Exploration and production of oil and gas are two operations that have the ability to damage and polluted the environment. The most significant waste created by these operations is produced water. Since the produced water includes toxic pollutants in both organic and inorganic compounds, produced water from oil and gas extraction cannot be discharged directly into the environment. Uncontrolled discharge can cause damage to the environment, including the loss of marine and plant life. Until being discharged into the environment, the produced water must be treated to meet the quality requirements. This article reviewed the sources, characteristics, and extent of pollution caused by oil and gas producing water, as well as different technologies for treating or disposing it. Physical (absorption, membrane filtration etc.), chemical (oxidation and sedimentation) and biological processes can all be used to treat the produced water (activated sludge, biological air filters etc.) Because no single technology can satisfy the acceptable effluent properties, two or more treatment systems can be used in a sequential process.
Can we beneficially reuse produced water from oil and gas extraction in the U.S.?
