Natural waters resources contaminated by chemical and petrochemical industries. Quality and treatment possibilities

Abstract

In terms in available natural water resources (surface and groundwater), Romania finds itself within the category of country with a limited potential. Regarding the quality of these resources, the formal statistics reflect their poor quality due to the impact of point emissions and the diffuse emissions, typical for industrial and agricultural activities. It has to be mentioned that the groundwater quality is seriously affected in areas where chemical and petrochemical units are not develop specific activities, especially for individual water consumers (rural households) which are not connected to a centralized drinking water system for treatment. The work presents the compliance evaluation of different water resources versus the applicable legal norms, the investigation being related to rural settlements for different sites in Prahova county (petrochemical industry) and Valcea county (chemical industry). Based on detailed analytical investigations, the following remarks are to be made: the nature and contamination level of organic pollution reflect the influence of petrochemical and chemical plants on the groundwater used as drinking water in surrounding rural settlements; aromatic hydrocarbons (BTEX) and phenolic compounds are present in concentrations over the legal regulations in the groundwater affected by the activity of a petrochemical plant; organohalogenated pesticides (HCH), phenolic compounds and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were identified in natural resources located in the close proximity of a chemical plant; the associated inorganic pollutants for these natural resources is due to the presence of iron, nitrates, phosphates ions. Based on each specific pollution profile the treatment flows for two locations are elaborated in order to assure the compliance of water quality with the enforced regulations.