Oilfield-produced water treatment using conventional and membrane-based technologies for beneficial reuse: A critical review. (15th April 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Samuel, Ojo; Othman, Mohd Hafiz Dzarfan; Kamaludin, Roziana; Sinsamphanh, Oulavanh; Abdullah, Huda; Puteh, Mohd Hafiz; Kurniawan, Tonni Agustiono; Li, Tao; Ismail, Ahmad Fauzi; Rahman, Mukhlis A.; Jaafar, Juhana; El-badawy, Tijjani; Chinedu Mamah, Stanley
• Is Part Of: Journal of environmental management. Volume 308(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-04-15
• Subjects: Oilfield produced water -- Oil and gas separation -- Physico-chemical treatment -- Advance oxidation process -- Membrane fouling; Environmental policy -- Periodicals; Environmental management -- Periodicals; Environment -- Periodicals; Ecology -- Periodicals; 363.705
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.114556
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0301-4797

Abstract

Abstract: Oilfield produced water (OPW) is one of the most important by-products, resulting from oil and gas exploration. The water contains a complex mixture of organic and inorganic compounds such as grease, dissolved salt, heavy metals as well as dissolved and dispersed oils, which can be toxic to the environment and public health. This article critically reviews the complex properties of OPW and various technologies for its treatment. They include the physico-chemical treatment process, biological treatment process, and physical treatment process. Their technological strengths and bottlenecks as well as strategies to mitigate their bottlenecks are elaborated. A particular focus is placed on membrane technologies. Finally, further research direction, challenges, and perspectives of treatment technologies for OPW are discussed. It is conclusively evident from 262 published studies (1965–2021) that no single treatment method is highly effective for OPW treatment as a stand-alone process however, conventional membrane-based technologies are frequently used for the treatment of OPW with the ultrafiltration (UF) process being the most used for oil rejection form OPW and oily waste water. After membrane treatment, treated effluents of the OPW could be reused for irrigation, habitant and wildlife watering, microalgae production, and livestock watering. Overall, this implies that target pollutants in the OPW samples could be removed efficiently for subsequent use, despite its complex properties. In general, it is however important to note that feed quality, desired quality of effluent, cost-effectiveness, simplicity of process are key determinants in choosing the most suitable treatment process for OPW treatment. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: Oilfield produced water (OPW) poses a potential danger to the environment. Membrane-based technologies are gaining acceptance for OPW treatment. OPW management is based on fundamental laws, regulations, and standards. Treated OPW effluent has the potential for beneficial reuse. AOP coupled with Membrane technology can be most effective in OPW treatment.