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Considering that high-purity fresh water is employed in the green production of hydrogen via commercial water electrolyzers and that over 80% of the global population faces significant water safety risks, it is essential to explore alternative water sources. One such alternative is the use of produced water from oil extraction processes. Hence, the main objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of the oil content of oilfield production water on the production of green hydrogen by electrolysis in the presence of carbon quantum dots (CQDs). For this purpose, various electrochemical techniques, such as linear sweep voltammetry (LSV), cyclic voltammetry (CV), and potentiometry, were used to identify the effect of crude oil during hydrogen production. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), mass spectrometry (MS), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were employed to discern the adsorption of crude oil onto the electrodes, quantify the gas fractions generated during the process and identify the functional groups present after the procedure, respectively. Also, optical microscopy was employed to follow the droplet size in the emulsion. The results show that using CQDs affects the Faradaic efficiency, which increases from 77% to 83% with the incorporation of CQDs. In the presence of CQDs, the effects generated by the presence of the oil are inhibited at low oil concentrations. On the contrary, hydrogen production increases by 10.0% (0.1 mL/min) with a faradaic efficiency of 83% and a half-cell efficiency of 41%, compared to the record obtained with the maximum concentration of emulsified crude oil (400 mg/L). The mean size of the initial emulsion droplets was 3.4 μm. At the end of the test, there was evidence of complete breakage of the emulsion due to the effect of the applied electric field. No evidence of adsorption of crude oil on graphite electrodes during electrolysis is observed based on the tests. It has been shown that green hydrogen production from crude oil production water is feasible due to the proposed disruptive electrolytes in the produced water, which inhibit the effect of oil content in the O/W emulsion. This allows the implementation of a new green energy production initiative aligned with the global goal of achieving net zero emissions (NZE) by 2050. The current investigation presents a prospective alternative for harnessing the 18 kW electrical energy potential employed within emulsion-breaking processes within a Colombian field for treatment of around 1000 bpd. This alternative offers a theoretical potential for hydrogen production, approximating 7.36 kW, thus representing a promising opportunity for practical field deployment. • CQDs in electrolysis enhance green hydrogen production efficiency from oilfield-produced water due to their conductive properties. • CQDs significantly increases Faradaic efficiency, inhibiting crude oil's negative effects on hydrogen generation. • Optimized electrolysis with CQDs result in 10% higher hydrogen production at high concentrations of emulsified crude oil. • CQDs mitigate crude oil's negative effects on the system, such as reduced conductivity and electrode degradation. • Gas analysis demonstrates the feasibility of converting oilfield production water into a valuable resource for green energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microbial communities have long been observed in oil reservoirs, where the subsurface conditions are major drivers shaping their structure and functions. Furthermore, anthropogenic activities such as water flooding during oil production can affect microbial activities and community compositions in oil reservoirs through the injection of recycled produced water, often associated with biocides. However, it is still unclear to what extent the introduced chemicals and microbes influence the metabolic potential of the subsurface microbiome. Here we investigated an onshore oilfield in Germany (Field A) that undergoes secondary oil production along with biocide treatment to prevent souring and microbially induced corrosion (MIC). With the integrated approach of 16 S rRNA gene amplicon and shotgun metagenomic sequencing of water-oil samples from 4 production wells and 1 injection well, we found differences in microbial community structure and metabolic functions. In the injection water samples, amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) belonging to families such as Halanaerobiaceae , Ectothiorhodospiraceae, Hydrogenophilaceae, Halobacteroidaceae, Desulfohalobiaceae, and Methanosarcinaceae were dominant, while in the production water samples, ASVs of families such as Thermotogaceae, Nitrospiraceae, Petrotogaceae, Syntrophaceae, Methanobacteriaceae, and Thermoprotei were also dominant. The metagenomic analysis of the injection water sample revealed the presence of C1-metabolism, namely, genes involved in formaldehyde oxidation. Our analysis revealed that the microbial community structure of the production water samples diverged slightly from that of injection water samples. Additionally, a metabolic potential for oxidizing the applied biocide clearly occurred in the injection water samples indicating an adaptation and buildup of degradation capacity or resistance against the added biocide. • Integrated approach of 16S rRNA gene amplicon and shotgun metagenomic sequencing of water-oil samples. • Differences in microbial community structure and metabolic functions between production wells and injection wells. • Metabolic potential for oxidizing the applied biocide in the injection water samples. • Insights of in situ formaldehyde oxidation in oil reservoirs well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In offshore platforms, elevated costs due to effluent quantity, logistics, space limitation, and availability of solvents hinder produced water treatment, leading petrochemical industries to develop feasible backup strategies to create a sustainable treatment of this byproduct. This context motivates the present study's proposal to use diesel oil in offshore facilities as onboard fuel to remove naphthenic acids (model compound of the dissolved organic fraction) through liquid-liquid extraction. Results achieved out in a separation funnel using synthetic produced water ([cyclohexanecarboxylic naphthenic acid] 0 = 500 mg/L) and diesel as an extracting solvent (10%) present high removal efficiencies of about 60% of the cyclohexanecarboxylic naphthenic acid present in synthetic water produced at pH 2% and 42% at pH 4. The characterization analysis of the diesel oil after the liquid-liquid extraction process indicates that it is suitable for reuse as fuel within the offshore platform dispensing further treatments. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Membrane distillation integrated with crystallization (MDC) holds promise for sustainable produced water treatment. Addressing challenges like fouling and wetting, common due to high inorganic content and oil-grease presence, requires efficient pretreatment for stable performance. To establish a compact, manageable treatment solution, we examined a pilot-scale integrated electro-coagulation (EC) - microfiltration (MF) system as pretreatment. This step produced 3600 L daily, significantly improving water quality. A remarkable 40% reduction in total organic carbon, 22-fold decrease in total suspended solids, and 600-fold decrease in turbidity underscore its effectiveness. This enhances the suitability for subsequent membrane distillation. In addition, a significant decrease in fouling and scale formation was observed. Long-term batch and continuous MD tests investigated crystallization between MD cycles that prevents significant flux decline. Implementing continuous MDC increased total water recovery six-fold, with stable membrane performance over six cycles, recovering approximately 10% of feed per cycle. These observations highlight the scalable potential of the less-explored integrated treatment (EC-MF-MDC) for effective produced water treatment. This study suggests the viability of the integrated approach for sustainable, larger-scale produced water treatment. [Display omitted] • Membrane distillation integrated with crystallization shows promise technology. • Pilot-scale EC-MF system yields 3600 L daily, boosting water quality. • 40% carbon reduction, 22-fold TSS decrease, enhanced suitability. • Integrated EC-MF-MDC offers sustainable produced water treatment. • Membrane crystallization enhances the MD performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the large-scale application of polymer flooding technology, the polymer concentration in produced water is increasing, which leads to incomplete regeneration of filter media by gravity field hydraulic backwashing technology only. In this study, the high-gravity backwashing technology is constructed by coupling gravity field and swirl field, which promotes the development of the oilfield. Based on the cascade theory, this paper establishes a mathematical expression of radial collision force in the high-gravity backwashing process in the vortex tube and solves a mathematical equation of high-gravity backwashing velocity gradient G based on the efficient zone of collision force action. Meanwhile, based on the discrete element method and computational fluid dynamics theory, the inter-particle collision regulation of the high-gravity backwashing process is simulated by the coupled FLUENT-EDEM method, and the high-efficiency zone of the backwashing process is verified. In this high-efficiency zone, the theoretical and simulated values of velocity gradient G for different high-gravity values match well, with differences ranging from –5.8 % to +7.1 %, indicating that the theoretical model of high-gravity backwashing is correct. When the high-gravity value is 210–240 g, the total impulse of the filter bed per unit time reaches a great value, and the backwashing velocity gradient G is 3047.1 s−1, which is much larger than the G value of combined air-water backwashing. The high-gravity backwashing technology breaks through the technical bottleneck of low efficiency in the action of the gravity field. It enriches and develops the gravity field hydraulic backwashing technology of the filter bed. • A new method of high-gravity backwashing is proposed, and a theoretical model of high-gravity backwashing is constructed. • The mathematical equations particle impact force and velocity gradient in high efficiency area of high-gravity backwashing are established. • The coupling method of FLUENT-EDEM is used to study the backwashing process, which provides a new idea for the backwashing of traditional water treatment filter bed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the continuous expansion of water drive oil fields and the increasing difficulty of oil recovery, the accuracy requirements for predicting water drive performance are also increasing. Based on this, this article utilizes system modeling algorithms to construct a high-precision water drive dynamic prediction platform, and conducts model validation and application research on actual oil production data, achieving certain successful