AI Summary & Key Takeaways
AI InsightThe findings highlight the need for continued monitoring, seasonal sampling, surface/groundwater and sediment assessment, and further ecological risk evaluation in the Patos–Marinza oilfield region.
📌 3 Key Takeaways
Abstract
This study investigated the occurrence and distribution of petroleum-related hydrocarbons in surface waters from the Patos–Marinza area, which is the most important oil-producing regions in Albania. Surface water samples were collected in April 2026 from different water bodies (rivers, drainage channels, streams, etc), near Belin, Marinza and Zharrëz. Water samples were analysed for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), BTEX compounds (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, o-, m- and p-xylenes) and n-alkanes (C10-C26) using gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC/FID). The aim was to evaluate the level of hydrocarbon contamination in environmental matrices (water samples) and to identify the most impacted sites. In surface waters, total PAH concentrations ranged from 0.289 to 1.806 mg/L, total BTEX from 0.089 to 3.344 mg/L, and total n-alkanes from 0.222 to 1.557 mg/L. The higher contamination in water samples was found in Marinza, mainly due to elevated BTEX concentrations, especially benzene, toluene and ethylbenzene. The presence of BTEX, PAHs and n-alkanes in surface waters suggests mixed hydrocarbon contamination, likely associated with oil extraction, transport, runoff, atmospheric deposition and weathered petroleum residues. Surface waters were affected by recent inputs of volatile aromatic hydrocarbons because of hydrocarbon lower solubility in water. The findings highlight the need for continued monitoring, seasonal sampling, surface/groundwater and sediment assessment, and further ecological risk evaluation in the Patos–Marinza oilfield region.