Assessment of Oil and Gas Waste Water Treatment Technologies. A Review

Abstract

The rapid growth of the oil and gas industry has led to an increase in the production of wastewater containing contaminants such as hydrocarbons, heavy metals, and salts. These contaminants pose significant environmental and health risks if not properly treated. Therefore, various technologies have been developed to treat oil and gas wastewater. This review article aims to assess the various treatment technologies available and their efficiency in treating these wastewater. The technologies reviewed include physical, chemical, and biological treatments. Physical methods including flocculation, sedimentation, and filtration techniques are effective in removing suspended solids. Chemical methods, such as coagulation and advanced oxidation processes, are effective in removing hydrocarbons and heavy metals. Biological treatments, including microbial fuel cells and constructed wetlands, have also shown promising results in treating oil and gas wastewater. The review found that a combination of two or more of these technologies can provide efficient and cost-effective treatment of oil and gas wastewater. However, further research is needed to determine the best treatment approach for various types of oil and gas wastewater.