Search

The environmental, social, and economic challenges associated with the massive activities of the oil and gas industry require analysis and evaluation of companies' sustainability priorities. Evaluating the environmental performance of oil companies requires the application of strict mathematical tools and models that provide rigorous results. Multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) is a rigorous tool that evaluates the performance and practices of oil and sustainable energy companies. However, classical multi-criteria decision analysis has problems related to inconsistency because of the subjective nature of pairwise comparisons. This study responded to the literature call by utilizing the weight fuzzy judgment method (WFJM) to determine the weight coefficients of criteria with zero consistency. Such a method employed criteria values and expert judgment for decision-making to create a bridge between the mathematical approach and the human approach. This study aims to develop a solid decision support system by evaluating and benchmarking 11 companies utilizing the fuzzy judgment method based on fuzzy theory and the VIekriterijumsko KOmpromisno Rangiranje (VIKOR) method to determine sustainability priorities for oil and gas companies. The oil companies' criteria were efficiently weighted by the fuzzy judgment method, and the organizational capabilities represented the greatest weight value of 0.128, whilst the low-weight criteria were the high costs of technologies at 0.080. Besides, the benchmarking results for oil companies revealed that COM 8 was the best, whilst COM 11 was the worst. The fuzzy judgment technique is a unique approach to solving complicated decision-making problems, and its influence can be significant. Furthermore, this method can be applied in sectors other than energy, including banking, medical services, and engineering, where decision-making is not straightforward and requires a systematic approach. [Display omitted] • We developed a novel method called the weight fuzzy judgment method (WJSM). • This study arised the decision matrix based on 9 main criteria and 11 alternatives. • This study evaluated oil and gas companies' sustainability behaviors. • A comparison analysis was conducted between WJSM and BWM methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent articles have demonstrated the knowledge and accuracy of oil corporations' predictions made since the 1950s on the effects of their products on the global environment. But can the early relationship between oil corporations and national governments and lack of climate actions by both actors count as ecocide? If so, should remedial strategies appeal to freer markets for oil or greater state regulation? Cast within the wide context of investigating the collusion at play between powerful political-economic actors and decision-makers as monopolists and debates about 'the modern corporation and private property' (Berle and Means, 1932/2017), 'the new industrial state' (Galbraith, 1967), and 'the economic theory of regulation' (Stigler, 1971), the paper reviews the contentious relationship between states, corporations, and markets. Specifically, the article probes strategies of oil corporations and national governments intended to delay the inclusion of environmental concerns in policies and avoid accountability. Our method of content analysis of articles, reports, and international declarations of different actors and periods relies on a qualitative methodology and ontology of critical realism. We find that not only did oil corporations hide the truth, but also that national governments, that knew (or should have known) about the threat posed by oil industrial activities and which have wider responsibilities than corporations, did not act and are (at least) as responsible and as 'ecocidal' in what could be called an oil TNC-state alliance. Accordingly, we open the avenues for redressing an evolutionary shift from markets and states to commons, and embedding power within communities (Polanyi, 1945) along with a more universal right to bring a case of ecocide against both transnational oil corporations and states that collude with them. • National governments were, as shareholders of oil companies, potentially aware of global warming before the 1970s. • There is a lack of accountability of transnational companies and national governments for the current environmental crisis. • Local communities affected by oil activities need more support to bring their cases to oil companies' home country. • The absence of constraining and applicable rules stems from a lack of political independence and will. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the increase of environmental concerns in recent years and the prevalence of such issues, which originate mainly from large industries and manufacturing plants, green supply chain management (GSCM) issues have been given special attention among researchers. GSCM is a group of management applications integrating supply chain management with criteria related to environment and supplier selection with the purpose of reducing environmental pollution caused by processes involved in a company supply chain. In this research the main contributions is to draw a decision-making structure addressing the applicability of the green supplier selection (GSS) and order allocation (OA) problem in an Iranian Oil refinery company. A combination of Cloud-PROMETHEE along with using GBWM was taken into account for GSS as the first phase and MCGP method for OA as the second phase, in order to solve the GSSOA problem. The proposed technique lets the vagueness and uncertainty of experts' judgments be obtained by assisting uncertain linguistic variable derived from the cloud model. Furthermore, the group best-worst method (GBWM) obtains the optimal criteria weights by forming a nonlinear programing model and the prioritizing of nominated suppliers is established using the PROMETHEE method with the possibility to pick a distinct preference function for each criterion and draw a graph of supplier preferences. At last, MCGP method was applied considering with the possibility of multi-choice aspiration levels (MCAL) for each goal. The suggested model illustrated with actual figures in an oil refinery to provide insight to decision-makers of green supplier selection and order allocation. To do so, initially nine criteria have been derived after vast research on literature and experts' opinions. Then the suppliers was successfully evaluated with considering uncertainties and randomness in a group of decision maker judgments. The order allocation was also completed by minimizing total cost and delays and maximizing purchase using results of supplier ranking in the first phase. Results have shown that the supplier with better ranking in GSS is preferred in allocating orders. A sensitivity analysis then performed and confirmed that the suggested method is highly stable against different changes in the data. The proposed method was also compared with the basic MCGDM cloud model and the method is approved. Finally, managerial implications and conclusions for additional researches are demonstrated. • A novel MADM model entitled CLOUD-PROMETHEE model is introduced. • This model is a combination of uncertainty concerns and MADM methods. • A real study in an Oil refinery was solved and numerical data was provided. • Uncertain linguistic variables were utilized in data collection from experts. • Sensitivity analysis was conducted to illustrate the applicability of model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growing global awareness of social and environmental issues has led investors to prioritize sustainable investments. This study examines the relationship between ten Islamic and conventional sector indices, which include stocks screened for environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors, across three energy-related fields: renewable energy, energy efficiency, and oil equipment and services. Using a quantile cross-spectral approach, this research finds a high level of long-term synchronization among all energy-related sectors and indices. However, as markets shift from bearish to bullish, the current relationship between energy-related sectors and Islamic and conventional indices weakens. To support the findings in this research and investigate potential financial implications, this investigation applies a causality-in-quantiles approach. The research in this study shows a bidirectional causal relationship between conventional and Islamic indices, particularly in the energy efficiency sector during bearish market conditions. At lower tails, ESG market indices are found to cause renewable energy products, suggesting a hedging mechanism. The findings of this study assert that investments that do not possess any ESG shortcomings are imperative for effectively bolstering renewable energy companies and fostering opportunities for energy efficiency. These conclusions hold considerable