Assessment of the quality of surface water from selected area of active oil exploitation

Abstract

In this work, the studies of various physico-chemical parameters of surface waters originated from the selected area of oil exploitation in the south of Poland are presented. The water samples were collected from streams and ponds or directly from surface tanks situated in the vicinity of operating wells. The observed values of different parameters like pH, odor, color, turbidity, electroconductivity, concentration of sulfate, chloride, nitrate, iron, calcium, magnesium, ammonium, alkanity, dissolved oxygen or petroleum contamination of samples were compared with standard values recommended by the WHO (World Health Organization) and the relevant Polish Regulation. Preliminary studies show that investigated surface waters are slightly affected by anthropogenic pollution. The main two sources of contamination of water from the study area are agriculture and mining industry.