Recent advances, influencing factors, and future research prospects using photocatalytic process for produced water treatment

Abstract

Oilfield-produced water is the primary by-product generated during oil and gas extraction operations. Oilfield-produced water is often severely toxic and poses substantial health, safety, and environmental issues; adequate treatment technologies can bring these streams to a quality level. Photocatalysis is a photochemical catalytic reaction that is a highly promising tool for environmental remediation due to its efficiency in mineralizing persistent and potentially toxic contaminants. However, there is limited understanding of its application to treat oilfield-produced water with a complex and highly variable water composition. This review article discusses the mechanisms and current state of heterogeneous photocatalytic systems for oilfield-produced water treatment, highlighting impediments to knowledge transfer, including the feasibility of practical applications and the identification of essential research requirements. Additionally, the effects of significant variables such as catalyst quantity, pH, organic compound concentration, light intensity, and wavelength are discussed in detail. Some solutions are proposed for scientists and engineers interested in advancing the development of industrial-scale photocatalytic water treatment technologies. HIGHLIGHTS Photocatalytic AOPs can effectively remove recalcitrant organic pollutants from produced water.; Photocatalytic process should consider the bio-toxicity and environmental hazards associated with nanomaterials.; A disadvantage of large-scale application would be the incorrect choice of catalyst for pollutant degradation.; An ideal photocatalyst must encompass several features such as high surface area, effective light absorption, small particle size.;

Keywords

• photocatalysis
• produced water
• treatment
• future prospects
• titanium dioxide
• large-scale operation