ramifications for energy policymakers as they strive to devise more robust financial mechanisms that can provide substantial support to the burgeoning green sector. [Display omitted] • Nexus of three heterogenous energy-connected areas and sectoral investments studied. • Considerable dependence of budding health care-related investments on renewables. • Distinguished coherence of conventional financials stocks on all energy companies. • The renewable energy sector could benefit from ESG investments. • Shariah indices are more associated with renewables industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Carboxymethylchitosan (CMC) was prepared and characterized by UV–vis, FT-IR and NMR. • The synthesis conditions led to a DS of 0.45 and water-solubility in all pH range. • CMC performance as a scale inhibitor was evaluated under physicochemical conditions of oil wells. • CMC acted as an environment friend scale inhibitor of CaCO 3 under synthetic brine, at 1000 psi and 70 °C. • SEM images showed that CaCO 3 crystals were deformed by CMC. A water-soluble carboxymethylchitosan (CMC) was prepared in water/isopropanol (2/8) medium, at 10 °C, and characterized by UV–vis, FT-IR and NMR techniques. Its performance as an environmentally friendly scale inhibitor in oil wells was evaluated under the physicochemical conditions of oil wells in northeast of Brazil, by using SEM, visual compatibility and dynamic tube blocking test. The synthesis conditions led to a degree of carboxymethylation of 0.45 and water-solubility in all pH range studied (1–11). CMC acted as a scale inhibitor of CaCO 3 under synthetic brine medium, presenting a minimum inhibitor concentration (MIC) of 170 ppm (1000 psi, T = 70 °C). SEM images showed that CaCO 3 crystals were deformed by CMC, which was attributed to effective interactions of CMC through its carboxylate ions and lone pair of electrons on OH and NH 2 groups with calcium ions, preventing scale deposition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapid urbanization and industrial growth have caused massive increase in the number and the production capacities of oil industries. Such industries release a wide-range of ambient acidic gases, particulate matters (PMs) and trace metals into the environment. They can also undergo chemical transformation and nucleation to form new chemical species and secondary aerosols. These pollutants are potentially carcinogenic and may cause cardiorespiratory, pulmonary mortalities and morbidities to the exposed population through inhalation, ingestion and dermal contact. Hence, the main objective of this review study was to identify various approaches used in monitoring, measurement, and control of ambient acidic gases, PMs and trace metals from oil industries. The review study revealed that PM 10/2.5 , SO 2 , NO 2 , and trace metals were the widely reported ambient air pollutants released from oil industries. Cancer and respiratory diseases were the major health effects associated with such emissions. Air quality monitoring stations, samplers and dispersion models were found as the main approaches used to determine the emissions. Moreover, recommendations on ultrafine particles, Nano-particle and long-range transportation exposure assessments of pollutants were explored. Apart from that, the fate of pollutants, properties, routes of exposure, human health risk assessments and new approaches of emerging control technologies (Fenton and Ultrasonic reactions mainly on SO 2 , NOx and Hg reductions) were systematically reviewed. Finally, additional research on exposure assessment of oil industry emissions by private companies and government agencies was discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapid urbanization and industrial growth have caused massive increase in the number and the production capacities of oil industries. Such industries release a wide-range of ambient acidic gases, particulate matters (PMs) and trace metals into the environment. They can also undergo chemical transformation and nucleation to form new chemical species and secondary aerosols. These pollutants are potentially carcinogenic and may cause cardiorespiratory, pulmonary mortalities and morbidities to the exposed population through inhalation, ingestion and dermal contact. Hence, the main objective of this review study was to identify various approaches used in monitoring, measurement, and control of ambient acidic gases, PMs and trace metals from oil industries. The review study revealed that PM10/2.5, SO2, NO2, and trace metals were the widely reported ambient air pollutants released from oil industries. Cancer and respiratory diseases were the major health effects associated with such emissions. Air quality monitoring stations, samplers and dispersion models were found as the main approaches used to determine the emissions. Moreover, recommendations on ultrafine particles, Nano-particle and long-range transportation exposure assessments of pollutants were explored. Apart from that, the fate of pollutants, properties, routes of exposure, human health risk assessments and new approaches of emerging control technologies (Fenton and Ultrasonic reactions mainly on SO2, NOx and Hg reductions) were systematically reviewed. Finally, additional research on exposure assessment of oil industry emissions by private companies and government agencies was discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The paper exploits the possibility of extracting the geometric properties of a polymeric coating of periodic metal layers used in industrial products from non-contact microwave backscattering measurements. Specifically, a flexible pipe having a periodically corrugated metal profile coated with a thick Polivinylidenedifluoride (PVDF) layer, suitable for oil industry applications, has been considered. The combined use of magnitude and phase of the reflected signal, acquired on a wide relative frequency band (∼15%), allows calculating the dielectric filling level and the period of each corrugation with accuracy better than 1/100 of the period length, 21 mm in our case. The results of an experimental campaign, carried out to estimate the accuracy achievable in the operational environment, are also shown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Trace element (As, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, V and Zn) enrichment trends during the past century, were assessed in thirteen 210Pb-dated sediment cores from the southern Gulf of Mexico, with the purpose to evaluate the impact on the environment, and potentially on public health, of the offshore oil industry and of oil spills such as that of the Ixtoc1 well blowout in 1979. The trace element composition was quite homogeneous among cores; and the pre-industrial concentrations of Ba, Cr, Cu and Ni are naturally high in the region, as to reach levels of potential ecological concern. The influence of multiple and simultaneous processes (e.g. industrial activities, natural seeps, fluvial discharges) on the trace element concentrations is difficult to disentangle. Some cores suggested long-term preservation of putative oil spill traces, although it was not possible to attribute their origin. The Al-normalized redox element ratios, and the crude oil contamination ratio, suggested that these events occurred along almost four decades, and that the traces attributed to the Ixtoc1 spill were comparable to background conditions, most likely owing to active natural oil seeps in the area. In most cases there was a trend towards a lowering in the supply of trace elements; this might be associated with environmental controls in the region since the 1980s. This study highlights the relevance of using dated environmental archives to reconstruct the historical trends of trace metal contamination in areas where long-term environmental studies are scarce. