Identification of Acute Toxicity Sources in Produced Water

Abstract

Abstract Identification of acute toxicity sources in produced water has been considered an important task for the past few years. The present study outlines a new approach to the problem, where artificial produced water is made based on detailed knowledge of the composition and toxicity of produced water from two major North Sea oil fields. Acute toxicity testing by Microtox (Photobacterium phosphoreum) of produced water qualities made according to a statistical experimental design model, has in combination with multivariate statistical analysis identified the aromatic and phenolic fractions as the main contributors to the toxicity of these produced waters. Process chemicals did not contribute significantly. A study of changes in acute toxicity and chemical composition during biodégradation of produced water verified that biodégradation of the aromatic and phenolic fractions played a dominant role in the decrease in acute toxicity.