results. This platform has built a complete, efficient, and operable water drive dynamic prediction method, which can accurately and stably predict the oil, water, and gas production of water drive oil recovery, achieving the goal of real-time monitoring of oil production wells. In practical applications, the platform effectively solves the problem of predicting water drive production capacity in oil production wells by combining data regression analysis and grey theory. Therefore, the research on the system modeling algorithm based water drive dynamic prediction platform and its application will provide valuable and practical references for the production management and sustainable development and management of resource oceans in the oilfield field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Freeze-melt is an efficient way for removing contaminants from compressed leachate. • COD, TOC, NH 3 -N and TP are effectively removed by freeze-melt treatment. • Ice formation rate was a very important factor for removal rate of contaminants. • Contaminants in ice with small size are easier to melt-out of the ice. A small amount of leachate with complex composition will be produced during the compressing of municipal solid waste in refuse transfer stations. In this study, the freeze-melt method, a green and efficient wastewater treatment technology, was used to treat the compressed leachate. The effects of freezing temperature, freezing duration, and ice melting method on the removal rates of contaminants were investigated. The results showed that the freeze-melt method was not selective for the removal of chemical oxygen demand (COD), total organic carbon (TOC), ammonia-nitrogen (NH 3 -N) and total phosphorus (TP). The removal rate of contaminants was positively correlated with freezing temperature and negatively correlated with freezing duration, and the slower the growth rate of ice, the higher the purity of ice. When the compressed leachate was frozen at −15 °C for 42 h, the removal rates of COD, TOC, NH 3 -N and TP were 60.00%, 58.40%, 56.89% and 55.34%, respectively. Contaminants trapped in ice were removed during the melting process, especially in the early stages of melting. The divided melting method was more beneficial than the natural melting method in removing contaminants during the initial stage of melting, which contributes to the reduction of produced water losses. This study provides a new idea for the treatment of small amounts of highly concentrated leachate generated by compression facilities distributed in various corners of the city. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Even with the development of alternative fuels and energy sources, the world is still highly dependent to the petroleum production and extraction. Align to this, the treatment of oilfield produced water (OPW) is a global challenge, since for each barrel of extracted oil it is produced 3 barrels of OPW in average. OPW contains numerous organic compounds, including naphthenic acids (NAs), which are considered recalcitrant compounds and are not efficiently removed by conventional OPW treatment. Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) produce highly reactive hydroxyl radicals (•OH) and are considered a promising alternative for the degradation of resistant organic compounds. This review focuses on the treatment of OPW and degradation of pollutants present in its composition through different AOPs (ozonation, photocatalysis, photochemical oxidation and Fenton-based processes). The factors affecting the processes and strategies to improve AOPs efficiency for OPW treatment are discussed. The background information regarding each process, their main operational parameters and recent publications were addressed aiming to present viable technologies for the complete treatment of OPW. The main finds indicate that individual processes may present some limitations, and much of the emerging research in this field is directed towards the use of combined processes. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper demonstrates flotation separation for dispersed oil droplets and dissolved organics by preparing condensate bubble aphrons (CBA) by partially vaporizing condensate. The results show that the new CBA consists of a condensate membrane and a gas core, with a three-phase contact angle above 140° from the oil surface due to excellent wettability. At different temperatures and condensate compositions, bubbles are about 25–100 µm in size. The half-life time (140–230 s) of CBA and gas hold-up (10–25%) is much higher than nitrogen bubbles. It shows that the CBA has good stability and dispersibility. The flotation experiment of CBA found that the condensate group distribution ratio was optimally adapted to the temperature, and the optimum oil removal efficiency of up to 87% was obtained when the operating temperature was higher than the bubble point of 25–35 °C. The experimental experiment shown the recommended initial oil concentration (400 mg/L) and the mixing ratio of condensate and water (1.0%). Otherwise, CBA flotation efficiency was 10% higher than dissolved gas flotation. With the addition of flocculant, the CBA flotation efficiency can reach 97% of oil droplets and can achieve 50% removal of Acetic acid (HAc). [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the recent advances in standalone membrane technologies were investigated for produced water treatment and reclamation. The effect of operating parameters (i.e. temperature, flow rate, velocity, and pH) on membrane fouling were studied in detail. Results showed that microfiltration suffered severe fouling from suspended particles and flux deterioration reacheed 90 % in less than 1 h. Ultrafiltration showed enhanced removal of oil up to 95 % however, membrane hydrophilicity needs to be increased and the suspended particulates should be minimized to sustain operation. Nanofiltration was more prone to fouling with maximum oil removal 99 % and removal of 10 % to 20 % of dissolved solids. Reverse osmosis (RO) performance decreased rapidly against mild salts and oil concentrations in the range of 2000 ppm salts and 150 ppm crude oil and was therefore not suitable for standalone. Developed technologies such as membrane distillation (MD) and forward osmosis (FO) showed remarkable operation stability against high concentrations of oil and salts (1000 ppm crude oil and up to 150,000 ppm of salts). Hybridization of nanofiltration or RO with MD or FO processes showed promising results in pilot tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oil production in most of the old reservoirs is expected to decline, and this will create a gap between the supply and demand of oil in the world. Meanwhile, there are still huge volumes of hydrocarbons in unconventional reservoirs. Intensive technological approaches are needed to ensure adequate oil is recovered than developing other new fields that are more expensive economically. Therefore, there is a rising interest in developing effective improved oil recovery techniques to increase oil recovery from the depleted oil fields or unconventional oil resources. This study mainly intends to compare between the water alternating gas (WAG) and the water huff-n-puff techniques for oil recovery in a tight oil reservoir, based on their effectiveness, their recoveries, economical factors, as well as assessing the factors that affect the recovery based on both of the techniques. The modelling and designing of the reservoir for the Jilin tight oil field and its simulation were performed by the ECLIPSE 300 software. The result showed that, after the simulation of 2922 days, WAG has better results than using a water huff-and-puff technique by providing a total of 30,453.271 Sm3 of the total field oil and the water huff-and-puff method has a total field oil production of 1,726.389 Sm3. Besides good oil recovery, the WAG method has shown higher water production compared with that of the water huff-and-puff method, with 46157.715 Sm3, whereas the water huff-and-puff method has only produced a total field water of 138.874 Sm3 for the whole 2922 days of simulation. Furthermore, the WAG best mode that shows an optimum oil recovery efficiency of 47.40% is an injection mode by starting with water injection followed by gas injection (CO 2) for 1-year cycle each. Thus, WAG is a preferential candidate for the development of tight oil reservoirs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The petroleum industry generates a massive amount of oily water discharge from oil–water separators. Oily water will cause a major environmental risk if not treated before discharge. The challenge is to propose a suitable low maintenance cheap treatment method. This study represents a second phase of testing polyester fibers as deep bed filtration media to treat the produced oily water. The previous, first phase, study investigated the efficiency of the polyester fiber by conducting short duration filtration tests using 40 cm polyester fiber filters. From the first phase study, two suggestions can be deduced to optimize the oil removal efficiency of polyester fiber filters in long duration field processes and to use either large number of short filters with low flow capacity or less number of long filters with high flow capacity. The two methods were employed and tested separately in this study. The results of both methods clearly showed the ability of the polyester fiber deep bed filters to produce high-quality brine of less than 5 ppm oil concentration. The polyester fibers filter was proven to be a competitor with the existing materials used in the industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study reports a novel approach of resource recovery from co-managing two geographically co-located and chemically complementary wastewaters using a pilot-scale treatment process. Designed to treat flue gas desulfurized (FGD) effluent from combustion powerplants and produced water (PW) from energy industries, the process consists of soda-ash softening, nanofiltration (NF), and reverse osmosis (RO). Recovered products are barite, calcite, and low-salinity water. Using field-collected waters, the results show that softening at pH ≈ 8.5 produces calcite (yield: ~ 30 kg/m3 treated water), a chemical used as SO₂ (g) scrubbers. NF treatment under an applied pressure of ~ 3.5 MPa yields a permeate stream laden with monovalent ions (water recovery ~ 60 %) and a concentrate stream with a sulfate concentration ~ 1.8 times of the feedwater concentration. Mixing the NF concentrate and PW at a volumetric ratio of 1.0 precipitates a high-density barite material (4.1 g/cm3, yield: ~ 7.5 kg/m3 mixture) – a critical mineral commonly used as a weighting agent in drilling. The RO treatment recovers >64 % water as the permeate, which can be readily used as cooling make-up water at the powerplants. The RO concentrate stream can be further processed in a thermal evaporative system for additional water recovery and brine production. [Display omitted] • FGD effluent and PW have complimentary chemistries for critical mineral recovery. • FGD and PW co-treatment recovered barite, calcite, and low-salinity water. • Successful pilot-scale