Evaluation of the Beneficial Re-Use of Produced Water: A Review of Relevant Guidelines and Produced Water Toxicity.
Abstract
As global demand and production of fossil fuel (oil and gas) continues to increase,
so do their associated environmental footprints. One example is produced water (PW),
i.e. water used or extracted along with oil. Presently, over 5 billion gallons of
PW is generated daily. In the past, produced water was simply re-injected into the
empty oil well after extraction. As freshwater supply becomes increasingly scarce,
PW can become an important water source after suitable treatment. This masters’ project
investigates the current beneficial reuse options of PW and the potential environmental
risks that could result from this reuse
My literature review was conducted on PW generation during oil and gas extraction,
and focused on significant constituents and their characteristics, treatment methods
and current regulations guiding reuse. I concentrated on land-based oil and gas extraction
since these activities use valuable freshwater. Peer-reviewed publications were used
when available but industry and consultant reports were also used when necessary.
Researchers at Clemson University with ongoing projects on PW treatment were interviewed
for more up to date information.
A large body of literature confirms that toxicity of PW varies with age of the oil
well and between different operations. However, salinity, dissolved oil and aromatics
were often the constituents of concern. Salinity limits also confound PW toxicity
assessment as current regulatory test organisms are salt intolerant. Therefore there
is great need to develop cost-effective technology for desalination and to include
more salt tolerant toxicity test species. Based on these findings, a decision framework
was developed to better guide the beneficial reuse of PW in such a way that environmental
risks are considered and minimized.
Type
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https://hdl.handle.net/10161/3709Citation
Adebambo, Oluwadamilare (2011). Evaluation of the Beneficial Re-Use of Produced Water: A Review of Relevant Guidelines
and Produced Water Toxicity. Master's project, Duke University. Retrieved from https://hdl.handle.net/10161/3709.Collections
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