EFFECT OF DRILLING MUD ON DRILLING PROCESS PIPES, WORKERS AND THE ENVIRONMENT OF NEMBE CREEK IN BAYELSA STATE

Abstract

This study is carried out with primary, secondary and laboratory analysis to identify effect
of drilling mud on drilling process pipes, workers and the environment - severity- on-drilling pipes,
personnel, the environment as well as major areas of exposure to drilling fluids. Passive and active
inductive reasoning and observation was carried out to assess drilling fluid effect on rig workers as
well as a laboratory analysis on both physio-chemical properties of soil and produced water sample
to determine drilling fluid effect on drilling process pipe lines on the Nembe creek trunk line. Reliable
suggestions from this paper will reduce the gap as for seen from other authors such as Wisan
Hussain (2021) effect and hazards of drilling fluid on well drilling workers and administrative
processes adopted in Iraq field. Also, Augusta Ayotamuno (2024), effect of oil-based drilling mud
on physiochemical properties on water quality. Results obtained gave determining factors of the
present for future research on effect of drilling operations around Nembe, Santa braba to new
Calabar River of Bayelsa state. Gaps such as exposure time, handling procedures as well as
management of all activities in synergy as a team with goal zero on operations. According to the result obtained from primary data, there is compromise to standards in areas of exposure time due
to the yell for more money from overtime as well as Organization business profit; Drilling companies undermining the effect of heavy metal physiochemical properties forming low specific activities sludges and scales on pipes thereby increasing effect of corrosion on pipes resulting to cracks and leak. Personnel using not fit for purpose tools as well as lack of replacement of PPE as at when due. Secondary and laboratory assessment met standards in physiochemical parameters of pH (6.8), heavy metal concentration of soil sample, produced water (TDS)1049.4mg, heavy metal concentration in produced water of lead, zinc, copper and barium; all fell below standard in control area range of Federal ministry of Environment. Also, the study as a gap observed from other authors is that personnel lack awareness of hazardous nature of physiochemical properties of chemicals as well as danger of exposure level. The study therefore suggests more strict measures to compliances on standard, training of personnel on treatment of the fluid adequately before reinjection and the government developing frameworks on complete adherence and monitoring or face litigative fines for defaults.