operation demonstrated feasibility of the co-treatment approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As worldwide reliance on the petroleum industry persists, environmental concerns associated with offshore oilfield operations continue to present a critical challenge for sustainable management. This study develops and tests a novel life cycle assessment (LCA)-based framework to examine strategies for produced water (PW) management from offshore oilfield operations. The framework encompasses experimental designs under a dynamic modelling system coupled with stepwise linear regression, multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA), and fluctuating scenarios in Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) and other internal reuse options including cooling systems, drilling operations, and utility services. Two strategies for treatment train technologies were tested with various PW compositions, sludge management options, and variable EOR demands. When comparing conventional (corrugated plate interceptor, hydrocylone and nutshell filter) with recent treatment/disposal technologies (tubular separation, combined fiber coalescence and mechanical vapor compression), the LCA revealed that the latter increased operational efficiency (14%), reduced cost (6.5%) and the overall environmental impact categories (66%). The scenario that exhibited the lowest emissions incorporated recent treatment technologies and land application for sludge management. This configuration demonstrated considerable environmental advantages, evidenced by significant reductions in key impact indicators including freshwater eutrophication (74%), global warming (64%), marine ecotoxicity (58%), and stratospheric ozone depletion (44%) when compared to the baseline scenario with conventional treatment-disposal methods. The system dynamics model revealed that the internal reuse options exploited 23%–47% of PW inflow, indicating a significant annual surplus of unused PW that presents an opportunity for external applications to enhance sustainability. In closure, we argue that the proposed framework offers a valuable tool for waste management practitioners, facilitating the identification and selection of strategies with minimal environmental impacts for PW management. [Display omitted] • Developed an LCA-based framework for produced water (PW) management in offshore oilfields. • Integrated dynamic modeling, linear regression, and decision analysis for PW management strategies. • Compared environmental impacts of conventional and recent PW treatment technologies. • Emphasized operational efficiency, cost, and environmental impacts in diverse PW scenarios. • Demonstrated the framework's enhancement of PW management evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • An advanced strategy for enhancing lithium extraction was investigated by modifying LDH with PAA. • The enhancement was driven by charge transfer and the increased electron cloud density. • This new adsorbent demonstrated excellent cyclic application performance. This study presents an advanced strategy for developing a novel poly(acrylic) acid-modified layered double hydroxide (PAA@LDH) for enhanced lithium adsorption. The optimal modification conditions include the use of a 2.5 % PAA solution in deionized water, an LDH powder dosage of 90 mL/g, and direct mixing at 333 K. Under these conditions, additional negatively charged functional groups were introduced into the material structure, thereby improving charge transfer, increasing electron cloud density, and lowering equipotential charge, as determined by DFT calculations. Consequently, the modified adsorbent exhibited a substantial rise in lithium adsorption capacity, increasing from 2.08 mg/g to 3.41 mg/g in produced water with low lithium concentration. Adsorption kinetics were rapid, reaching equilibrium within 40 min, and the adsorption behavior conformed to the Langmuir isotherm model. Besides, the adsorbent exhibited excellent selectivity for Li+ ions and maintained its performance at approximately 3.40 mg/g over seven cycles when regenerated under neutral conditions. The findings establish a robust framework for designing innovative adsorbent systems for lithium recovery from aqueous sources like produced water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The treatment and disposal of hypersaline produced water remains a challenge, particularly for oil and gas producers in the Permian basin where production wells generate significant amounts of wastewater, and the traditional method of injecting wastewater into disposal wells is coming under increasing scrutiny. Here we investigate the viability of using solar energy to power a multi-stage, surface heated, vacuum membrane distillation (SHVMD) with energy recovery to treat hypersaline produced wastewater from Midland, Texas. Membrane distillation is a process that can desalinate waters with high total dissolved solids concentration, and when incorporated into a system with surface heating and energy recovery can achieve high water recovery rates. Model results show that a 6-stage SHVMD system with a 54.4 % water recovery rate and a gained output ratio (GOR) of 3.28 has the potential to be economically viable when used to treat hypersaline produced water in the Permian basin. Assuming energy costs of $0.03/kWh thermal and $0.12kWh electric , we estimate a project net present value (NPV) of $225,525 and an internal rate of return (IRR) of 13.5 % when an air cooled condensor is used to cool the distillate and a NPV of $570,791 and IRR of 24.52 % when a liquid coooling source is available. This work presents a comprehensive economic assessment of utilizing a surface-heated membrane distillation system with heat recovery to treat hypersaline produced well water. • An economic analysis of surface-heated membrane distillation process for the treatment of hypersaline brine was performed • Under certain conditions, the process is economically viable compared to deep-well injection • Process economics are sensitive to the availability of liquid cooling, sunlight, and the cost of solar-thermal energy [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optimal management and desalination of produced water is a major challenge for U.S. oil and gas development. Integrating rigorous desalination models into multi-period produced water network optimization problems presents several hurdles, which need to be tackled using advanced optimization strategies. In this work, a novel multi-period produced water network formulation with separate solid and liquid flows is introduced to avoid singularities at zero flows. Rigorous steady state desalination models based on mechanical vapor recompression are embedded at the desalination sites in the network model. An integrated optimization formulation is developed to co-optimize the design of desalination units along with the operation of the network. Furthermore, a more robust approach based on the trust region filter method is developed to efficiently integrate complex desalination models into the multi-period planning problem. Both optimization approaches are demonstrated on a produced water network from the PARETO library (Drouven et al., 2022) using thermal desalination units. Our results show that while the TRF and integrated approaches have comparable solve times, the TRF approach has better performance reliability in terms of solver convergence. Furthermore, the optimal solution obtained by embedding rigorous models into the network is significantly different than when desalination costs are approximated using simple cost models, which motivates further research in this field. • Produced water network models developed with recycle and treatment facilities. • Multi-period optimization network formulation developed with separate solid and liquid flows. • Rigorous steady state desalination models based on mechanical vapor recompression are incorporated. • Robust trust region filter strategy implemented to co-optimize network desalination models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In last decades because of the increase in water demand various technologies used to increase the performance of desalination systems and decreasing the cost of produced water. In the present research, the thermal and economic performance of a parabolic trough collector connected to a desalination system was analyzed. Moreover, in order to improve the thermal efficiency of the collector, the effect of wind speed (considering the position of the collector) on the deflection of the collector and thermal performance was evaluated. By increasing the wind speed the thermal efficiency decreases. The twist angle at the end of the reflecting shaft was considered for calculations. Ansys analysis was used to survey the structural behavior of the collector at various conditions. The results of the experimental test demonstrated that for all three positions, the twist angle of the shaft increases as well Moreover, due to the fluctuation of the solar radiation the fluid temperature flows in the collector is not homogenous. Using materials with higher latent heat decreases the thermal fluctuations. In the present work PCM in the spiral tube was installed inside of the receiver tube. The results implied that the maximum twist angle was obtained for the wind speed of 30 km/h at the right position. The deviation from the focal line increased the heat loss, thus optimization process was applied to the system considering the maximum wind speed of 124 km/h. The produced water for 15, 22 and 30 km/h is 722, 557 and 351 ml/m2 in 4 h, respectively. The economic analysis implied that using proposed system would cause a decrease in the payback time. • Effect of the wind force on the deflection of parabolic solar collector chassis was investigated. • The collector chassis simulated using 3D geometry and applying wind force. • The thermal performance and the amount of produced water was evaluated. • The data obtained by simulated model validated by laboratory data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• An affordable single-slope tilted wick solar still with and without a reflector was experimentally investigated. • A black-colored channeled twin-wall plastic sheet and an external condenser were used in this system. • The accumulated water production during the test in the single-slope tilted wick solar still with and without the reflector was 1710 ml and 1095 ml. Nowadays, the application of solar desalination system is widely regarded due to population growth, climate change, and diminution of non-renewable resources. These systems produce fresh water by absorbing solar energy that can be used in various cases. In this study, the performance of a single-slope tilted wick solar still with an affordable channeled absorber sheet, an external condenser, and a reflector has been investigated. As an innovation, a black-colored channeled twin wall plastic sheet was used as an absorber in this system to decrease the costs significantly. Further, the impact of using a reflector on the performance of this system was investigated, and ultimately, the daily efficiency and economic analysis of the system with and without the