An Overview of Petroleum Hydrocarbon Pollution in Iraq (original) (raw)

2024, An Overview of Petroleum Hydrocarbon Pollution in Iraq

Iraq is a major energy provider. Its oil production is among the first world-class. Oil is generally produced onshore. Its transportation and dependence on outdated technology cause frequent large oil spills with possible ecological impact. The saline environment makes oil removal difficult. Many Iraqi oil fields contain light hydrocarbons and young crude, making the oil more volatile, and it partially evaporates, leaving a thick, viscous, and tarry substance. The high benzene, toluene, and xylene content of this crude makes it hazardous for the environment. The Iraqi environment is one of the richest clues for mankind regarding its early civilization. There are several unique freshwater marsh ecosystems in Iraq. Many species develop in such a unique setting, attracting researchers and eco-tourists. Oil pollution has been one of the main hazards that the Iraqi environment has faced since the 1950s. Any catastrophic war or negligence could mean more spills are to be expected. This text presents a general overview of petroleum hydrocarbon pollution in Iraq. It covers almost all aspects of petroleum hydrocarbon pollution in various forms. Oil is a heterogeneous substance composed of a wide variety of hydrocarbons. It is a complex mixture of aliphatic, alicyclic, and aromatic compounds that can be original natural products or compounds produced by thermal and chemical alteration of the original hydrocarbons in the crude oil or during migration and/or environmental processes. The hydrocarbons found in petroleum bear diverse molecular structures with a wide range of physical and chemical properties. This text further details land oil spills, aquatic oil spills, tar production, and oil release into the atmosphere, besides geological oil deterioration and underground oil reservoir environments. Finally, a section covers the general conclusions and recommendations for future work.