Assessment of the Impact of Petroleum Exploration on Natural Environment

Abstract

This study was conducted in Paloch area, Melut County - Upper Nile State – South Sudan during the period between 2015 -2018. The main objective of the study was to assess the impact of petroleum exploitation on natural environment. Data were collected through used of landsat satellite imageries for years 2000, 2005. 2010 1nd 2015. Also visiting, observations, questionnaire personal interviews and meetings were conducted The satellite imageries obtained were processed and digitally classified using supervised and unsupervised classification. Samples of foliar, soil and water from sites affected by oil produced water, oil wells, chemical waste and control sites were analyzed in laboratory. Also questionnaires were analyzed by using SPSS. Finally, the study found that, soil affected by the pollution of petroleum residuals and large areas of forest land deteriorated by expansion of petroleum exploitation activities. The study recommended that, oil companies should preserved soil and make replantation of deteriorated sites by treated oil produced water for its irrigation.