reflector was studied. According to the results, the average daily efficiency of this system with and without the reflector was noticed 46.13% and 30.10%, respectively. Furthermore, the average produced fresh water during the experiments without and with the reflector was 1095 ml and 1710 ml, respectively. Cost per liter of the produced fresh water with and without reflector was reported 0.041 $/l and 0.047 $/l, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work aims to evaluate the use of petroleum as a solvent in the liquid-liquid extraction of oil and grease content from oilfied produced water. Initially, tests were performed with synthetic effluent, using cyclohexanecarboxylic acid as model compound through the study of physical-chemical parameters: pH, temperature, stirring speed and time, petroleum type and concentration, and initial concentration of naphthenic acids. Afterwards, the process was evaluated for the removal of oil and grease content from a real oilfield produced water sample. The pH and petroleum concentration proved to be significantly influential in removing cyclohexanecarboxylic acid from the synthetic produced water (ANOVA). The greater the amount of petroleum present, the greater the efficiency. By acidifying the synthetic effluent, the efficiency of removing these naphthenic acids from the synthetic produced water was increased. Response surface methodology (RSM) evaluated these two factors. On the other hand, the initial concentration of cyclohexanecarboxylic acid and petroleum type did not presented great influence on the obtained results, indicating robustness of the process. The methodology carried out with synthetic effluent proved to be efficient in removing the oil and grease content from real effluent (= 60% of removal at pH range 2-5). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Produced water (PW) generated worldwide has lately become an issue of environmental concern. PW has a complex composition and a suitable treatment at offshore oil and gas platforms is required to achieve zero harmful discharge into the sea. The feasibility of electrochemical oxidation, heat-activated persulfate and ozonation was investigated as PW pretreatment. For comparison purposes, a common oxidant dosage level of 5% and 10% treatment equivalent chemical oxygen demand(COD) removal were established. Aiming to access PW biodegradability, an assay for biological oxygen demand(BOD) for high salinity matrix was also developed as a tool to characterize treatment efficiency. Electrochemical oxidation was largely independent on the anode materials, and controlled by the applied charge passed through the system. Heat-activated persulfate reaction was time-consuming and dependent on activation temperature, as well as initial oxidant concentration. Both methods reduced COD and BOD without significantly improving PW biodegradability, probably due to by-products generation. Ozonation had the most promising results applying doses ranging from 3.5 to 151 mgOWL. The benzene in PW after ozonation reduced up to 71% alongside with> 70% toxicity reduction for tested doses. Ozonation also showed to marginally improve PW biodegradability, which underline the potential of ozone to facilitate a subsequent biological treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Reviewed the synergistic effects between oxidation-membranes in PW treatment. • Oxidation-membranes treatment trains can overcome their respective drawbacks. • Organic fouling, inorganic fouling and biofouling can be reduced after oxidation. • MW, charge, and hydrophilic/hydrophobic properties influences membrane fouling. • Oxidation changes pollutants properties to reduce membrane fouling. The significant volume and substantial pollutant load in produced water (PW) pose challenges for the environment, thus necessitating exploration of appropriate treatment techniques. Though single oxidation or membrane methods exhibit effectiveness and individual merits, significant challenges persist in practical PW treatment. The efficacy of oxidation-membrane treatment trains in mitigating membrane fouling and enhancing permeate quality have been recognized. However, a significant deficiency lies in the discussion concerning the actual treatment performance and the synergistic effects between oxidation and membranes. Three typical hybrid methods integrating oxidation and membranes were proposed based on their individual performance, with the aim of facilitating PW beneficial reuse and achieving zero liquid discharge. Moreover, the state-of-the-art treatment behaviors and the mechanisms for fouling alleviation were systematically evaluated. In particular, pre-ozonation-ultrafiltration/microfiltration stands out as the predominantly researched treatment method, whereas oxidation-nanofiltration/reverse osmosis has received limited research attention. Oxidation proved effective in removing both organic and reductive inorganic compounds from PW. After oxidation, the quality of PW can be significantly improved to cause less fouling in the following membrane steps. Additionally, effect of PW constituents on oxidation efficiency, oxidation-membrane, the compatibility of the oxidation-membrane hybrid process, management of hazardous hazardous byproducts disposal, and economic feasibility were proposed as the future research directions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Quaternary phosphonium-polyamide NF membranes are prepared. • The membrane rejection for MgCl 2 reaches 98.9 % with a water flux of ∼50 LMH. • The Mg2+/Li+ selectivity of 81.6 exhibits notable competitive advantages. • The membranes exhibit superior anti-fouling and anti-bacterial characteristics. • The preparation method is simple and scalable for continuous production processes. Lithium extraction from brine sources such as salt lakes, seawater, and produced water from oil/gas fields is garnering increasing interests from the academic and industrial sectors due to its cost-effectiveness and reduced environmental impact. A critical technological challenge is the efficient separation of Mg2+ and Li+ ions. Many researchers have reported the preparation of positively charged nanofiltration membranes with quaternary ammonium groups, yet investigations about quaternary phosphonium groups are scarce. In this work, positively charged nanofiltration membranes were prepared utilizing polyethyleneimine as the aqueous phase monomer, trimesoyl chloride as the organic phase monomer, and 3-bromopropyl triphenyl phosphonium bromide as the functionalizing monomer. The TFC-P+ membranes, enriched with a high density of quaternary phosphonium groups and an enhanced Donnan effect, achieve a MgCl 2 rejection of 98.9 %, a Mg2+/Li+ selectivity of 81.6, and a water flux of 50 LMH under 0.5 MPa. The membranes possess an enhanced comprehensive separation capability that exceeds that of the majority of nanofiltration membranes documented in scholarly articles. Additionally, the membranes exhibit outstanding anti-fouling and anti-bacterial characteristics, essential for their industrial applications. The preparation method proposed herein is simple and conducive to continuous production processes. In light of the abundant produced water reserves from oil and gas extraction, future work will focus on pilot-scale lithium extraction experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the glass fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP) composite pipes used as sewerage pipes in oil and gas field environments were studied. The accelerated aging experiments were carried out under the simulated environments of three typical oil field media which including circulating air, simulated produced water and standard simulated oil. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was adopted to observe the microscopic morphology of the aged GFRP tubes under the three conditions. The microstructural characteristics of the aged tubes and the evolution process of internal defects were also analyzed and evaluated in combination with micro-CT technology. The attenuation pattern of the hoop tensile strength of the aged pipes was measured via the separation disk method, and the service life prediction was carried out based on the Arrhenius theory with the hoop strength as the life index. The results show that the accumulation of aging time and continuous heat input will aggravate the expansion of internal pores and cause the aggregation of small-volume defects into large-volume defects. Especially in the simulated oil environment, which has the highest sensitivity to defects. The maximum porosity reaching 1.5 % and the maximum volume of individual defects exceeding 106 μm3 after aging for 4000 h at 95 °C. The thermal aging process under the three environmental conditions had similar aging characteristics, and interfacial damage of the glass fibers was observed in all of them. The variability of hydrothermal aging is related to the hydrolytic behavior of the glass fibers, which is associated with the progressive dissolution damage of the SiO 2 network in the glass fibers, as well as the breaking of silane bonds. Thus, the hydrothermal environment had the most significant effect on the hoop tensile strength decay. Ultimately, 75 % strength retention was taken as the end-of-life indicator. The predicted service life based on the Arrhenius model for the three environments of thermo-oxygen, hydrothermal and simulated oil were 23.5, 23.1 and 28.5 years at 20 °C, and 12.2, 4.9 and 10.3 years at 40 °C, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Biogenic silica wastes modified for TOC removal and treatment of oilfield-produced water; • The adsorbent showed a large surface area of over 1000 m2/g; • The adsorbent was highly recyclable, being reused in up to 15 cycles; • CAM adsorbent removed 73 % of TOC from real produced water in 150 min. The escalating fuel demand generates significant volumes of oilfield-produced water containing complex environmental pollutants such as phenol. This study proposes a purification method for converting activated carbon (CAM), obtained at zero cost as a by-product of biogenic silica production, into an effective adsorbent. The activated carbon was characterized extensively for its morphological, structural, and chemical properties, revealing a substantial surface area exceeding 1000 m2/g. The adsorption process for phenol removal was investigated through kinetics, isotherms, and thermodynamic analyses. Kinetic data analysis favored the PSO models within 150 min, while equilibrium studies showed the best fit for the Sips and Liu models. CAM achieved an adsorption capacity of 23.9 mg g−1 for phenol removal at pH 6, the typical pH of produced water. The adsorption process was found to be exothermic and spontaneous. The produced adsorbent demonstrated high recyclability, with up to 15 reuse cycles achievable through regeneration via thermal desorption at 180 °C. Furthermore, CAM removed 73 % of total organic carbon from real produced water within 150 min. Thus, using activated carbon intrinsically carbonized during silica production is an economically viable and attractive solution for treating phenol-contaminated oilfield-produced water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Uneven