Evaluation of the Production Process and Management of Industrial Effluents by the Congolese Refining Industry Company (SOCIR) in Muanda in Dr Congo


Authors : Mudinga Mudinga Daniel; Katalayi Mutombo Hilaire; Sambu Lilu Esther; Nienie Buabitulu Alexis; Ngandote Mutemusa Archal

Volume/Issue : Volume 9 - 2024, Issue 12 - December

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/492sn8ac

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/3777rsk4

DOI : https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14613890

Abstract : The objective of this study is to assess the risks linked to the discharge of industrial effluents from SOCIR into the Congo River. Several physicochemical parameters were taken into account in order to characterize these effluents. The results show that the temperature remained within the standard range, above all as after treatment of the effluents either: 26.6°C for E1 before treatment and 25.8°C for E2 after treatment. The pH remained neutral, above all as after treatment with values tending slightly towards acidity before treatment either, 6.1 for E1 and slightly towards basicity after treatment, i.e. 6.8 for E2. The solid matter (sediment) content in the effluent remains relatively low, a little low before treatment, 0.9 for E1, and very low after treatment, 0.1 for E2. Our samples have a low hydrocarbon content for E1 and a total absence of hydrocarbon after treatment for E2. The chemical oxygen demand presents values lower than the maximum provided for by the standard, i.e. 68.0 for E1 and 26.0 for E2 at the outlet. As for the biochemical oxygen demand, this has a high value at the inlet, moderately higher than the standard which requires an almost zero value (tending to zero) for any effluent deemed potable, but this is 33.0 for E1 before treatment and decreases considerably after treatment for E2, i.e. 12.0. Thus, the DCO/DBO ratio of our samples gives values less than 3 before, as well as after treatment; either for E1: 2 < 3; and E2: 2.1< 3, hence referring to the classification according to the aptitude for biodegradation by Rodier (2009), we conclude that SOCIR effluents after treatment remain easily biodegradable and comply with the API standards in force in the company and therefore present a low risk of contamination after discharge into the Congo River. Despite these results, a series of recommendations was made to the company and the Congolese State.

Keywords : Assessment, Process, Management, Production, Effluent.

References :

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The objective of this study is to assess the risks linked to the discharge of industrial effluents from SOCIR into the Congo River. Several physicochemical parameters were taken into account in order to characterize these effluents. The results show that the temperature remained within the standard range, above all as after treatment of the effluents either: 26.6°C for E1 before treatment and 25.8°C for E2 after treatment. The pH remained neutral, above all as after treatment with values tending slightly towards acidity before treatment either, 6.1 for E1 and slightly towards basicity after treatment, i.e. 6.8 for E2. The solid matter (sediment) content in the effluent remains relatively low, a little low before treatment, 0.9 for E1, and very low after treatment, 0.1 for E2. Our samples have a low hydrocarbon content for E1 and a total absence of hydrocarbon after treatment for E2. The chemical oxygen demand presents values lower than the maximum provided for by the standard, i.e. 68.0 for E1 and 26.0 for E2 at the outlet. As for the biochemical oxygen demand, this has a high value at the inlet, moderately higher than the standard which requires an almost zero value (tending to zero) for any effluent deemed potable, but this is 33.0 for E1 before treatment and decreases considerably after treatment for E2, i.e. 12.0. Thus, the DCO/DBO ratio of our samples gives values less than 3 before, as well as after treatment; either for E1: 2 < 3; and E2: 2.1< 3, hence referring to the classification according to the aptitude for biodegradation by Rodier (2009), we conclude that SOCIR effluents after treatment remain easily biodegradable and comply with the API standards in force in the company and therefore present a low risk of contamination after discharge into the Congo River. Despite these results, a series of recommendations was made to the company and the Congolese State.

Keywords : Assessment, Process, Management, Production, Effluent.

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