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • Metal concentrations and enrichment trends were studied in southern Gulf of Mexico. • Metal enrichment evidenced weak to intense contamination within the past 100 years. • Metals result from simultaneous sources (oil industry, seeps, fluvial discharges). • Reducing metal concentrations since 1980s likely respond to environmental regulation. • Background and recent metal concentrations might be harmful to biota and humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Gulf of Mexico is considered one of the world's major marine ecosystems, supporting important fisheries and habitats such as barrier islands, mangrove forests, seagrass beds, coral reefs etc. It also hosts a range of complex offshore petroleum exploration, extraction, and refining industries, which may have chronic or acute impacts on ecosystem functioning. Previous work on the marine effects of this activity is geographically incomplete, and has tended to focus on direct hydrocarbon impacts, while impacts from other related contaminants (e.g. heavy metals, salt-rich drilling muds) which may be discharged from oil facilities have not been widely assessed. Here, we examine historical trace element accumulation in marine sediments collected from four sites in the Tamaulipas shelf, Gulf of Mexico, in the area of the Arenque oil field. Dated sediment cores were used to examine the sources, and historical and contemporary inputs, of trace metals (including those typically present in oil industry discharges) and their potential biological impact in the Tamaulipas aquatic environment over the last 100 years. CaO (i.e. biogenic component) normalized data showed increasing V, Cr, Zn, Cu, Pb, Zr and Ba towards the sediment surface in three of the four cores, with Ba and V (based on an adverse effect index) possibly associated with adverse effects on organisms. Dated Ba/CaO profiles show an increase of 30–137% after opening of oil installations in the study area, and can be broadly correlated with increasing oil industry activities across the wider Gulf of Mexico. Data do not record however a clear enhancement of Ba concentration in sediment cores collected near to oil platforms over more distal cores, indicating that any Ba released from drilling platforms is incorporated quickly into the sediments around the drilling sites, and once this element has been deposited its rate of resuspension and mobility is low. Capsule abstract Sediment core data from the Tamaulipas shelf show the influence of oil industry activities on selected trace element concentrations, with Ba/CaO broadly correlating with increasing oil industry activities across the wider Gulf of Mexico. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing levels of urbanization around the globe has contributed to the loss of agricultural lands in many exurban zones. Loss of agricultural lands, in many cases, worsens poverty levels of smallholder farmers who depend on subsistence farming – an issue that Sustainable Development Goal number one seeks to address. Land use and land cover (LULC) change studies are widely used to monitor human-induced changes in the environment. This study used multi-temporal satellite images and geographic information systems (GIS) to assess the spatio-temporal dynamics of land use/cover changes in Sekondi-Takoradi, over a 30-year period (1986–2016), to understand how recent historical events and economic policies may have contributed to such changes. Our results suggest that the size of urban land area has nearly doubled through the study period to accommodate the constantly increasing population in the metropolis. This has led to a significant reduction in agricultural lands and an almost complete obliteration of standing forest. Policies enacted during the era of structural adjustment program and the current oil industry seem to have been the main drivers of LULC changes in Sekondi-Takoradi. With the prevailing antagonism between urban expansion and agricultural land use activities, our study asserts the need to control urban sprawl. This will be important to prevent loss of lands dedicated to subsistence farming, if complete eradication of poverty as stipulated by Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) number one will be a realistic goal for the people of Sekondi-Takoradi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oil industries generate large amounts of produced water containing organic contaminants, such as naphthenic acids (NA) and very high concentrations of inorganic salts. Recovery of potable water from produced water can be highly energy intensive in some cases due to its high salt concentration, and safe discharge is more suitable. Here, we explored catalytic properties of iron oxide (Fe x O y nanoparticles) functionalized membranes in oxidizing NA from water containing high concentrations of total dissolved solids (TDS) using persulfate as an oxidizing agent. Catalytic decomposition of persulfate by Fe x O y functionalized membranes followed pseudo-first order kinetics with an apparent activation energy of 18 kcal/mol. Fe x O y functionalized membranes were capable of lowering the NA concentrations to less than discharge limits of 10 ppm at 40 °C. Oxidation state of iron during reaction was quantified. Membrane performance was investigated for extended period of time. A coupled process of advanced oxidation catalyzed by membrane and nanofiltration was also evaluated. Commercially available nanofiltration membranes were found capable of retaining NA from water containing high concentrations of dissolved salts. Commercial NF membranes, Dow NF270 (Dow), and NF8 (Nanostone) had NA rejection of 79% and 82%, respectively. Retentate from the nanofiltration was further treated with advanced oxidation catalyzed by Fe x O y functionalized membrane for removal of NA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artisanal fishing communities are often in conflict with the interests of the oil extraction industry, industrial fishing fleets and tourism. This paper considers Lobitos, a fishing enclave in northern Peru, where the oldest oil settlement in Latin America was established. The primary focus is community organization and development of the fisheries. Using a mixed methods approach, intensive ethnographic observation and analysis of the social networks of the skippers of small-scale fishing vessels was conducted by in-depth interviews with 30 artisanal fishermen, together with a social network survey involving 43 boat captains in Lobitos. The results showed the mistrust and negative attitudes of fishermen towards oil companies and the industrial fishing fleet. However, they expressed positive expectations regarding tourism development, as well as favorable attitudes towards the diversification of fishing activity through tourist services. The networks of acquaintances, social support and exchange of ecological information allowed us to identify three different groups of fishermen according to preferential fishing zones. The skippers of vessels that prefer to fish in intermediate zones have a prominent role, both in terms of local leadership and through the connection with boats belonging to other bays near Lobitos. This subgroup acts as an intermediary in the networks a whole and has an integrated vision of the coastal ecosystem. Network measures and preferential fishing zones can be used as indicators to assess the degree of availability and preparation for the implementation of new uses in the fisheries sector associated with tourism and heritage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silica SBA-15 with spherical morphology was synthesized via the sol-gel method. Analysis by transmission electron microscopy showed that the SBA-15 presents highly organized structure with hexagonal cavities of about 6 nm in diameter. The synthesized SBA-15 was applied as catalyst support of iron nanoparticles with near 20 nm diameters (SBA/Fe - 9% Fe). These iron nanoparticles were used as catalysts for the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process for carbon deposition on the surface of SBA-15 from ethanol, generating a more hydrophobic material, SBA/Fe/C, composed of 7% Fe and 5% C as a complex mixture of organized and disorganized carbon structures. The catalysts were employed in oxidation reactions of two contaminants of the oil industry: quinoline and sulfides. In quinoline oxidation experiments, it was observed that the material containing only iron (SBA/Fe) favors the formation of polymerization products, while SBA/Fe/C is selective for the oxidation reaction. In the sulfide oxidation, the catalyst SBA/Fe has shown to be unstable and did not react properly. On the other hand, the hydrophobized material SBA/Fe/C promoted the sulfide oxidation leading to the formation of polysulfides and sulfur oxides, non-hazardous species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper explores the role of oil infrastructures (upstream, midstream, downstream) in the light of the imminent territorial restructuring due to the Third Industrial Revolution. New socio-economic and energetic dynamics are going to reshape the Second Industrial Revolution's landscapes. It will be necessary to overcome the common vision of oil infrastructures as punctual elements which scatter the territories, so as to recognize their potential as “oil meshes” spread over vast territories. This will contribute to define innovative local development scenarios, integrating socio-ecological dimensions to ancient oil infrastructures (OILANDSCAPES). The paper proposes “Agro-energy parks” as a possible model to reconvert oil meshes through multi-scalar design tools (territorial/landscape/urban/architectural) aiming to couple renewable energies’ production processes to social inclusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A sampling campaign was carried out to assess the impact of the oil field activities on the concentrations of polychlorinated dibenzo- p -dioxins, polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (dl-PCBs) in ambient air at Umm Al-Aish oil field in northern Kuwait. Sixteen samples were collected from March 2014 to January 