Separation and removal of oil from water/wastewater in the oil industry: a review

ABSTRACT

The management of oil-contaminated water and wastewater in the oil industry remains a critical challenge due to its environmental and economic implications. This manuscript provides a comprehensive review of separation and removal techniques for oil from water and wastewater. It gives an overview of the origins and compositions of oil in wastewater, including natural and anthropogenic sources, as well as variations in physical states such as free, emulsified, and dissolved oil. The review delves into various separation methods, ranging from traditional gravity-based techniques to advanced technologies like membranes and recent developments in wastewater treatment systems. Furthermore, it discusses the application of new technologies specifically designed for the unique challenges faced in Middle East oil fields. The manuscript explores factors influencing oil-water separation efficiency, including operating conditions, chemical additives, equipment design, and environmental considerations. Additionally, it highlights current aspects and future directions in oily wastewater treatment, emphasizing the need for sustainable and effective solutions in the oil industry.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

KEYWORDS:

• Wastewater treatment
• oil industry
• separation
• oil removal
• environmental remediation

Acknowledgment

Sapana Jadoun is grateful for the support of the National Research and Development Agency of Chile (ANID) for the project FONDECYT 3200850.

Data availability statement

All data and information are mentioned in the manuscript.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Hadi Erfani

Hadi Erfani, MEng, is a Researcher in the Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Islamic Azad University (Central Tehran Branch), Tehran, Iran. He is an Expert in Chemical Engineering, Waste Management, and Environmental Sciences. He has published several research papers in International journals. His research interests include Chemical engineering, Waste Management, Sustainable Development, and Environment Science.

Nithar Ranjan Madhu

Dr. Nithar Ranjan Madhu has done his Ph.D. research at the University of Kalyani, India. He is presently working as an Assistant Professor of Zoology, Acharya Prafulla Chandra College, New Barrackpore, West Bengal, India, and before joining this college, he served Bajkul Milani Mahavidyalaya, Purba Medinipur as an Assistant Professor of Zoology. He has published many International and National research papers in reputed journals. In addition, he has written many books and chapters of various books and edited other books. He is an Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Experimental Research and Review (eISSN: 2455-4855).

Sajjad Khodayari

Sajjad Khodayari, MEng, works in the Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Technology and Engineering, Islamic Azad University, Omidiya Branch, Gachsaran, Iran. He was a senior operator in Gachsaran Oil and Gas Exploitation Company and was an expert in setting up and controlling operations and quality of crude oil desalination plant. He was the best researcher of oil-rich areas in the south and was an exemplary Gachsaran Oil and Gas Exploitation Compan worker three times. His research interests are oil and gas engineering, desalination, and operating in this profession.

Mohammad Amir Qureshi

Dr. Mohammad Amir Qureshi, Ph.D., is working as a faculty member in the Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Jamia Millia Islamia (Central University), New Delhi-25, India. He did his doctorate from Jamia Millia Islamia, India. He has published several research papers in journals of international repute. His research interest includes the synthesis of polymeric hydrogels, nanogels, and nanocomposites for environmental and biomedical applications.

Swetanshu

Mr. Swetanshu is currently undertaking his postgraduate studies and pursuing a Master of Science in Zoology at Banaras Hindu University in Varanasi, India. His journey into the realm of biology commenced with a burgeoning interest that eventually solidified into a career pursuit. Having interned at the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) in New Delhi, India, he gained practical experience in the field. Presently, he is an active member of Dr. Pratichi Singh's research group, where his endeavors have resulted in three patents and significant contributions to scholarly publications, including over 10 peer-reviewed articles in SCI/Scopus-indexed journals and several book chapters.

Pratichi Singh

Dr. Pratichi Singh, Assistant Professor at Galgotias University, India, is a dynamic academician passionate about interdisciplinary research. Her biotechnology, bioinformatics, and drug discovery expertise have contributed significantly to understanding complex biological processes. She is committed to mentoring the next generation of scientists and fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Dr. Singh's prolific publication record, patents, and international conference presentations underscore her dedication to advancing scientific knowledge.

Sapana Jadoun

Dr. Sapana Jadoun received her PhD in conducting polymer functionalization from Jamia Millia Islamia, India, in 2019. She did her postdoctoral research in the recovery of copper using solar light as a FONDECYT postdoctoral fellow in Chile. Recently, she has been an assistant professor at Universidad de Tarapaca, Chile. She is an active member of the Royal Society of Chemistry (MRSC) and was honored by the world's top 2 % scientists by Stanford University in 2023. She has more than 100 articles (articles, reviews, books, and cook chapters). Her major research areas include synthesizing functionalized conducting polymer materials for their application in environmental remediation (adsorption, photocatalysis) and optoelectronics.