Conceptual Framework for Sustainable Produced Water Treatment Using Agricultural Waste?Derived Adsorbents
Abstract
The management of produced water generated from oil and gas operations remains a critical environmental and sustainability challenge, particularly in regions facing water scarcity and weak wastewater infrastructure. Produced water is characterized by complex mixtures of dissolved salts, hydrocarbons, heavy metals, and chemical additives, necessitating treatment technologies that are both effective and economically viable. This presents a conceptual framework for sustainable produced water treatment using agricultural waste derived adsorbents, integrating principles of circular economy, green chemistry, and low-cost environmental remediation. The framework outlines the systematic conversion of abundant agricultural residues such as rice husks, coconut shells, maize cobs, sugarcane bagasse, and groundnut shells into functional adsorbent materials through physical, chemical, or thermochemical activation processes. These bio-based adsorbents exhibit high surface area, tunable porosity, and surface functional groups capable of removing key produced water contaminants, including heavy metals, oil residues, and organic compounds. The proposed framework encompasses four interlinked stages: (i) feedstock selection and pretreatment based on regional agricultural waste availability, (ii) adsorbent synthesis and modification to enhance adsorption performance, (iii) integration into modular produced water treatment systems, and (iv) post-treatment management, including adsorbent regeneration, reuse, or environmentally safe disposal. Emphasis is placed on scalability, lifecycle sustainability, and adaptability to onshore and offshore oil and gas operations. The framework also highlights socio-economic co-benefits, such as waste valorization, reduced reliance on imported treatment media, and opportunities for local enterprise development. By aligning produced water treatment with sustainable resource utilization, this conceptual framework provides a strategic pathway for reducing environmental risks, lowering operational costs, and supporting regulatory compliance. It offers a foundation for future experimental validation, techno-economic assessment, and policy-oriented research aimed at advancing sustainable water management practices in energy-producing regions, particularly in developing economies.
Keywords
Produced Water Treatment; Agricultural Waste; Bio-Based Adsorbents; Sustainability; Circular Economy; Oil And Gas Wastewater; Environmental Remediation
Citations
IRE Journals:
Oluwagbemisola Cynthia Falegan, Sabastine Obum Aniebonam "Conceptual Framework for Sustainable Produced Water Treatment Using Agricultural Waste?Derived Adsorbents" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 2 Issue 5 2018 Page 349-366
IEEE:
Oluwagbemisola Cynthia Falegan, Sabastine Obum Aniebonam
"Conceptual Framework for Sustainable Produced Water Treatment Using Agricultural Waste?Derived Adsorbents" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 2(5)
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