The Impact of Petroleum Hydrocarbons on the Quality of Groundwater Surrounding Fuel Stations

This study aims to assess the quality of groundwater surrounding fuel stations in Sabratha, Libya, by analyzing samples from the eastern and western stations for a set of key chemical and physical indicators. The comprehensive analysis included measurements of total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total dissolved solids (TDS), pH, sulfates (SO₄²⁻), and nitrates (NO₃⁻). The results revealed severe contamination, with TPH levels (9.4 mg/L at the eastern station and 8.0 mg/L at the western station) exceeding the permissible limit (0.01 mg/L) by more than 800 times, confirming significant petroleum pollution due to leakage from underground storage tanks. This hydrocarbon contamination is further supported by dangerously high COD levels (1032 mg/L and 791 mg/L) and elevated TDS readings (3155 mg/L and 1880 mg/L), indicating a substantial organic load and overall degradation of water quality. In contrast, pH levels (6.68–6.85), sulfate concentrations (122–148 mg/L), and nitrate levels (4.0–4.6 mg/L) remained within acceptable limits, effectively ruling out agricultural or natural geological sources and conclusively identifying fuel stations as the primary source of contamination. These findings highlight a clear and urgent environmental and public health threat, necessitating immediate intervention strategies, including source containment, advanced aquifer remediation, and the implementation of alternative safe drinking water solutions for the affected community.