South Sudan: Study: ‘Direct Link’ Between Oil Exploration and Water Pollution

Feb 28, 2015 | Radio Tamazuj
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The results of a new three-year scientific study show that oil production at Thar Jath and Mala fields in Unity State has polluted groundwater in the area to such an extent that it is no longer safe for human consumption. A team of South Sudanese and German geologists found oil exploration in Unity State has made groundwater used by 180,000 people too salty to drink, and has contaminated the water with dangerous amounts of heavy metals. According to the researchers, the source of the pollution is mud contaminated with chemicals used during oil exploration. The contaminated mud was dumped into pits which were not properly sealed, so the chemicals leaked into groundwater in local wells.