations located within the urban center in comparison with those in the suburbs. The recorded values were ranged from 0.11 to 190.5 µg/l in water samples, from ≥ 20 to 29.3 ppm in ambient air samples, and from 0.56 to 41.58 µg/gmdry weight in soil samples. Some concentrations lies within high levels of exposure, which may give rise to adverse health consequences.