An integrated approach for produced water treatment using microemulsions modified activated carbon

Abstract

In this study, the physical and chemical characterization of produced water was done followed by treatment through sand filtration coupled with activated carbon microemulsion modified activated carbon techniques. The results of characterization showed that the produced water had high chemical oxygen demand (COD), and total organic carbon (TOC) values i.e. 10,496 and 2405 mg/l respectively as well as high concentration of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene (BTEX) and various metals. After the sand filtration, considerable reduction in TSS and COD was achieved. Furthermore, BTEX as volatile organic compounds were also removed by more than 93% except for toluene. However, sand filtration was not enough to remove most of the metals and ions. Therefore, further treatment was done through activated carbon and modified activated carbon and their treatment efficiency was compared. Both techniques were able to achieve higher removal efficiencies for BTEX, metals and ions. Thus, the treated water was free from all major pollutants of produced water and can be considered suitable for reuse at industrial or domestic level. This study aims to promote the reuse of produced water to reduce reliance on limited clean water resources.