Pollution caused by crude oil is the most prevalent problem in the environment. The release of crude oil into the environment by oil spills is receiving worldwide attention. Crude oil products represent the one of the most common environmental contaminant / pollutant. Most oil pollution sources are anthropogenic, but there are also some natural sources. Common sources of these products are motor fuel station underground storage tanks, home and commercial heating oil storage tanks, fuel distribution centers, refineries, crude oil production sites and accidental spills. There is evidenced that some organisms, such as high-class plants are able to degrade hydrocarbons and can penetrate the soil. Crude oil is a complex mixture of hydrocarbons. It includes an aliphatic fraction, an aromatic fraction, asphaltenes, and resins. The effect of crude oil pollution on physical and chemical characteristics of soil was investigated by achieving a case study in Perisoru, Braila County. It has been achieved a profile until 120 cm and 3 soundings until 60 cm from where soil samples were collected according to the methodology and analyzed for physical and chemical characteristics point of view. In case of physical analysis, the values obtained for granulometric fractions were not influenced by the presence of crude oil. Results obtained showed variation in chemical properties of soil. Organic carbon increased from 2.23% for an unpolluted soil  to 5.51% in polluted soil. C/N ratios increased from 13 for an unpolluted soil to 21 in polluted soil. Mobile phosphorous and potassium registered in polluted soil similar values with the one characteristic for unpolluted soil. Crude oil at high pollution levels inhibited the growth of crops. Because high concentrations (>1%) of petroleum hydrocarbons in soil have demonstrated phytotoxic properties, as well as the uncertainty about the fate and transport of high concentrations of petroleum in soils and upon human health, the specific fuel nondefault closure levels have maximum limits applied. It is generally recognized that the toxicity, (human and environmental), of petroleum products increases as the molecular weights of the compounds decrease.

crude oil, pollution, physical and chemical characteristics of soil, Braila County.

Presentation: oral