Effect of Drilling Fluids and Crude Oil on Some Chemical Properties of Soil and Crops

Abstract

This research aims to study the effect of drilling fluids and crude oil on soil and crops, and to analyze the extent of chemical and physical changes that occur on the soil affected by oil pollution. The study relied on a review of scientific literature and case studies to assess the effects of oil pollutants, and pollution mitigation and waste oil management strategies were analyzed. The results showed that pollution with drilling fluids leads to high soil salinity and nutrient balance disturbance, while crude oil pollution increases organic carbon but causes plant stress due to high concentrations of some toxic elements. The study confirmed that strategies such as bioremediation and phytotherapy play an important role in restoring soil fertility and reducing the negative effects of pollution. The study recommends the need to improve prevention policies, strengthen environmental monitoring, and develop sustainable techniques to treat contaminated soil, with a view to achieving a balance between the exploitation of natural resources and environmental protection.