distribution of reactive gases in proton exchange membrane fuel cell stacks deteriorates the material state and performance of individual cells, leading to a "barrel effect" that significantly reduces the stack lifespan and safety. In this work, a flow network model incorporating two-phase flow effects is developed to comprehensively assess the impact of two-phase flow effects, flow field types, and flow resistance types on the uniformity of cathode gas flow distribution within the stack. Results show that at the current density of 1.2 A cm−2, ignoring two-phase flow leads to the flow uniformity index being overestimated by 429.52 %. Stacks using flow fields with greater flow resistance achieve more uniform gas flow distribution, and compared to increasing frictional resistance, enhancing flow distribution through increases local resistance requires less additional pump work. Furthermore, the differential flow field configuration strategy proposed in this study significantly improves the uniformity of flow distribution, with the stack inlet and outlet pressure drop being 21.97 % lower than that achieved by increasing local flow resistance alone. This study not only opens new perspectives for research into optimizing design of cathode flow fields but also provides potential solutions to the problem of uneven flow distribution in stacks. • Neglecting TP flow overestimates the unevenness of cathode gas flow distribution. • Stacks with higher flow resistance flow fields have more uniform flow distribution. • There is a dominant competition between mass flow rate and produced water amount. • Increasing local resistance requires less additional pump work. • Differential flow field configuration greatly raises gas distribution uniformity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Two cationic surfactants based hydroxyethyl synthesized and characterized. • DC 12 and PC 12 act as mixed inhibitors for S90 steel in produced water. • A DFT analysis reveals a link between electronic and inhibitory performance. • The corrosion process controlled via adsorption and aqueous repulsion effects. • DC 12 and PC 12 adsorbed at the steel according to langmuir adsorption isotherm. To overcome both the bad economic and environmental effects resulting from oil wells produced water corrosion problems, two new cationic surfactants, N -(2-hydroxyethyl)- N,N -dimethyldodecan-1-aminium bromide (DC 12) and 1-dodecyl-3-(hydroxymethyl)pyridin-1-ium bromide (PC 12), was created, and their chemical structures were characterized using FTIR and 1H NMR analyses. Both surfactants DC 12 and DC 12 were examined as corrosion inhibitors for S90 steel in oil-wells-produced water at 298 K. The results showed that these amphiphile concentrations significantly boosted inhibitory effectiveness. At a dosage of 250 ppm, it had a maximal inhibitory efficacy of 84.1 % and 86.2 % for DC 12 and PC 12 , respectively. Inhibitors of DC 12 and PC 12 both meet the predictions for physisorption and chemisorption made by the Langmuir model. Atomic force microscope (AFM) analysis was performed as a surface morphology inspection for the S90 carbon steel. Simulations utilizing density functional theory (DFT) and molecular dynamics (MD) helped to validate these findings. As a result, both DC 12 and PC 12 are efficient corrosion inhibitors that can be employed to prevent steel deterioration caused by the effects of oil well-produced water on metallic equipment. Finally, a suitable corrosion inhibition mechanism was postulated and discussed. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Produced water from unconventional oil and gas reservoirs often contains non-ionic surfactants that are added to the hydraulic fracturing fluid to facilitate water release and enhance gas production. This study investigates the impact of currently used surfactants (i.e., nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEOs) and octylphenol ethoxylates (OPEOs)) and proposed alternative surfactants on the performance of membrane distillation (MD) for produced water treatment. The impact of NPEOs and OPEOs on wetting of PTFE membranes was studied as a function of their concentrations and ethoxylate (EO) chain length in a lab-scale DCMD system. Additionally, alternative surfactants, including linear alcohol ethoxylates (LAEs), branched secondary alcohol ethoxylates (BAEs), and alkyl polyglycosides (APGs), were evaluated for their potential to replace NPEOs and OPEOs. Experimental results indicate that the increase in the number of EO units in NPEOs decreased their tendency to cause membrane wetting by reducing their interaction with hydrophobic surfaces. It was also observed that LAEs and APGs that are environmentally friendly alternatives did not cause membrane wetting. This study provides valuable insights into the underlying mechanisms of surfactant-membrane interactions and offers guidelines for surfactant alternatives that can potentially improve hydraulic fracturing and lower environmental concerns while facilitating the use of MD for produced water treatment and recovery. • Studied legacy and alternative hydraulic fracturing non-ionic surfactants with MD • Wetting tendency decreases with EO chain length in nonylphenol ethoxylates. • LAEs and APGs are environmentally friendly alternatives that prevent membrane wetting. • Contact angle and LEP were found to be the primary indicators of the wetting behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a functional ionic liquid system was successfully applied to extract lithium from the Canadian oil and gas produced water samples without further dilution at ambient conditions. The effects of interference cations, dissolved organics and other factors on the extraction were studied in detail. Chemical precipitation method was applied to reduce the concentrations of divalent ions before the ionic liquid extraction. The extraction efficiency is about 70% on average and can be as high as 90%. It appears that this extraction method can be directly applied to the oilfield brine samples with both high Na/Li and Mg/Li ratios. In addition, it seems that the dissolved organics in the produced water did not impact the extraction efficiency. Efforts shall be made in the future to reduce the cost by replacing the diluent with another type of solvent and further improving the recycle and reuse of the IL systems. In summary, the technology can achieve satisfactory lithium extraction from the Canadian oil and gas produced water. • A functional ionic liquid system was applied to extract lithium from the Canadian oilfield brine. • The single extraction efficiency can reach 90% using newly synthesized ionic liquid system. • Dissolved organics in the brine will not affect the lithium extraction. • The technology has the potential to apply for direct lithium extraction from the oilfield brine at an industrial scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) is a type of localized corrosion caused by the metabolic activity of microorganisms and is responsible for at least 10–20% of incidents in the oil and gas industry. Therefore, researchers are focused on technologies to prevent MIC. In this study, gamma radiation using a Cobalt-60 (60Co) source was applied to the microbial community present in oil-field produced water samples obtained from conventional (COP) and unconventional (UOP) oil processes. Doses of 5, 10, 15, and 20 kGy were used. The total bacterial concentration and the efficiency of the treatment were determined as a function of the dose and the time after irradiation through ATP quantification. The content of specific genes was quantified through qPCR. In addition, microbial diversity was monitored through metagenomic study of the bacterial 16S gene. Total bacteria, sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB), and Arcobacter sp. were quantified in COP water samples. Meanwhile, total bacteria, SRB, thiosulfate-reducing bacteria, and Halanaerobium sp. were quantified in UOP water samples. The irradiation process was highly efficiency for the microbiological control in COP and UOP water samples. A decrease in the microbial load of at least one logarithm was obtained for all the samples. A greater decrease in cell concentration was observed after 15 and 30 days of irradiation, with a greater decay (>90%) at higher doses administered. Molecular analysis revealed that bacteria such as Halanaerobium sp., Marinobacterium sp., Pseudomonas sp., and Arcobater sp. showed a decreasing trend with increasing irradiation doses rates. The findings of this investigation suggest that the application of ionizing radiation may enhance the efficacy of microbial treatment in produced waters in the oil and gas industry. • Irradiation is effective in reducing MIC-associated microorganisms. • The irradiation efficiency ranges between 90% and 99.9% for Arcobacter. • The gene count is undetectable for Halanaerobium at 10, 15, and 20 kGy. • SRB genes are undetectable in COP water after irradiation for all doses. • A residual antimicrobial effect was observed several days after irradiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study assesses environmental impacts of reverse osmosis and algae-based biodesalination in four scenarios using a life cycle assessment (LCA) approach. These scenarios encompass (1) a multistage conventional pre-treatment desalination system, (2) immobilized algae-based hybrid desalination system, (3) suspended algae pre-treatment hybrid system, and (4) an attached growth algae-based hybrid system with a low-pressure reverse osmosis (LPRO) system. The assessment integrates the ReCiPe and USEtox 2.0 methods, examining diverse phases such as construction, operation, waste treatment, and chemicals. The impact analysis unveils waste treatment as a significant contributor in Scenario 1. In Scenarios 2 and 3, the operational phase, driven by chemical consumption, emerges as a major factor by 60–70 %, causing environmental damage. Scenario 4 showcases superior environmental performance, notably in global warming potential, freshwater eutrophication, marine eutrophication, ozone layer depletion, and fossil resource scarcity. Results highlight that Scenario 2 and Scenario 3, utilizing immobilized and suspended growth biodesalination, do not align with favorable LCA outcomes. Overall, Scenario 4 displays the least environmental impact and a favorable carbon footprint. The study advocates pipeline brine disposal due to its greater convenience and lesser environmental damage. A sensitivity analysis emphasizes the advantages of shorter transportation distances for optimal brine disposal from the desalination plant to the sea. • Assessed environmental impacts using LCA for algae-based seawater desalination • By consuming CO 2 during photosynthesis, algae help reduce GHG emissions. • Biodesalination presents three energy-efficient scenarios for seawater treatment. • Algal biomass is hydrothermally liquefied, generate electricity in last 3 scenarios. • Decreasing brine disposal distance reduced terrestrial ecosystem impact by 20 %. