Microbial densities and physico-chemical quality of some crude oil flow stations' saver pit effluents in the Niger Delta Basin of Southern Nigeria

Five crude oil flow stations saver pit effluents were sampledduring the months of May, June, July and August to determinesome of their physico-chemical qualities and microbiologicaldensities before their discharge into the environment. Standardanalytical techniques were employed in the investigation. A highmicrobial density in the range of 10⁶ cfu mL^-1 was observed in the samples. The high coliform count obtained poses apotential threat to the local inhabitants of the area. Thephysico-chemical qualities of the effluents appear to falloutside acceptable standards. The pH of the effluent fell belowthe desirable range of 7.0 to 8.5 in May and August inflowstations 3, 4 and 5. Total dissolved solids were above thehighest desirable levels for most months from June to August inall flowstations. Dissolved oxygen levels fell below minimumdesirable level of 2.0 mg L^-1 in August for flowstations 1, 2, and4. Adequate treatment of the effluent is required especiallyduring the month of August before discharge into the environment.