Comprehensive Investigation of the HP14 Hazardous Property of Oil-Contaminated Wastes
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.26565/2410-7360-2026-64-32Keywords:
ecotoxicity, drilling sludge, drilling waste, biotesting, HP14, oil-containing waste, environmental risk, waste classificationAbstract
Introduction. The assessment of hazardous properties of industrial waste, particularly ecotoxicity (HP14), is a key element of environmental safety and sustainable waste management. Conventional chemical classification methods based on the determination of individual toxic components often fail to adequately reflect the real ecological risk of complex multicomponent waste matrices. This is especially relevant for oil-containing drilling sludge generated during oil extraction and processing. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the ecotoxic properties of drilling waste containing petroleum residues using both physicochemical analysis and biological testing in accordance with EU Regulation 2017/997 and relevant Ukrainian regulatory requirements.
Methods. Samples of drilling sludge containing residual drilling fluid were collected from wells No. 150 and 152 of the Velykobubnivske oil field (Sumy region, Ukraine). Physicochemical characterization included determination of pH, moisture content, mineral and organic fractions, petroleum hydrocarbon content, and concentrations of heavy metals. Hazard classification based on chemical composition was performed according to national waste classification procedures. To assess biological toxicity, chronic toxicity bioassays were conducted using the aquatic crustacean Ceriodaphnia affinis as a test organism. Toxicity criteria included statistically significant reductions in survival and reproduction compared with control groups over approximately seven days.
Results. Physicochemical analysis showed that both waste samples consisted predominantly of mineral components with alkaline pH values (10–11) and relatively low concentrations of heavy metals. The total content of toxic substances of hazard classes I–III was below established regulatory thresholds, which initially indicated the absence of the hazardous property HP14. However, bioassay results revealed chronic toxicity of aqueous extracts corresponding to water quality class 4 (polluted). The observed biological response indicated significant ecotoxic effects despite low measured concentrations of individual toxicants. This discrepancy is likely due to combined effects of multiple contaminants, the presence of unaccounted organic compounds, differences in bioavailability, and chemical transformations occurring in aqueous environments.
Conclusions. The study demonstrates that chemical analysis alone may underestimate the ecological hazard of complex industrial wastes such as drilling sludge. Bioassay results provided evidence of ecotoxicity not predicted by physicochemical data, highlighting the importance of integrated assessment approaches combining chemical and biological methods. Implementation of standardized biotesting procedures is recommended for reliable classification of waste according to HP14 criteria and for environmentally sound waste management decisions. Such integrated methodologies can improve ecological risk assessment, support regulatory compliance, and enhance environmental protection in areas affected by oil industry activities.
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