An overview of the oil lakes in Kuwait: The problem and remedial methods

Abstract

The identification, development, and testing of viable bioremediation processes with incentives of conducive economic and environmental aspects are urgently needed to overcome the major challenges faced by the oil lakes in Kuwait. In this paper, the key factors involved in the environmental fate of the oil lakes in the soil and groundwater aquifers are illustrated. In addition, the potential remedial methods to enhance the biodegradation activity as a possible means of cleaning the contaminated soil and/or degrading the existing weathered crude oil in the lakes are identified and discussed.

Analysis on the suitability of exploiting oil-contaminated soils in wearing layer of Asphalt concrete

“…Their study shows that the downward oil/water movement and salt accumulation are restricted to the upper (25-95 cm). Such a saline environment could slow or inhibit the biodegradation process of the crude oil (10), particularly the more biodegradation portions (Bader & Clarkson, 1995).…”

“…As part of the devastating Gulf war on the region in 1990, out of Kuwait 914 operational oil wells, 616 were set on fire, 76 flooded, 99 were seriously damaged (Al-Sarawi & Massoud, 1998;Bader & Clarkson, 1995;Omar, Bhat, & Asem, 2009;Omar, Grealish, & Roy, 2006). Oil well fires have damaged several well heads and casings and resulted in free flowing oil that formed large oil lakes.…”