2015. The concentrations of ΣPCDD/Fs were relatively high (33.6–586 fg I-TEQ/m 3 ; median: 94.7 fg I-TEQ/m 3 ; 31.2 to 516 fg WHO-TEQ 2005 /m 3 ; median: 83.7 fg WHO-TEQ 2005 /m 3 ) compared to those of dl-PCBs (3.9–36.8 WHO-TEQ 2005 /m 3 ; median 9.9 WHO-TEQ 2005 /m 3 ). A unique PCDD/F profile that was not previously reported was found. Further investigations should be conducted to establish whether the dioxin profile found in this study is specific for the desulfurization facility located in the study area or from oil flaring in the oil fields located upstream of the study area. The findings suggest that the oil field activities have a significant impact on the PCDD/F concentration in ambient air but a low or negligible influence on dl-PCBs’ levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stringent and periodic iteration of regulations related to the monitoring of chemical releases from the offshore oil and gas industry requires the use of ever changing, rapidly developing and technologically advancing techniques. Passive samplers play an important role in water column monitoring of produced water (PW) discharge to seawater under Norwegian regulation, where they are used to; i) measure aqueous concentrations of pollutants, ii) quantify the exposure of caged organisms and investigate PW dispersal, and iii) validate dispersal models. This article summarises current Norwegian water column monitoring practice and identifies research and methodological gaps for the use of passive samplers in monitoring. The main gaps are; i) the range of passive samplers used should be extended, ii) differences observed in absolute concentrations accumulated by passive samplers and organisms should be understood, and iii) the link between PW discharge concentrations and observed acute and sub-lethal ecotoxicological end points in organisms should be investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scales, containing naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM), are a major problem in oil production that lead to costly remediation and disposal programmes. In view of environmental protection, radio and chemical characterisation is an essential step prior to waste treatment. This study focuses on developing of a protocol to recover 226 Ra and 210 Pb from scales produced by petroleum industry. X-ray diffractograms of the scales indicated the presence of barite–strontium (Ba 0.75 Sr 0.25 SO 4 ) and hokutolite (Ba 0.69 Pb 0.31 SO 4 ) as main minerals. Quartz, galena and Ca 2 Al 2 SiO 6 (OH) 2 or sphalerite and iron oxide were found in minor quantities. Incineration to 600°C followed by enclosed-digestion and acid-treatment gave complete digestion. Using 133 Ba and 210 Pb tracers as internal standards gave recovery ranged 87–91% for 226 Ra and ca . 100% for 210 Pb. Radium was finally dissolved in concentrated sulphuric acid, while 210 Pb dissolved in the former solution as well as in 8 M nitric acid. Dissolving the scales would provide better estimation of their radionuclides contents, facilitate the determination of their chemical composition, and make it possible to recycle NORM wastes in terms of radionuclides production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Produced water from two Ghanaian offshore production oilfields has been characterized using alpha spectrometry after radiochemical separation, non-destructive gamma spectrometry and ICP-MS and other complimentary analytical tools. The measured concentrations of main NORM components were in the range of 6.2–22.3 Bq.L −1 , 6.4–35.5 Bq.L −1 , and 0.7–7.0 Bq.L −1 for 226 Ra, 228 Ra and 224 Ra respectively. A good correlation between several physico-chemical parameters and radium isotopes was observed in each production oilfield. The radium concentrations obtained in this study for produced water from the two oilfields of Ghana are of radiological importance and hence there may be the need to put in place measures for future contamination concerns due to their bioavailability in the media and bioaccumulation characteristics. The results will assist in critical decision making for future set up of appropriate national guidelines for the management of NORM waste from the emerging oil and gas industry in Ghana. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The oldest refinery and the major petrochemical complexes of Mexico are located in the lower reach of the Coatzacoalcos River, considered the most polluted coastal area of Mexico. A 210 Pb-dated sediment core, from the continental shelf of the Coatzacoalcos River, was studied to assess the contamination impact by the oil industry in the southern Gulf of Mexico. The sedimentary record showed the prevalence of petrogenic PAHs between 1950s and 1970s, a period during which waste discharges from the oil industry were not regulated. Later on, sediments exhibited higher contents of pyrogenic PAHs, attributed to the incineration of petrochemical industry wastes and recurrent wildfires in open dumpsites at the nearby swamps. The total concentration of the 16 EPA-priority PAHs indicated low levels of contamination (<100 ng g −1 ), except a peak value (>1000 ng g −1 ) during the late 1970s, most likely due to the major oil spill produced by the blowout of the Ixtoc-I offshore oil rig in deep waters of the southwestern Gulf of Mexico. Most of the PAH congeners did not show defined temporal trends but, according to a Factor Analysis, apparently have a common origin, probably waste released from the nearby oil industry. The only exceptions were the pyrogenic benzo(b)fluoranthene and benzo(a)pyrene, and the biogenic perylene, that showed increasing concentration trends with time, which we attributed to erosional input of contaminated soil from the catchment area. Our study confirmed chronic oil contamination in the Coatzacoalcos River coastal area from land based sources for more than 60 years (since 1950s). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Complete dissolution of [ 226 Ra]BaSO 4 precipitate was successfully performed using NaNO 2 as a reducing agent in acidic solution at room temperature. Results showed a significant effect of acid and NaNO 2 concentrations and temperature on the dissolution efficiency. The method was successfully used for separation of radium from NORM scale samples from the petroleum industry; sufficient volume reduction of NORM waste was achieved. The obtained 226 Ra solution was purified using two separation methods. The dissolution method can be of great interest in the development of radiochemical analysis of radium isotopes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study is to determine numerical estimations of seismic amplifications of waves traveling from offshore to shore considering the effect of sea floor configurations. According to the Boundary Element Method, boundary elements were used to irradiate waves and density force can be determined for each element. From this hypothesis, Huygens’ Principle is implemented since diffracted waves are constructed at the boundary from which they are radiated and this is equivalent to Somigliana's theorem. Application of boundary conditions leads to determine a system of integral equations of Fredholm type of second kind, which is solved by the Gaussian method. Various numerical models were analyzed, a first one was used to validate the proposed formulation and some other models were used to show various ideal sea floor configurations to estimate seismic amplifications. Once the formulation was validated, basic slope configurations were studied for estimating spectra of seismic amplifications for various sea floor materials. In general terms, compressional waves (P-waves) can produce seismic amplifications of the incident wave in the order of 2–5. On the other hand, distortional waves (S-waves) can produce amplifications up to 5.5 times the incident wave. A relevant finding is that the highest seismic amplifications due to an offshore earthquake are always located near the shore-line and not offshore despite the seafloor configuration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Candida Rugosa lipase (CRL) enhanced the activity in nanocellulose (NC-PTSA and NC-ASS) and NADES1a. • Immobilized CRL (PTSA-NADES1a and ASS-NADES1a) showed an optimum condition at 2 h, 40 ºC with pH 7.0. • Immobilized CRL (PTSA-NADES1a and ASS-NADES1a) reusability were up to 7 cycles. • The immobilized lipase had a higher catalytic efficiency and affinity towards the substrate. • The FTIR spectra and SEM morphology suggest the occurrence of hydrogen bonding and molecular interactions in the system. This study reports the immobilization of Candida Rugosa lipase (CRL) onto nanocellulose (NC) extracted from almond shells using p -toluenesulfonic acid (PTSA) and sulfuric acid (ASS) with sugar-based natural deep eutectic solvent (NADES1a) as a biocatalyst system. The properties of both immobilized lipases were studied and compared to the free enzyme counterpart. Under optimized conditions (2 h, 40 ºC and pH 7.0), the immobilized CRL-PTSA-NADES1a and CRL-ASS-NADES1a gave a maximum specific activity of 4.9 U mg−1 and 6.57 U mg−1, respectively, compared to the free CRL (4.52 U mg−1). Both immobilized CRL showed better thermal stability, high catalytic activity and reusability up to 7 consecutive cycles. The half- life of the immobilized lipase was 14 ∼ 16 days greater than free lipase (27 days). The Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area of NC-ASS (20.76 m2 g−1) is higher compared to NC-PTSA (4.81 m2 g−1). The functional groups and morphology of the free and immobilized CRL were further determined by Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). These findings revealed that the immobilized CRL onto NCs and NADES1a as green materials and solvent, respectively had higher lipase immobilization efficiency and stability for the treatment of food contaminants in oils in order to satisfy increasing commercial demands in the oil industry. