Identification of environmental aspects and oil pollution pressure on spontaneous flora in the Patos-Marinëz industrial area

• Published in: Albanian journal of agricultural sciences 2013-12, Vol.12 (4), p.729-733
• Main Authors: Shehu, Alma, Mullai, Alfred, Shallari, Seit
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: aspect; Environmental aspects; Food chains; Human error; Hydrocarbons; oil; Oil fields; Oil pollution; Petroleum industry; Pollution; pressure; spontaneous flora; Vegetation; Water pollution
• ISSN: 2218-2020; 2218-2020

Oil industry activities have contributed to environmental pollution in general showing direct impacts on ecosystems and living creatures. Hydrocarbons are hydrophobic or water-insoluble, making difficult their removal or degradation from terrestrial environment. The aim of the study is the "identification of environmental aspects causing environmental impacts and assessment of oil pollution pressure on spontaneous vegetation. The study area is the oil field of Patos-Marinëz. In the area under study, the pollution lies in about 200 km2, of which 60000 ha are farmland. The water receiver environment of the oil industry emissions is Gjanica River. The effects extend to Seman River delta and then to the Adriatic Sea. Consequently, the water pollution causes impacts on living creatures in marine aquatic environments. These impacts can be accumulated in the marine and terrestrial food chain endangering human health. Leaks from well mouths, oil leaks and water layer leaks from the well hole, discharges and emissions from Ballsh Processing Plant, fluid collection groups and pipelines leaks are some of the most important environmental aspects in the study area. The dominant species of the spontaneous flora are Glyceria plicata dhe Sparganium erectum accompanied by a large number of species. Natural vegetation in this area is degraded and a reduction of the photosynthesis activity is observed. Pollution control and rehabilitation of the area are necessary.