Petroleum Hydrocarbon Composition of Oily Sludge and Contaminated Soils in a Decommissioned Oilfield Waste Pit under Desert Conditions

Field and laboratory investigations were conducted to characterize the composition of petroleum hydrocarbons in oily sludge underlying contaminated soils a decommissioned oilfield waste pit Kuwait. The results show that hydrocarbon was spatially variable. Highly toxic species such as BTEX PAHs generally lacking, both sludge- soil-borne dominated by long-chain hydrocarbons. soil contamination depth very shallow although localized deep profiles (>0.5 m) found. A loose relationship established between TPH soil. On average, had greater percentage shorter-chain fractions (either aliphatics or aromatics), compared sludge. environmental risk from is considered be relatively low. For cost-effective management decommissioning an pit, containment using soil-capping approach may sufficient minimize possible adverse impacts this represent option superior other costly remediation strategies.