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This essay examines neoliberal forms of resource governance and emerging struggles over control of sea space between coastal fishers, the para-statal oil industry and government authorities in the State of Tabasco, Mexico. The analysis focuses on the changing mechanisms of resource governance and networking related to contested claims over rights to offshore space. The study is based on material collected during ethnographic field research in Tabasco in 2011–2014. By linking a post-Foucauldian approach to governmentality with a Deleuzian perspective on networks, our research examines resource governance as a socio-political arena, constructed in negotiation between multiple governmental, private and civil society actors, including heterogeneous groups from local populations. The study demonstrates how hybrid techniques of resource governance lead to fishers’ socio-spatial displacement, marginalization in the fields of political representation and subjection to ideas of aquaculture entrepreneurship. The ensemble of private regulation and governmental control provides a venue for drawing fishers into clientelist practices of governing while it diffuses questions of responsibility. These modes of governance fragment the fishers’ efforts to mobilize politically, making them rely on less visible networks of contestation shaped by heterogeneous fishing groups, with varying access to resources and political representation. Recent transformations in environmental legislation and the fishers’ mobile tactics of networking may offer opportunities for them to reclaim their resource rights. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The scope of this review is to highlight the potential contributions of solar energy in meeting the energy requirements of the oil and gas industry. It includes an assessment of the key factors that impact the world energy scene and the anticipated role of solar energy up to 2035. It appears that oil and gas will continue to play a dominant role in meeting world energy demand over the next two decades, accounting for nearly 60% of total primary energy, and reaching around 9960 Mtoe in 2035. The energy consumption of the oil and gas industries is nearly 10% of its total energy production and is expected to grow to a higher value with the growth of the share of unconventional oil and gas resources. The amounts of energy projected to be consumed by the oil and gas industry is estimated to be at least 39.4 EJ by 2035. The energy supply to meet the demand of the oil and gas industry is based mostly on hydrocarbon energy sources, which leads to high levels of ecological footprints. Solar energy utilization within the industry will reduce its fossil fuels consumption, and therefore reduce its ecological footprints. Specifically, solar energy will help the industry in meeting part of its energy requirements in locations where conventional fuels, such as natural gas, are limited. This paper reviews various efforts made in developing solar technologies to suit the oil and gas industry. It also shows that some upstream oil and gas industries have already utilized solar energy in demonstration field applications. The review concludes that the application of solar energy in the oil and gas industry presents a very good opportunity for future business of the renewable energy industry. These opportunities includes the use of photovoltaic and solar thermal technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introducing a good educational program in the industrial environment may importantly differ from implementing a well-taught course in academic settings in a number of aspects. Potential troublesome aspects should be identified in advance such that the learning environment can properly tackle those issues through specialized or innovative ways. In this paper, we highlight the key role of Operations Research (OR) for the modern, high-performing oil industry and describe the in-house implementation of a pioneer, corporate-wide strategic learning program on OR techniques at PETROBRAS, a semi-public Brazilian multinational energy company. The learners were chemical engineers working at the planning/scheduling department of oil refineries, which has a high profile in the organization. Under tutoring, they acquired theoretical knowledge and practical skills concerning the development of optimization models, solution techniques and finished OR-based tools in a community of OR experts, thereby enabling them to rehearse their reflective and computational skills related to day-to-day activities. Most importantly, since aimed to foster the development of self-regulated, reflective learners, this course technically enabled and motivated planners and schedulers to develop further specialization, to rethink inefficient work processes, to change the attitudes and culture in the refinery, to question previous assumptions and operational paradigms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For most of its history, Brazil needed to import oil to complement its internal production to supply the internal demand. However, in 2007, the Brazilian Federal Government announced the discovery of huge hydrocarbon resources in the pre-salt layer of the country's Southeastern coast. This study examines the impact of this discovery accomplished by Petróleo Brasileiro S.A. (Petrobras) on patent applications in Brazil associated with upstream oil and gas technologies. Then, this article provides empirical evidence that the pre-salt discovery significantly affected patent strategizing of Multi-Nationals Companies (MNCs) operating in the upstream oil and gas industry, thereby generating a boom in patent filings in Brazil from the official pre-salt announcement onwards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The largest challenge for the Yellow River Delta region is finding an equilibrium between its two largest assets: large, valuable wetland reserves rich in biodiversity, declared as Ramsar sites in 2013 and breeding and resting grounds for numerous migratory bird species on the one hand, and extensive industrial and urban development based on the wealth of large underground oil and gas reserves, on the other. Based on high and highest spatial resolution satellite imagery covering nearly four decades, we employed manual feature digitization as well as rate-of-change statistics automatically derived with the Digital Shoreline Analyses System (DSAS) and present oil-industry-induced river bed changes and related coastal dynamics manifested via land erosion or accretion, and thus overall changes in the appearance of the Yellow River Delta. Over the past 37 years large re-diversions led to net erosion areas with over 13 km of shoreline retreat, and net accretion areas with over 21 km of shoreline advance. The satellite data furthermore enabled an assessment of oil pump development in the delta for the past two decades, indicating a strong expansion of oil extraction activities even in two of the delta's protected nature reserves, taking place at times and locations that indicate noncompliance with national regulations. Overall, the study proves the power of satellite imagery to quantify changes in the coastal zone, and to detect industry related activities; including the monitoring of compliance to restricting regulations. It is especially the freely accessible Landsat archives, granting four decades of monitoring, which are of immeasurable value to depict the regions dynamics. With Landsat 8 already in orbit and with the upcoming launch of the Sentinel-2 satellite, the monitoring concept presented here can be continued into the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lost circulation has been a serious problem to be solved in many drilling practices during oil, gas and geothermal well drillings. Many materials have been developed and evaluated for the purpose. However, their performance to plug severe leakoff is very limited. Herein, an injectable self-healing hydrogel based on polyampholyte with sulfonated and quaternary