Development of a Membrane Bioreactor System for the Efficient Removal of Non-Biodegradable Organics and Toxic Compounds from Produced Water

This study addresses the environmental challenges of produced water (PW) from oil/gas operations, which contains high concentrations of hydrocarbons, heavy metals, and organic contaminants. Researchers developed an innovative Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) system using locally available materials to treat PW from Nigeria's Awoba flow station, where initial analysis showed severe contamination (pH 5.3, THC 30.8 mg/L, elevated heavy metals). The system combined biological treatment (activated sludge) with multi-stage physical filtration (coated filter paper, activated carbon, and cotton wool), operating at 1.5L/min aeration. Post-treatment results demonstrated significant improvements: pH neutralization (6.8), turbidity reduction to 0.5 NTU, heavy metal removal (e.g., Zn/Fe to 0.1 mg/L), 50% THC reduction, and complete microbial elimination (0 CFU/100mL). The MBR system proved to be an effective, sustainable solution that meets regulatory standards while utilizing cost-effective local materials. Its successful performance offers oil/gas industries a practical method to minimize environmental impact through water reuse, presenting an eco-friendly advancement in PW treatment technology that is both scalable and adaptable to hydrocarbon extraction operations worldwide. The study highlights the potential for sustainable water management in energy production while addressing critical pollution challenges