International Journal of Scientific Research and Engineering Development

Enhanced oil recovery (EOR) is a promising technique that utilizes microorganism metabolic activities to enhance oil recovery from reservoirs. This laboratory investigation focuses on the synergy between Oboboru, Egamini and Afam clay at different concentrations (5 – 30 grams) in enhancing crude oil recovery. The results of the mineral contents shows that the clay sample's specific gravity and pH indicate the presence of montmorillonite mineral and slight acidity. Analysis of oxide composition reveals high levels of silicon oxide (SiO2), followed by aluminum oxide (Al203), magnesium oxide (MgO), and calcium oxide (CaO), with iron oxide (Fe2O3) being least abundant. These findings provide insights into the clay's composition. The study demonstrates that increasing the mass percent concentration of the nanoparticles reduces crude oil viscosity, with the lowest viscosity at 8.25 cP., the result of the density also reduced by 0.8876 g/cc for oboboru clay and 0.9668g/cc was recorded for Afam clay nanoparticle. the API gravity showed an increase of 37.744 oAPI for Afam clay nanoparticle and 27.7441 oAPI was recorded for Egamini. This suggests the beneficial effect of clay nanoparticles in improving flow characteristics and enhancing oil recovery. These findings contribute to understanding EOR techniques and highlight the potential of Oboboru clay between Oboboru, Egamini and Afam for enhancing crude oil recovery. The research offers valuable insights into clay-mineral-microbe interactions, paving the way for optimizing treatment strategies in the petroleum industry. Overall, this investigation explores the effects of Oboboru, Egamini and Afam clay nanoparticles on oil productivity during EOR, revealing the transformative potential of combining clay minerals and microbial activity in oil recovery processes.

Ekpenyong Bassey, Chukwuma. G. J. Nmegbu, Ikechi Igwe, "Characterization of Niger Delta Clays for Use as Improved Oil Recovery: A Case Study of Oboburu, Egamini and Afam " International Journal of Scientific Research and Engineering Development, V9(2): Page(67-78) Mar-Apr 2026. ISSN: 2581-7175. www.ijsred.com. Published by Scientific and Academic Research Publishing.