ammonium functionalities (P(MPTC- co -NaSS)) was developed and comprehensively evaluated to prevent the severe loss of fluids to formation. By incorporating cation-π (π is for aromatic residues) interaction, the hydrogel shown self-healing property and robustness in severe environment (temperature, salt) by comparison with other hydrogels merely consisting of cation-anion and H-bonding interactions. Aromatic residues enhanced thermal stability above 310 °C. The plugging measurement shown that an addition of 2 wt% dried gel particles can plug high-permeability formation and endure a high pressure of 6 MPa, produce much lower circulation loss and result in a dramatically increased loss volume reduction rate (63.5%) compared with a commercial polymer gel product and an inert material (9.4%) after a self-healing process. Markedly, P(MPTC- co -NaSS) can be used in a wide range of formation temperature (as high as 150 °C) and salt concentrations (NaCl, CaCl 2 , as high as 15 wt %). In addition to suitable particle size and mechanically robustness, it was also attributed to the soft, swelling, deformable, toughness and self-healable features of P(MPTC- co -NaSS) gel particles as well as the strong adhesion to negatively charged formations in water, even under high thermal and saline condition. These characteristics also contributed to a long-term plugging performance, beneficial to avoid repeated lost circulation in drilling operation. Besides, this self-healing polyampholyte gel particles dispersed well in saline fluid and maintained stable rheological properties after hot rolling, which was favorable to drilling fluid circulation. This study shown the application potential of self-healing materials as plugging material candidate in petroleum drilling industry. [Display omitted] • A self-healing polymeric hydrogel is developed to plug high permeability formations. • The hydrogel can tolerate 15 wt% NaCl and CaCl 2 and resist 150 °C. • Self-healed hydrogel exhibits excellent robustness by cation-π interaction. • The hydrogel shows strong adhesion onto negatively charged surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Industrial and commercial port activities are widely recognized worldwide as an important source of pollution to proximal estuaries. In this study, we analysed geochemical and sedimentological parameters including major and trace elements, organic matter and sediment texture in surface sediments from the estuarine environment of Southampton Water, U.K. Using these data, and multivariate statistical tools [correlation, factor and cluster analysis and pollution indices such as Enrichment Factor (EF), Pollution Load Index (PLI) and the Adverse Effect Index (AEI)], we examine sedimentary trace metal and metalloid contamination, contamination sources, and potential biological impacts of the contamination present. The geochemical data, multivariate statistical analysis and pollution indices indicate that the spatial distribution of trace metals and metalloids is influenced by both sediment composition (and mixing) and anthropogenic activities. Most trace metal and metalloid concentrations are close to local geological background levels, except for Cu, Zn and Pb. The spatial distribution of these elements indicates that the Exxon oil refinery, Southampton port, local marinas and runoff from domestic and industrial activities act effectively as point sources of these elements. Pollution indices calculations highlight a degraded environment as a result of these pollutants, and further work is needed to assess the current impact of trace metals and metalloids on local ecology. Sub-tidal sediments show enrichment of some trace element concentrations interpreted as the influence of an oil refinery and port activities within Southampton Water. [Display omitted] • Trace metals and metalloids were examined in sediments from Southampton Water, U.K. • Geochemical data highlight enrichments in Cu, Zn and Pb in subtidal sediments. • Metal distribution is controlled by sediment composition and anthropogenic activity. • Pollution indices indicate the estuary is moderately impacted by industrial activity. • Further work is needed to assess the current impact of trace metals on local ecology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Port regions are hubs connecting a nation and its hinterland to the rest of the world. Port cities' authorities and actors have always dealt with pressures and compromises in the sharing of space between agriculture, tourism, industry, and urban developments. The limited availability of land created conflicting uses over time especially when industrial sites disappear from the built environment to leave a polluted soil and water. The current literature discusses in detail changes in industrial land use, pollution of industries, and urban sanitary issues. Yet, only a few studies investigate the consequences of past industrial and urban developments on the health of citizens. This paper thus asks: How have authorities considered historical industrial activities in spatial planning policies and what are their consequences on public health in port cities? Of all pollutants, oil appears to be the widest spread with long term risks to human health. Oil industrial development in the port city of Dunkirk in the north of France can demonstrate this influence of past land uses. The objective is to highlight the impacts of past polluting activities over current populations' health in port city regions and the potential consequences of historically contaminated sites on public health. • Past industrial activities are still affecting the health of inhabitants in port cities, thus the efficiency of planning strategies. • The literature extensively discuss pollution of industrial activities but authors do not link it to sanitary consequences. • Records of public institutions lack complete data on past industrial activities. • New multi-disciplinary methods and studies are needed to understand the origin and extent of polluting activities on public health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Niger Delta, the largest river delta on the African continent, is one of the most densely populated river deltas globally and hosts the world's third largest mangrove forest. It is a major biodiversity hot spot of our planet. At the same time the delta is home to Africa's largest oil reserves and responsible for a skyrocketing GDP development of Nigeria since the 1970s. Nigeria ranks 13th among all oil producing countries, but oil exploitation also brought with it severe environmental degradation, leading to the delta's nomination for a place on the top 10 list of the “World's Worst Polluted Places Report” in 2013. Despite the outstanding importance of the region for Nigeria, Africa, and the international community most studies published focus mainly on topics of geology, geochemistry, and environmental toxicology. Studies employing earth observation satellite data to assess Niger Delta dynamics are rare. This paper aims at contributing to an overview of Niger Delta geography and environmental threats and challenges, as well as to an understanding of Niger Delta land surface dynamics from 1986 to 2013. Covering the complete delta, we present results of land cover change analyses, results of an assessment of coastline dynamics, as well as the manifestation of oil exploitation activity as expressed via oil access canal dredging and gas flaring, monitored within the 27 year time span investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Electro Submersible Pump (ESP) telemetry system allows getting information of different types of heavy electromagnetic noise: random, pulsing, harmonic etc. in the neighborhood They are pump unit's intake pressure, temperature and most importantly its insulation resistance for submersible motor stator coil reliability – for the successful exploitation of the oil complexes. The change from analog to digital communication techniques is going at a fast rate in almost all technical fields. But increasing disturbance levels with corrupted analog communication result in an increased noise level, but are often still “audible” or the control system is still reliable. With increasing disturbance levels, the analog signal will be audible, but will remain low. However beyond a certain disturbance level, the so called “digital cliff”, the digital communication and the control stop abruptly. In this study, the extended Kalman filter (EKF) is designed and examined under severe noise conditions for the high-noise cancelation in control telemetry channels of oil ESP. The results approve a high performance of the developed EKF. