Evaluation of the technical and environmental feasibility of adsorption process to remove water soluble organics from produced water: A review

Abstract

One of the largest wastewater flows generated in the oil and gas industry is produced water (PW), which can come from oil fields, gas fields or a combination of oil and gas fields. This effluent has a complex and variable chemical composition; it contains a significant amount, sometimes up to 500 mg L −1 , of water soluble organic compounds (WSO) that are not easily removed by conventional physical-chemical treatment as coagulation and flotation. With the intensification in worldwide industrial activities, the generation of PW has consequently also increased and, from the environmental point of view, it is of fundamental importance to point out the alternatives for its proper management, in order to comply with legislation around the world and to provide safe subsequent destination (reuse and/or disposal). Furthermore, the treatment of this effluent is challenging and requires a lot of attention from both industry and academy. In this context, adsorption is known as one of the most effective technologies for removing WSO in polishing steps, since it is a technique of simple installation and maintenance, with low cost. Thus, this paper aims to review and highlight in detail (i) the main characteristics of produced water and its different forms of reuse, (ii) the theoretical fundaments of the adsorption technique and (iii) through case studies, critically evaluate the technical feasibility of implementing adsorption towers in PW treatment units. • Adsorption as treatment technology for produced water (PW) is critically reviewed. • Case studies are presented applying the adsorption technique to treat PW. • Technical viability of an adsorption system for PW treatment is investigated. • Challenges and future perspectives for adsorptive processes are presented.