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents a novel data-driven optimal control method to minimize the cost of Convection-Enhanced Evaporation (CEE) systems under time-varying weather conditions. CEE is the approach of evaporating water from saline films (brine) on packed evaporation surfaces by air convection. Here, operating variables (brine injection rate, brine temperature, and air speed) are actively controlled as a function of current ambient conditions and daily weather forecast. The controller optimizes the process operation variables based on a dataset consisting of Pareto fronts, obtained in advance by solving a set of optimization problems. Three optimal operation strategies are presented: (1) real-time selection of operating variables, (2) predictive scheduled operation, and (3) hybrid wind-fan operation. The effectiveness of the proposed strategies was assessed through two case studies with distinct geographical locations and weather conditions: Alamogordo, New Mexico, and Minneapolis, Minnesota. The results show significant cost-saving potential relative to static operation. Predictive scheduled operation resulted in an annual average operating costs of $0.91/m3 and $6.63/m3 in Alamogordo and Minneapolis, respectively, with the higher costs in Minneapolis a result of the added thermal energy required to prevent freezing in winter. [Display omitted] • Data-driven optimal control methods are presented. • Controller predicts optimal operation schedule based on weather forecast. • Hybrid wind-fan operation reduces electric energy use. • Operation in extreme cold weather • Predictive, time-varying operation gave highest cost reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Freeze desalination (FD) is a method in which saline water is cooled below its freezing point and freshwater is separated from the brine in the form of ice crystals. FD is relatively insensitive to the salinity of the feed solution, making it suitable for desalination of high concentration brines such as the brine rejected from the seawater desalination plants. The design of the FD system and the thermochemical behavior of the brine upon freezing are critical factors in the energy performance of this method. To date, thermochemical properties of the concentrated seawater during cooling, such as the threshold of formation of ice and salt-hydrates and their corresponding cooling load of formation, are not well known. Likewise, the optimal configuration of the FD system to achieve the maximum energy efficiency has not been investigated. This work provides comprehensive data about the cooling load of freezing of concentrated brine rejected from seawater desalination plants along with the threshold of formation of ice and salt-hydrates backed-up by validation. Furthermore, the optimal configuration of the FD system is identified and the effects of the compressor isentropic efficiency and effectiveness of the system's heat exchangers on the work consumption of the FD system were investigated. • A new freeze desalination system configuration is proposed adopting extensive cooling energy recovery strategy. • A co-simulation framework has been developed and validated to simulate the freeze desalination system. • The energy performance is thoroughly investigated and compared with the corresponding published benchmark values. • The thermochemical behavior is presented for the treated brine considering a range of brine feed concentrations. • Comprehensive data about the energy performance is presented through analysis considering the key sources of irreversibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highly permeable membranes can improve the validity of water treatment using forward osmosis (FO) membranes. This study aims to identify the effects of substrate (track-etched (TE) filter) properties on the permeability of FO membranes. The polyamide active layer properties of three types of TE filters with similarly-sized pore diameters (0.2 μm) were observed to be equivalent regardless of the substrate porosity (13.7%–15.8 %) and substrate thickness (10–25 μm). Under the same fabrication protocol using 1.5 wt% m -phenylenediamine (MPD) solution with 0.25 wt% sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) addition, the increased porosity of the TE filter increased water flux. This suggested that further reduction in thickness and increase in porosity can enhance the water flux. The addition of SDS to an MPD solution was crucial in maximizing the water flux of TE filter-based FO membranes, and the other approaches (no surfactant addition or the addition of Tween80 or hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide) produced lower water flux. The optimized fabrication protocol presented the highest water flux of 43 L/m2h and reverse salt flux of 10 g/m2h with the draw (1.0 M NaCl) and feed (pure water) solutions. This study determined the best approach for forming a highly permeable PA active layer on TE filters. [Display omitted] • Thin polyamide FO membranes were fabricated using track-etched (TE) filters. • m -Phenylenediamine solution was laid on the surface using an automatic bar coater. • TE filters with 0.2 μm pore diameters had a 240–270 nm thick polyamide layer. • Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) addition provided the highest water flux. • FO membrane fabricated with 0.2 μm TE filter enabled a water flux of 43 L/m2h. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• B. velezensis demonstrated effective inhibition of X65 steel corrosion. • Biomineralized film prepared by B. velezensis exhibited corrosion resistance. • This paper offered a more environmental solution to corrosion inhibition. The issue of material failure attributed to microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) is escalating in seriousness. Microorganisms not only facilitate corrosion but certain beneficial microorganisms also impede its occurrence. This study explored the impact of marine B. velezensis on the corrosion behavior of X65 steel in simulated offshore oilfield produced water. B. velezensis exhibited rapid growth in the initial stages, and the organic acid metabolites were found to promote corrosion. Subsequently, there was an increase in cross-linked "networked" biofilms products, a significant rise in the prismatic shape of corrosion products, and a tendency for continuous development in the middle and late stages. The organic/inorganic mineralized film layer formed on the surface remained consistently complete. Metabolic products of amino acid corrosion inhibitors were also observed to be adsorbed into the film. B. velezensis altered the kinetics of the X65 steel cathodic reaction, resulting in a deceleration of the electrochemical reaction rate. The mineralization induced by B. velezensis effectively slowed down the corrosion rate of X65 steel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Black garbage bags (BGB) and car air filters (CAF)) were recycled and used to elaborate interfacial solar evaporators, also named as recycled materials evaporator (RME). The RME evaporator desalinated seawater at a maximum evaporation rate and evaporation efficiency of 3.19 kg∙m-2∙h-1 and 80.1%, respectively, under natural sunlight. Later, the RME evaporator was completely coated with copper zinc vanadate (CZVO) microplates (RME-F-CZVO evaporator). Other two RME evaporators were made, one of them had printed a circle of CZVO particles at its center (RME-C-CZVO evaporator), while the second one had nine small circles of CZVO microparticles distributed on its surface (RME-D-CZVO evaporator). The highest evaporation rate (3.61 kg∙m-2∙h-1) and evaporation efficiency (90.4%) were reached for the RME-C-CZVO evaporator. Printing the CZVO microparticles with circular geometry at the center of the evaporator maximized the accumulation of heat, which in turn, accelerated the evaporation of the seawater. This effect was confirmed by thermographic images. In addition, the evaporators reduced the water vaporization enthalpy by 27-36.3%, which favored the steam generation at lower temperatures. Also, the evaporators were utilized for the purification of stream water (contaminated with organic compounds) and tap water contaminated with cosmetics (skin foundation and blush). The results indicated that 97–99% of the cosmetics was removed from the water after the evaporation treatment, and 95–99% of the total dissolved solids were eliminated as well. This investigation reveals that low-cost solar evaporators made of recycled plastics/cellulose can desalinate seawater or could serve to eliminate cosmetics with complex composition from the tap water. [Display omitted] • Solar evaporators were made with recycled trash bags and cellulose from car air filters. • Seawater was fully desalinated under direct sunlight. • Adding copper-zinc vanadate to evaporators raised their evaporation rates by 13.2%. • OH groups present on the evaporators reduced the water evaporation enthalpy by 27-36%. • Skin foundation and blush cosmetics were removed from tap water with 97-99% efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Two-step dehydrogenation reaction of DEA to generate acetonitrile and ethylene occurred on Cu 5 /TiO 2. • DEA could directly decompose into ethylamine and ethylene on Cu 5 /HZSM-5(27). • Severe coke deposition was formed on Cu 5 /HZSM-5(27) with strong Brønsted acidity. • Cu 5 /HZSM-5(130) and Cu 5 /S-1 with lower Brønsted acidity and reducibility released more unwanted gas-phase byproducts. This work investigated the reaction behaviors of diethylamine (DEA) catalytic oxidation on various Cu-based catalysts with different supports (TiO 2 , HZSM-5(27), HZSM-5(130) and S-1). It was found that the acidic environment of catalysts greatly influenced reaction pathways of DEA oxidation. On Cu 5 /TiO 2 catalyst mainly with Lewis acidity, DEA preferentially dissociated through a two-step dehydrogenation to produce acetonitrile and ethylene, while on Cu 5 /HZSM-5(27) catalyst with strong Brønsted acidity, DEA could directly decompose into ethylamine and ethylene via N-C cleavage. Both pathways existed simultaneously over Cu 5 /HZSM-5(130) with decreased Brønsted acidity. Thereafter, acetonitrile could be further oxidized on the Cu 5 /TiO 2 catalyst to generate a large amount of NO x via NCO(a) intermediates over-oxidation, while ethylamine on Cu 5 /HZSM-5 samples would convert to acetamide and then produced N 2 and CO 2. The Cu2+ species due to enriched Brønsted acid sites in Cu 5 /HZSM-5 catalysts ensured excellent N 2 selectivity via internal SCR mechanism. Additionally, the strong Brønsted acidity of Cu 5 /HZSM-5(27) could induce the polymerization of carbonaceous intermediates and thereby resulted in severe coke deposition. As for Cu 5 /HZSM-5(130) and Cu 5 /S-1 with relatively lower Brønsted acidity and reducibility would release some unwanted gas-phase by-products like ethyl-isocyanate. This work provided useful guidance for designing NVOCs catalysts with high activity and less toxic by-products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Produced water, a major by-product of oil and gas production, represents the most significant amount of waste by volume in the oil and gas industry. Focusing on the hydrocarbon's lifecycle, this review delves into the composition and global variations of produced water. It assesses the