Conceptual Model for Integrated Heavy-Metal Risk Assessment and Control in Oilfield Produced Water

• Author(s): Oluwagbemisola Cynthia Falegan; Sabastine Obum Aniebonam
• Paper ID: 1713640
• Page: 495-509
• Published Date: 31-12-2019
• Published In: Iconic Research And Engineering Journals
• Publisher: IRE Journals
• e-ISSN: 2456-8880
• Volume/Issue: Volume 3 Issue 6 December-2019

Abstract

Produced water from oil and gas operations contains a complex mixture of dissolved salts, hydrocarbons, and toxic heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, chromium, nickel, barium, and zinc, posing significant environmental and human health risks. Conventional treatment and risk management approaches often lack integration, resulting in incomplete contaminant removal, inefficient monitoring, and regulatory non-compliance. This presents a conceptual model for integrated heavy-metal risk assessment and control in oilfield produced water, combining systematic risk evaluation with sustainable treatment strategies to enhance environmental protection and operational efficiency. The model adopts a multi-stage framework, beginning with risk identification, which maps heavy-metal sources, exposure pathways, and ecological or human health hazards. Risk quantification incorporates contaminant concentrations, toxicity coefficients, and regulatory thresholds, followed by prioritization to guide intervention strategies. Control measures are integrated within the model, emphasizing both conventional treatment technologies such as chemical precipitation, membrane filtration, and ion exchange and innovative approaches, including bio-based adsorbents derived from agricultural waste. Hybrid system configurations are proposed to maximize removal efficiency, adaptability, and cost-effectiveness. The framework also incorporates monitoring and data integration, leveraging real-time sensors, predictive modeling, and decision-support tools to enable dynamic control and adaptive management. Sustainability and lifecycle considerations are embedded, addressing energy and material efficiency, adsorbent regeneration, carbon footprint reduction, and socio-economic benefits, such as local value creation and employment opportunities. Policy alignment with environmental regulations and circular economy principles ensures practical applicability and regulatory compliance across onshore and offshore operations. This conceptual model provides a comprehensive and scalable approach for heavy-metal risk management in produced water, supporting safe discharge, reuse, or reinjection while reducing environmental and operational risks. It also establishes a foundation for pilot-scale validation, long-term performance assessment, and integration with digital monitoring tools, enabling more efficient, sustainable, and adaptive water management in oilfield operations.

Keywords

Produced Water, Heavy Metals, Risk Assessment, Agricultural Waste Adsorbents, Integrated Control, Sustainability, Oil And Gas Wastewater, Environmental Management

Citations

IRE Journals:
Oluwagbemisola Cynthia Falegan, Sabastine Obum Aniebonam "Conceptual Model for Integrated Heavy-Metal Risk Assessment and Control in Oilfield Produced Water" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 3 Issue 6 2019 Page 495-509

IEEE:
Oluwagbemisola Cynthia Falegan, Sabastine Obum Aniebonam "Conceptual Model for Integrated Heavy-Metal Risk Assessment and Control in Oilfield Produced Water" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 3(6)