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Coastal ecosystems are subject to many anthropogenic pressures, including pollution and the enhancement of sedimentation due to human activities. The lower reach of the Coatzacoalcos River is considered to be the most polluted coastal area of Mexico due to the presence of major petrochemical production centers in its watershed. In order to show the impact of land use change and industrial activities on the adjacent coastal environment of the Coatzacoalcos River, we reconstructed the historical changes of sediment transport and trace metals contamination based on the study of a 210Pb dated sediment core. Several geochemical indicators, such as clay mineral content, the concentrations of reference elements (Al, Ca, Sr, Rb) and the carbon isotope ratio (δ13C) revealed a change of sediment and contamination sources since the early 80s, in coincidence with the large industrial and urban development in the area. We conclude that the increased contaminant loads were related to terrestrial sources, likely contaminated and eroded soils from the catchment, due to extensive land use changes. Although the contaminant enrichment since the early 80s was low, As, Hg and Ni concentrations show potentially dangerous levels and exceed the USEPA-ERL concentration benchmarks, thus constituting a potential threat to marine aquatic life and humans through seafood consumption. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The blowout of the Montara H1 well in the Timor Sea off the northwest coast of Australia in August 2009 was the first such incident in Australian offshore waters for 25years. This article seeks to draw lessons for management of complex hazardous activities from these events by analysing critical decisions regarding well control barriers. Concepts such as trial and error learning, sensemaking and the need for multiple barriers are used to demonstrate why the organisation was blind to the developing problems and hence why lack of technical competence alone is not sufficient to explain the events that occurred. Three organisational improvements are proposed – providing active supervision, improved technical integrity assurance and better use of risk assessment. The article concludes with an appeal for changes in regulatory policy regarding safety to include organisational issues in addition to the traditional technical focus. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The paper describes the synthesis, properties and applications of magnetic polymer beads. State-of-the-art, future challenges, and promising trends in this field are analyzed. New applications in oil recovery are described. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The problem discussed in this paper is short-term scheduling of distribution of petroleum derivatives from a single oil refinery to a number of depots through a tree-structure pipeline. Scheduling product batches in pipelines is a very complex task with many constraints to be considered. Batches of refined products and grades are pumped back-to-back in the pipeline, often with no separation device between batches. In this work a continuous-time, MILP problem representation for tree-structure pipelines is proposed. The approach is successfully applied to a number of pipeline scheduling problems, including a real-world problem. The data and experimental results are reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Phospholipid fatty acids (PLFAs) were analysed at different time periods during composting of two waste mixtures rich in fats, M1 (22%) and M2 (39%), with the aim of monitoring changes in microbial community structure. The two mixtures consisted of a sludge sample collected from a vegetable oil refinery effluent treatment plant combined with household wastes. The PLFA profiles of both mixtures revealed that, at the start of the process, fungi and Gram-negative bacteria (G−) were more abundant in M2 than in M1. During the thermophilic phase, branched PLFA (i15:0, a15:0, i16:0, and i17:0) markers of Gram-positive bacteria (G+), became more abundant in M1, while G- bacteria were predominant in M2. The PLFA profiles in M1 representing non-specific, G+ and G− bacteria as well as fungi decreased during the cooling phase (maturation) while an increase was recorded in M2, which was richer in fats. The Shannon–Weaver diversity index (Ish) showed a greater increase during M1 composting (from 0.69 to 1.05), mainly for G+ bacteria and G− bacteria, than in M2 composting (from 0.79 to 0.84). Principal components and cluster analyses revealed a succession of different communities during composting, which varied from fungi and G− bacteria to G+ and thermophilic and thermotolerant G− bacteria. The end of composting was characterized by a reduction of all these microbial entities, especially for M1, except actinomycetes, which are associated with compost stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The accumulation of scales in production pipes is a common problem in the oil industry, reducing fluid flow and also leading to costly remedies and disposal issues. Typical materials found in such scale are sulphates and carbonates of calcium and barium, or iron sulphide. Radium arising from the uranium/thorium present in oil-bearing rock formations may replace the barium or calcium in these salts to form radium salts. This creates what is known as technologically enhanced naturally occurring radioactive material (TENORM or simply NORM). NORM is a serious environmental and health and safety issue arising from commercial oil and gas extraction operations. Whilst a good deal has been published on the characterisation and measurement of radioactive scales from offshore oil production, little information has been published regarding NORM associated with land-based facilities such as that of the Libyan oil industry. The ongoing investigation described in this paper concerns an assessment of NORM from a number of land based Libyan oil fields. A total of 27 pipe scale samples were collected from eight oil fields, from different locations in Libya. The dose rates, measured using a handheld survey meter positioned on sample surfaces, ranged from 0.1–27.3μSvh−1. In the initial evaluations of the sample activity, use is being made of a portable HPGe based spectrometry system. To comply with the prevailing safety regulations of the University of Surrey, the samples are being counted in their original form, creating a need for correction of non-homogeneous sample geometries. To derive a detection efficiency based on the actual sample geometries, a technique has been developed using a Monte Carlo particle transport code (MCNPX). A preliminary activity determination has been performed using an HPGe portable detector system. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The sensitivity of different tissues for assessment of chronic low-dose environmental exposure of fish to alkylphenols (APs) was investigated. We exposed Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) in the laboratory to tritium labelled 4-tert-butylphenol, 4n-pentylphenol, 4n-hexylphenol, and 4n-heptylphenol via seawater (8ng/l) and via contaminated feed (5μg/kg fish per day). Measurements of different fish tissues during eight days of exposure and eight subsequent days of recovery revealed that APs administered via spiked seawater were readily taken up whereas the uptake was far less efficient when APs were administered in spiked feed. AP residues were mainly located in the bile fluid whereas the concentrations in liver were very low, indicating a rapid excretion and the liver–bile axis to be the major route of elimination. The biological half-life of APs in the exposed cod was short, between 10 and 20h. Our study shows that in connection with biomonitoring of AP exposure in fish, assessment of AP metabolites in bile fluid is a more sensitive tool than detection of parent AP levels in liver or other internal tissues. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Despite evidence that the extractive industry adheres to corporate social responsibility (CSR), companies developing such activities still attract negative attention because of their frequent involvement in crises. The adoption of CSR practices to respond to crises is particularly important for the postcrisis, for which the literature has been extensive in documenting the mechanisms mobilized by organizations for damage control and for learning from crisis events. However, the previous literature has been less prolific in investigating the recovery phase of crises, which involves a series of actions that organizations might undertake between the phases of damage control and learning. By employing an inductive and qualitative approach, this paper examines the use of CSR practices during the recovery phase of crises in the oil industry context by investigating three cases involving the Brazilian company Petrobras. Our findings indicate that four mechanisms are mobilized in the recovery phase of the different crises: penance, deference, renaissance and insurance. With the adoption of a processual perspective, our paper provides a comprehensive understanding of the processes underlying these four mechanisms and how they shape the actions of organizations in high-risk activities such as the extractive industry. • This paper examines the use