current treatment methods for their effectiveness and their potential for reuse in sectors beyond oil and gas, such as agriculture. The review highlights the environmental trade-offs in maximising energy production, analysing the ecological implications of produced water disposal in marine environments and the potential risks to marine biodiversity. Regional regulatory frameworks and their role in mitigating these environmental impacts are examined, alongside the challenges faced in standardising treatment solutions due to the complex nature of produced water. The conclusion underscores the need for continuous research to develop innovative and effective treatment technologies and advocates for a balanced approach to energy production that prioritises environmental stewardship. [Display omitted] • Untreated produced water has detrimental effects in the marine environment. • Produced water quality is variable depending on location and hydrocarbons exploration techniques. • Produced water management is based on its characteristics and regional regulations. • Produced water quantity increases with time of field exploration. • Produced water is treated for environmental discharge or for reuse within or outside the oil and gas industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Silicon, calcium and sulfur are key foulants in produced water (PW) streams. • 97 % silica pre-treated with electrocoagulation (EC) with very low current and time. • Forward osmosis (FO) and membrane distiialtion (MD) hybrid used as main treatment. • Both FO and MD fluxes increased and showed stability after pretreatment. • EC followed by FO-MD hybrid is excellent for hypersaline PW streams treatment. In this study, the electrocoagulation (EC) process was explored and optimized for the pre-treatment of key contaminants present in hyper-saline produced water (PW) streams before their treatment through forward osmosis-membrane distillation (FO-MD) hybrid system. Due to their hyper-saline nature and the associated high temperatures, PW streams can be treated cost-effectively and sustainably using low-pressure dual membrane filtration systems like FO-MD hybrids. Desalter effluent (DE) stream was used as the FO feed solution, and WOSEP outlet (WO) stream served simultaneously as the FO draw solution and MD feed solution. The key foulants were identified in the WO and DE streams. Silicon, calcium, and sulfur were found as the key elements contributing towards FO and MD membrane fouling in the form of CaSO 4 , SiO 2, and CaSiO 3. Applying EC for 10 min with 100 mA current (7 mA/cm2 current density) at a neutral pH of 7 demonstrated the highest removal efficiencies for silicon (97 %), calcium (3.6 %), and sulfur (12.2 %) with only 0.023 kWh/m3 electric energy requirement. FO-MD hybrid efficiency was re-assessed with pre-treated WO and DE streams. The FO flux showed more stability and increased by 32.5 % and MD by 28.9 %, with a 10 % reduction in specific reverse solute flux. EC is thus a robust and effective process for hyper-saline hazardous PW pre-treatment and can substantially improve the FO-MD hybrid system efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Replicating low-temperature oxidation of methyl-hexabenzocoronene as a model compound for fossil resource through reactive molecular hyperdynamics simulation under the same conditions as experiment. • Proposing novel reaction pathways involving water-addition reaction to generate oxygen-containing functional groups. • Layered structure and resonant configuration of PAH radical can influence the reaction frequency. Low-temperature oxidation mechanism for methyl-hexabenzocoronene (mHBC) as a model compound for fossil resource is examined by a reactive molecular dynamics (ReaxFF) simulation with collective variable-driven hyperdynamics (CVHD), using two distinct ReaxFF parameter sets for gas-phase and solution-phase oxidations. The simulation using the solution-phase parameters, performed at 543 K and 0.1 MPa for 16 ns, corresponds to the experimental results at 543 K and 0.1 MPa over a 30-minute period in terms of weight increase and product distribution. The analyses of atomic-level trajectories suggest intricate reaction pathways and produced water molecules play critical roles to form oxygen-containing functional groups, which are not considered in conventional reaction mechanisms. The molecular aggregation (π-π stacking) and great stability of hexabenzocoronyl radical would enhance the reaction frequency. Despite the potential inaccuracies in representing gas-phase oxidation by the hyperdynamics method using solution-phase parameters, due to overemphasis on solvent-stabilized reaction pathways, the method can nonetheless offer valuable insights into the investigation of infrequent phenomena occurring during low-temperature oxidation and combustion processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It was hypothesized that dietary electrolyte balance (dEB) would influence the dynamics of water, ions, and nutrient fluxes in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) smolts differently depending on water salinity. To date, a comparative study on how dEB alters these dynamics in freshwater- and seawater-adapted fish is lacking. The test diets were low versus high dEB (−100 versus 500 mEq kg−1 DM−1) and the test water salinities were 0 versus 30 ppt. Furthermore, the effect of the interaction between dEB and salinity on blood pH and osmolality were investigated. The experiment lasted for 6.5 weeks. Chyme was collected from four GIT segments (stomach, proximal, middle, and distal intestine) and analysed for dry matter (DM), pH, osmolality, crude protein, and ion (Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, and K+) content. Water, ion, and nutrient fluxes were measured using yttrium oxide (Y 2 O 3) as an inert marker. It was found that there was a diet effect on chyme pH in the stomach, being lower in fish fed the low dEB diet than the high dEB diet. Furthermore, the diet altered ion and nutrient fluxes in the stomach. Water salinity had the largest effect on chyme pH in all the GIT segments and on chyme osmolality in the stomach, which significantly increased in seawater conditions. The interaction between dEB and salinity had an effect on chyme DM, water and ion fluxes in the stomach, proximal and middle intestine. Our results showed that, depending on water salinity, dEB altered water fluxes differently. In freshwater-adapted fish, water influx to the stomach was higher in fish fed the high dEB diet than the low dEB diet, but the difference was neglectable. In contrast, in seawater-adapted fish, water influx into the stomach and proximal intestine was higher in fish fed the low dEB than the high dEB diet, and the amplitude was much larger. Additionally, in seawater conditions, drinking rate was 50% higher in fish fed the low dEB diet (3.07 ml kg−1 h−1) than the high dEB diet (2.04 ml kg−1 h−1). As a result, it was concluded that, in seawater conditions, a diet with a low dEB has a higher flux of water in the stomach and proximal intestine of Atlantic salmon smolts as well as enhanced drinking rate. • Dietary electrolyte balance (dEB) alter water dynamics in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of smolt Atlantic salmon. • The diet effect on water dynamics in the GIT was larger in seawater than freshwater condition. • In seawater, the low dEB diet induced larger drinking rate than high dEB diet. • The diet had a minimal effect on kinetic of digestion in both freshwater and seawater condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• PMM as a promising substratum to meet Canadian oil sands' zero waste goal and SDGs. • Both low and high strengths produced waters were efficiently reclaimed. • Chemisorption, supported by AD, along limited physical adsorption were key findings. • High conductivity, presence of Geobacter and Methanosaeta indicate DIET during AD. • The 'microbial dark matter' (∼50%) warrants further investigations for microbial activities. Nature-based solutions are encouraged for treating oilfield produced water from oil and gas extraction, a crucial undertaking that aligns with the Canadian oil sands industry's ambitious goal of zero waste, and the globally recognized Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) pertaining to water conservation and ecosystem preservation. This study explored the use of peat-mineral mix (PMM), a leftover of inevitable oil sands mining, for treating low and high-strength wastewaters during biofiltration, which contained large molecular weight (44.3 kDa), which include alcohols, aliphatics, aromatics, and ketones, and can impart high toxicity to both fauna and flora (MicroTox: 99 %). The breakthrough curve indicated an effective initial adsorption phase driven by advection within the column dynamics. For complete organics removal and mechanistic insights, the wastewater was re-circulated in a continuous mode for up to 42 days. Here, we found that chemical oxygen demand was reduced from ∼85,000 mg/L to ∼965 mg/L). Kinetics investigations along with physicochemical characterization of PMM and wastewater suggested that chemisorption and anaerobic digestion contributed to the overall removal of contaminants. Chemisorption, led by hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions, was the dominant mechanism, with a limited contribution from physical adsorption (surface area: 2.85 m2/g). The microbial community within the PMM bed was rich/diverse (Shannon > 6.0; Chao1 > 600), with ∼ 50 % unclassified phylotypes representing 'microbial dark matter'. High electric conductivity (332.1 μS cm−1) of PMM and the presence of Geobacter , syntrophs, and Methanosaeta suggest that direct interspecies electron transfer was likely occurring during anaerobic digestion. Both low and high-strength wastewaters showed effective removal of dissolved organics (e.g., naphthenic acids, acid extractable fraction, oil and grease content), nutrients, and potentially toxic metals. The successful use of PMM in treating oilfield produced water offers promising avenues for embracing nature-based remediation solutions at oil refining sites. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chlorella vulgaris was cultivated for 15 days in 10 different treatments under mixotrophic and heterotrophic conditions, using wastewater from oil and poultry industries as the culture medium. The blends were made with produced water (PW), sterilized produced water (PW s), sterilized poultry wastewater (PoW s), sterilized seawater (SW s), and the addition of sodium nitrate to evaluate cell growth in treatments and the removal of PAHs. The heterotrophic condition showed more effective removal, having an initial concentration of 3.93 μg L−1 and a final concentration of 0.57 μg L−1 of total PAHs reporting 83%, during phycoremediation of (PW) than the mixotrophic condition, with an initial concentration of 3.93 μg L−1 and a final concentration of 1.96 and 43% removal for the PAHs. In the heterotrophic condition, the blend with (PWs + SWs) with an initial concentration of 0.90 μg L−1 and a final concentration of 0.32 μg L−1 had 64% removal of total PAHs compared to the mixotrophic condition with 37% removal having an initial concentration of 0.90 μg L−1 and a final concentration of 0.56 μg L−1. However, the best result in the mixotrophic condition was obtained using a blend of (PWs + PoWs) that had an initial cell concentration of 1.18 × 105 cells mL−1 and reached a final cell concentration of 4.39 × 105 cells mL−1, an initial concentration of 4.76 μg L−1 and a final concentration of 0.37 μg L−1 having a 92% total removal of PAHs. The biostimulation process increased the percentage of PAHs removal by 45% (PW) in the mixotrophic condition. This study showed that it is possible to allow an environmental remediation strategy that significantly reduces effluent toxicity and generates high value-added biomass in contaminated effluents rich in nutrients and carbon, based on a circular bioeconomy model. [Display omitted] • Blend of wastewater industrial showed the best result in the phycoremediation. • Higher cellular concentration in blend of industrial wastewater. • The bio-stimulation process increased the removal of PAHs total. