IIARD International Institute of Academic Research and Development

International Journal of Engineering and Modern Technology (IJEMT )

E-ISSN 2504-8848
P-ISSN 2695-2149
VOL. 11 NO. 2 2025
DOI: 10.56201/ijemt.vol.11.no2.

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Discovery of the Features of Salinity on Natural Gas Condensate Degradation in Marine and Estuarine Environments

Hezekiah, Andrew Nwosi, Wosu, Chimene Omeke

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Abstract

The investigation into the impact of salinity on the degradation of Natural Gas Condensate in saltwater environments was comprehensively conducted, highlighting the pivotal role salinity plays in both biodegradation and the chemical transformation of these hydrocarbons within marine and estuarine ecosystems. This study delves into the dynamic interplay between varying salinity levels and their effects on degradation kinetics, as well as the compositional alterations of natural gas condensates under saline conditions. A detailed kinetic model was developed to elucidate how different concentrations of salinity both low and high affect the degradation processes of Natural Gas Condensate. Attention was directed towards understanding the inhibitory effects that salinity exerts on biological and chemical degradation mechanisms. The Natural Gas Condensate, sourced from an esteemed oil-servicing firm in Port Harcourt, while thorough microbial analysis of the surrounding water samples facilitated the identification, isolation, and characterization of the diverse microorganisms present in the ecosystem. A comparative analysis of the degradation rates of individual hydrocarbon components within the saline medium was performed, drawing on empirical data obtained from the experimental setups. The findings underscored the significant influence of salinity on the degradation rates, solubility, emulsification behaviors, and pathways of microbial degradation of Natural Gas Condensate. It was observed that halophilic microbial communities played a crucial role in accelerating the breakdown of lighter alkanes, which demonstrated greater susceptibility to biodegradation. Conversely, the heavier hydrocarbon fractions displayed a marked persistence, attributed to their reduced bioavailability in saline conditions. The study also revealed that salinity-induced alterations in interfacial tension and oxidative processes were critical factors contrib

keywords:

Salinity, Natural Gas Condensate, Biodegradation, Marine Environmental

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