Assessing Groundwater Contamination Risks Near Petrochemical Industries in the Gulf Coast

Thesis Abstract

Groundwater contamination poses a significant environmental and public health concern in the Gulf Coast region, where dense petrochemical industries operate amidst increasing urbanization and resource exploitation. This study aims to assess the potential risks of groundwater pollution attributable to petrochemical industry activities, specifically focusing on identifying contamination sources, evaluating the spatial distribution of pollutants, and determining the vulnerability of local aquifers. The research is driven by the necessity to develop an evidence-based framework for monitoring and mitigating groundwater hazards in industrial zones, thereby safeguarding community health and ecological integrity. The primary objectives of the study include (1) quantifying the concentration levels of key pollutants such as benzene, toluene, phenols, and heavy metals in groundwater samples collected from areas surrounding petrochemical complexes; (2) mapping the spatial distribution of these contaminants using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) techniques; (3) analyzing the correlation between industry operational parameters—such as production intensity and waste management practices—and groundwater quality using multiple regression analysis; and (4) assessing the vulnerability of groundwater using the DRASTIC model integrated with local hydrogeological data. A mixed-methods research design was employed, combining quantitative chemical analysis with qualitative assessments of industry practices and hydrogeological conditions. The study population comprises 15 boreholes strategically located within a 10-kilometer radius of five major petrochemical facilities along the Gulf Coast. A total of 150 water samples were collected over a twelve-month period, with sampling conducted quarterly to account for seasonal variations. Water samples were analyzed in accredited laboratories using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) for organic pollutants and Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) for heavy metals, ensuring high analytical precision and detection limits. Data analysis involved descriptive statistical methods to characterize pollutant concentrations, spatial analysis via ArcGIS for visualization of contamination hotspots, and multiple regression models to identify significant predictors of groundwater quality. The vulnerability assessment integrated the DRASTIC model with field hydrogeological data, including aquifer transmissivity and recharge rates, to develop a composite vulnerability index. To interpret the findings within a theoretical framework, the study adopted the Risk-Based Environmental Management theory, which emphasizes the quantification and mitigation of environmental hazards based on probability and impact assessments, and the Pollution-Hydrogeology Interaction model, which explicates the dynamic interactions between industrial emissions and aquifer properties. Expected outcomes include the identification of critical contamination zones with elevated levels of hydrocarbons and heavy metals, a demonstrable relationship between industry operational parameters and groundwater quality deterioration, and a spatial vulnerability map highlighting at-risk aquifer zones. These findings are anticipated to contribute novel empirical data to the limited body of knowledge on petrochemical-related groundwater risks in the Gulf Coast, and to refine existing models of contamination spread. The study further aims to offer a practical decision-support framework for policymakers, industry regulators, and local communities to implement targeted groundwater protection and pollution mitigation strategies. The research concludes that groundwater in proximity to petrochemical industries in the Gulf Coast is at substantial risk of contamination, necessitating stricter regulatory enforcement and community-based monitoring programs. Recommendations include the installation of continuous groundwater quality monitoring stations, adoption of cleaner production practices within petrochemical plants, and enhancement of hydrogeological data collection to improve vulnerability assessments. Future research should explore long-term trends through longitudinal studies and extend the scope to include social perception and economic impacts related to groundwater contamination, thereby fostering holistic environmental management strategies.