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solar interfacial water evaporation is an environmentally friendly and potential approach to producing fresh water. Herein, a PAN/CNTs-foam (PCF) evaporator with high porosity, hierarchical pore structure, and excellent solar absorption was successfully prepared by the vacuum casting method. The PCF prepared with a CNTs content of 17 % and NaCl particle size of 150–300 μm possessed an evaporation rate of 2.04 kg m−2 h−1 for pure water under 1 sun illumination. The PCF-2 showed a maximum evaporation rate of 5.60 kg m−2 h−1 for real seawater in outdoor experiments, and the quality of the produced clean water was also demonstrated. The purification ability of PCF for organic dyes further confirmed the potential usage in wastewater treatment. Particularly, the PCF-2 exhibited efficient and stable desalination performance for hypersaline water even in 25 wt% simulated brine due to the hierarchical interconnected channels. Our work offers a robust method for the construction of a 3D foam evaporator with hierarchical interconnected channels for efficient and sustainable hypersaline water desalination. [Display omitted] • A 3D PCF evaporator with hierarchical pore structure and controllable pore size was successfully prepared by the vacuum casting method. • The prepared PCF-2 evaporator showed a high evaporation rate and evaporation efficiency. • The PCF-2 evaporator possesses excellent salt resistance and can be for the treatment of hypersaline water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Experimental data were obtained on a produced water treatment facility in Colombia. • Online system identification is used to describe time-variant fouling rate. • A digital object tool is built to perform fouling rate forecasting in real time. • Prediction showed remarkable performance comparable to ML or hybrid models. • Parameters interpretability brings insights into the onset of irreversible fouling. The Gas and oil industry is water intensive and there is a need to develop strategies to mitigate its environmental impact. Dynamic ultrafiltration has shown remarkable performance for wastewater reclaim. However, the system complexity under uncertain input conditions limits aiming for an adaptive operation. Herein, a digital shadow tool is built for real-time adaptive model calibration and fouling rate forecasting to facilitate system operation. Previously obtained data from 18 pilot plant experiments in an oil recovery facility have been used. First, a signal preprocessing step allows the reconstruction of unrecorded backwash/backshock signals. Then, the multivariable Recursive Least Squared method with a forgetting factor using an autoregressive model (ARX) is investigated to decouple the effect of applied disturbances from the unknown input disturbances and process noise. Hyperparameters were determined through a sensitivity analysis. This approach allows accurate transmembrane pressure and membrane flux predictions (average r 2 > 0.98 and forecasting error <10 %), matching machine learning and hybrid model prediction capabilities. Model analysis showed a correlation between model gains and the critical flux, particularly the flux setpoint. Besides, the forecasted fouling rate brought novel information regarding the onset of irreversible fouling formation. This investigation illustrates how this approach facilitates understanding the complex operation of dynamic ultrafiltration. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large amounts of produced water are extracted by the Oil and Gas energy sector since the industrial revolution. This available water, often salty, can be used to dilute liquid digestate from the anaerobic digestion process, a promising source of nutrients for microalgae cultivation. The study investigates the growth of halotolerant microalgae and their associated bacteria in column photobioreactors (PBRs) and open raceway pond (RWP), to treat industrial wastewaters while producing biomass for energy valorisation. Microalgae were cultured in mixtures of saline artificial produced water (7–44 %v/v), liquid digestate (5 %v/v using PBRs, 29–63 %v/v using RWP) and seawater. Nannochloropsis oceanica and Tetraselmis suecica strains were firstly cultivated in 70 L PBRs in indoor conditions for 3 months and later in 1.1 m3 RWP operated in outdoor conditions for 5 months in spring-summer period. In PBRs, average productivity was 9.0 ± 4.2 gVSS·m−2·d−1 (102–153 mgVSS·L−1·d−1), with daily removal efficiencies for chemical oxygen demand, nitrogen and phosphorous up to 61.8, 31.6 and 97.2 %, respectively. In RWP, strong changes in the microalgae populations were observed. Productivity was 6.7 ± 5.2 gVSS·m−2·d−1 (30 ± 23 mgVSS·L−1·d−1), with daily removal efficiencies for chemical oxygen demand, nitrogen and phosphorous up to 48.4, 44.4 and 88.1 %, respectively. In parallel with the production of microalgae, a nitrifying microbial population grew in the RWP despite the high salinity (70 g L−1). Over these periods of several months, microalgae production was maintained using a culture medium containing high salt concentration, metals and harmful aromatic compounds. [Display omitted] • Halotolerant microalgae were cultivated in column photobioreactors and raceway pond. • Similar areal productivities (7-9 gVSS·m−2·d−1) were obtained using both systems. • Up to 62% COD, 32% nitrogen and 98% phosphorous removed using column photobioreactors. • Up to 48% COD, 44% nitrogen and 88% phosphorous removed using raceway pond. • High nitrification was observed despite the high salinity of the culture medium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Si/N-DLC films with different Si and N contents were deposited and the corrosion behaviors in the simulated CO 2 -saturated oilfield produced water was mainly investigated. Results reveal that Si/N-DLC films improves dramatically the corrosion resistance of the substrate. This attributes to not only the channel blockage caused by diffusion of corrosion products, being composed of silicon oxide (SiO x) and metal oxide, but also the stronger support of increased roughness induced by N to the aggregated corrosion products, implying that the Si/N-DLC film are a self-healing protective film. These results provide theoretical guidance to develop the DLC films for anti-corrosive applications. • A self-healing Si/N-DLC film for corrosion protection was deposited by PECVD technology. • Corrosion behaviors and its stability of Si/N-DLC films in simulated CO 2 saturated oilfield produced water was studied. • Si/N-DLC films improves significantly the corrosion resistance of the substrate in oilfield environment. • Mechanism attributed to diffusion channel blockage and strong support for aggregating corrosion products. • Theoretical guidance to develop the DLC films for anti-corrosive applications was provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• U-Pb ion microprobe measurements in zircons of 109 new samples. • Definition of two step-wise geochemical shifts in felsic to intermediate intrusions at 2.75 Ga and 2.7 Ga. • A 2.87 Ga xenocryst in the 2.72 Ga phase of the Atikwa batholith, located in the Neoarchean Western Wabigoon terrane, is the earliest isotopic evidence for a Mesoarchean heritage there. • Recognition of linked chemo-stratigraphy across isotopically distinct terranes including ∼2.8 Ga continental emergence in the Jutten and Wagita assemblages of the respective Winnipeg River and Marmion terranes. • Autochthonous development of isotopically distinct terranes of the Wabigoon superterrane. Archaean crustal growth models remain contentious. Isotopically distinct crustal domains in the Superior Craton have been interpreted as exotic terranes, which has bolstered models of Archaean subduction-accretion. However, new geochemistry and geochronology of 3.0-2.7 Ga felsic igneous rocks across the Wabigoon superterrane, Superior Craton, together with a new stratigraphic synthesis, point to a shared chemo-stratigraphy across four isotopically-defined 'terranes'. Uranium-Pb zircon emplacement ages were measured for 109 new samples by ion microprobe. Two chemical shifts were identified across 3.02–2.68 Ga magmatism. At 2.75 Ga, variability in major oxides increases and some LILE, LREE, Sr/Y and La/Lu increase. At ca. 2.69 Ga, sanukitoid-like rocks record an increase in Mg#, compatible and transition elements, P 2 O 5 , LREE and steepening of REE patterns. The 2.75 Ga shift highlights the onset of greater melting/crystallisation depths and changing magma sources, reflecting cratonic thickening. The shift follows ∼2.8 Ga continental emergence recorded in basal conglomerates at a transition from plateau-like to rift- and arc-like greenstone assemblages. The <2.7 Ga shift reflects garnet-stable melting of a metasomatised mantle and correlates with craton-wide sedimentation and orogenesis. Several age peaks in near-continuous Marmion terrane magmatism from 3.02 Ga to 2.78 Ga are contemporaneous with scattered 3.02–2.78 Ga emplacement and inherited zircon ages from the 3.4 Ga Winnipeg River and 2.9 Ga Eastern Wabigoon terranes. All terranes record major magmatic episodes at ca. 2.74-2.72 and 2.7 Ga. A 2.87 Ga zircon xenocryst in the 2.72 Ga Atikwa batholith of the Western Wabigoon terrane is the earliest isotopic evidence for Mesoarchaean basement there. Contemporaneous magmatism, evidence for Mesoarchaean zircon age inheritance in Neoarchaean terranes, and a newly hypothesized time-correlative unconformity across terranes, favours (para-) autochthonous growth of the superterrane. The granite-greenstone record is reconciled by Mesoarchaean rifting, and subsequent development of a Neoarchaean suprasubduction zone before culminating with Kenoran collision. Therefore, <2.78 Ga subduction-accretion overprinted and shortened, but did not necessarily assemble, the Wabigoon superterrane. This finding complements growing global evidence for a unique mechanism of Archaean granite-greenstone development that culminated in late, localized subduction before cratonisation, with implications for the global onset of plate tectonics in the late Archean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]