of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in the context of recovery of crises. • Through a multiple case approach, it examines three CSR-based crises related to a multinational oil company. • The findings indicate that four mechanisms (penance, deference, renaissance and insurance) are mobilized. • It contributes to understanding the processes underlying these mechanisms within organizations in high-risk activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Archives, interviews used to trace Total's engagement with global warming since 1970s. • Total or predecessors aware of harmful global warming impacts since at least 1971. • Total engaged in overt denial of climate science in late 1980s, early 1990s. • Various postures and strategies pursued by Total other than overt science denial. • IPIECA played key role in coordinating international oil industry beginning in 1980s. Building upon recent work on other major fossil fuel companies, we report new archival research and primary source interviews describing how Total responded to evolving climate science and policy in the last 50 years. We show that Total personnel received warnings of the potential for catastrophic global warming from its products by 1971, became more fully informed of the issue in the 1980s, began promoting doubt regarding the scientific basis for global warming by the late 1980s, and ultimately settled on a position in the late 1990s of publicly accepting climate science while promoting policy delay or policies peripheral to fossil fuel control. Additionally, we find that Exxon, through the International Petroleum Industry Environmental Conservation Association (IPIECA), coordinated an international campaign to dispute climate science and weaken international climate policy, beginning in the 1980s. This represents one of the first longitudinal studies of a major fossil fuel company's responses to global warming to the present, describing historical stages of awareness, preparation, denial, and delay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper shows how capacitated network may be used to analyze possible long-term transportation of oil derivatives by pipeline, truck, railway, and ship and reduce the distribution cost. It deals with the scheduling of a multi-product, multi-depot system receiving a number of petroleum products from different refineries and distributes them among several depots and market areas while the demand is an uncertain parameter. Depots typically operate independently and solely within their own territories. However, it may be beneficial to allow those depots to operate interdependently, particularly when the product supplies or network capacity is limited. It also discusses the issue of constraints in shipping oil to/from ports for export/import purposes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Activity concentrations of 226Ra, 228Ra and 40K in scales and sludge generated during oil extraction and production operations were determined using an HPGe gamma spectrometric system. Concentrations ranged from 42.7 to 2110.0kBqkg−1 for 226Ra, 40.5 to 1550.0kBqkg−1 for 228Ra and 20.6 to 186.6kBqkg−1 for 40K. The magnitude of these results demonstrates the need of screening oil residues for their radionuclide content in order to decide about their final disposal. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The importance of human activity and ecological features in influencing African forest elephant ranging behaviour was investigated in the Rabi–Ndogo corridor of the Gamba Complex of Protected Areas in southwest Gabon. Locations in a wide geographical area with a range of environmental variables were selected for patch-occupancy surveys using elephant dung to assess seasonal presence and absence of elephants. Patch-occupancy procedures allowed for covariate modelling evaluating hypotheses for both occupancy in relation to human activity and ecological features, and detection probability in relation to vegetation density. The best fitting models for old and fresh dung data sets indicate that (1) detection probability for elephant dung is negatively related to the relative density of the vegetation, and (2) human activity, such as presence and infrastructure, are more closely associated with elephant distribution patterns than are ecological features, such as the presence of wetlands and preferred fresh fruit. Our findings emphasize the sensitivity of elephants to human disturbance, in this case infrastructure development associated with gas and oil production. Patch-occupancy methodology offers a viable alternative to current transect protocols for monitoring programs with multiple covariates. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this viewpoint, we discuss the importance of consorting alternative energy sources with oil, and not of opposing them. That is why we introduce the concept of alternative energy systems, which we feel is broader-ranging and more effective than alternative energy sources , as this deals with the actual transformation process of the global energy system. Alternative energy systems integrate oil with other energy sources 1 [1] And even integrate conventional with non-conventional crudes (mostly ultra-heavy crudes), reducing partially the premium perceived by the former in international oil markets. and pave the way for new systems, which will benefit from what we call the “virtues of oil”. They produce energy carriers for multi-fuel and multi-product strategies, where flexibility is a key target, allied to other co-benefits, especially those related to the increased use of renewable energy sources. The concept of alternative energy systems can bring a new light to the oil transition era discussion and might also influence energy policies for promoting renewables. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Evaluation has been made of the distribution of hard scales containing naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM) in a range of oilfield equipment in Syrian oilfields. One hundred and fifty-two scale samples from oilfield equipment were collected and analysed for radioactivity, elemental and mineralogical compositions. The average 226Ra, 228Ra and 224Ra concentrations in scales were found to be 174, 91 and 67Bqg−1, respectively; the highest value of 226Ra was found to be 1520Bqg−1. A gradual increase in 226Ra specific activity from down-hole tubulars to surface parts of the installations was observed. The 228Ra/226Ra mean activity ratio was observed to be 0.76, indicating a Th/U mass ratio of about 2.3. This value can be considered a fingerprint for the Th/U mass ratio of the geological formation of the reservoir. Radium isotopic data were also used to estimate the age of the deposited scales using the 224Ra/228Ra activity ratio; the highest average age (5.3 years) was found to be in scales collected from valves. Multiple regressions of the data have shown that 226Ra is more highly correlated with Ba and Sr content in scales () than Ca. Around 77% of 226Ra was found to be incorporated with anhydrate barium strontium sulphate (), solubility in water being very low to negligible; lower levels of radium isotopes were found in calcite. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A recently developed add-on card for data acquisition from National Instrument has the possibility of being employed in the field of the gamma ray spectrometry as an industrial and teaching tool. The card''s technical capability, the operating program designed for gamma spectrometry and results of the system''s reliability, dynamic characteristics, limits in data processing and the quality of the obtainable gamma spectra are given. The advantages and deficiencies as well as important features are emphasised when prompt gamma analysis is of interest in industrial applications and educational issues. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

An in-house reference soil sample containing high levels of naturally occurring radioactive materials collected from contaminated areas in the Syrian oilfields has been prepared as a part of the quality assurance program in AECS. Homogeneity of the sample has been examined using three methods, viz. particle size distribution of the sample matrix, total alpha/beta counting and gamma spectrometry. In conjunction with Dixon and Grubb tests as statistical tools, ten random samples from the original sample were used for this investigation. Reference values for the three radium isotopes (224Ra, 226Ra, 228Ra) were determined using gamma spectrometry equipped with HPGe detectors having high relative efficiencies of 80%, while the reference value of 210Pb in the sample was determined using radiochemical separation and counting of its daughter 210Po by alpha spectrometry. ANOVA analysis was used to estimate the uncertainties due to measurement and inhomogeneity of the sample; uncertainty due to inhomogeneity was found to be around 2.6 times the measurement uncertainty. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]