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New Trends in Biosurfactants: From Renewable Origin to Green Enhanced Oil Recovery Applications

Authors :
Dilshad Shaikhah
Valeria Loise
Ruggero Angelico
Michele Porto
Pietro Calandra
Abraham A. Abe
Flaviano Testa
Concetta Bartucca
Cesare Oliviero Rossi
Paolino Caputo
Source :
Molecules, Vol 29, Iss 2, p 301 (2024)
Publication Year :
2024
Publisher :
MDPI AG, 2024.

Abstract

Enhanced oil recovery (EOR) processes are technologies used in the oil and gas industry to maximize the extraction of residual oil from reservoirs after primary and secondary recovery methods have been carried out. The injection into the reservoir of surface-active substances capable of reducing the surface tension between oil and the rock surface should favor its extraction with significant economic repercussions. However, the most commonly used surfactants in EOR are derived from petroleum, and their use can have negative environmental impacts, such as toxicity and persistence in the environment. Biosurfactants on the other hand, are derived from renewable resources and are biodegradable, making them potentially more sustainable and environmentally friendly. The present review intends to offer an updated overview of the most significant results available in scientific literature on the potential application of biosurfactants in the context of EOR processes. Aspects such as production strategies, techniques for characterizing the mechanisms of action and the pros and cons of the application of biosurfactants as a principal method for EOR will be illustrated and discussed in detail. Optimized concepts such as the HLD in biosurfactant choice and design for EOR are also discussed. The scientific findings that are illustrated and reviewed in this paper show why general emphasis needs to be placed on the development and adoption of biosurfactants in EOR as a substantial contribution to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly oil and gas industry.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
29020301 and 14203049
Volume :
29
Issue :
2
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
Molecules
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.b40bb5d388df4ecdbbb9eb948942d1eb
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29020301