Physicochemical characterization of oilfield produced water and its treatment constraints

Produced water is the largest waste stream generated during oil and gas production, presenting significant environmental risks due to its complex chemical composition. Characterizing the contaminant profile of produced water is crucial for assessing its environmental impact, ensuring compliance with discharge standards, and developing effective pollution mitigation strategies. This study characterizes untreated produced water from Angolan offshore Block 15 over a 50-day sampling period, analyzing over 30 target constituents. Results reveal substantial variability in key parameters, including chemical oxygen demand (394.02–526.00 mg/L), biochemical oxygen demand (9.80–20.40 mg/L), phenol (2.70–4.12 mg/L), benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene (BTEX, 2.77–7.00 mg/L), polyaromatic hydrocarbons (0.20–1.20 mg/L), total organic compounds (248–918.45 mg/L), total oil and grease (19–206 mg/L), and total petroleum hydrocarbons (12–105.02 mg/L). Metals and anions exhibited significant fluctuations, with sodium ranging from 1167.77 to 2100.00 mg/L and chloride from 400 to 2146.84 mg/L. The biodegradability index (0.028) indicates limited potential for biological treatment due to toxic and refractory organics. The results emphasize the necessity for advanced treatment technologies and stricter environmental regulations to reduce contaminant discharge and minimize the ecological footprint of offshore oil production. • Produced water characterization is essential for treatment and regulatory compliance • Total Oil and Grease and Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons show no correlation • High salinity and refractory organics limit biodegradability and biological treatment • Biochemical Oxygen Demand and Chemical Oxygen Demand show strong correlation • Produced water analysis from Angola’s Block 15 provides key region-specific insights