Oil and Gas Production Wastewater: Soil Contamination and Pollution Prevention

• Published in: Applied and Environmental Soil Science Vol. 2016; no. 2016; pp. 44 - 67
• Main Author: Pichtel, John
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cairo, Egypt Hindawi Limiteds 2016; Hindawi Publishing Corporation; John Wiley & Sons, Inc; Hindawi Limited
• Subjects: Arid zones; Biological properties; Chemical spills; Drilling; Efficiency; Hydraulic fracturing; Injection; Irrigation water; Natural gas; Oil and gas operations; Oil and gas production; Oil pollution; Oil reserves; Permeability; Petroleum industry; Petroleum production; Pollution; Pollution prevention; Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons; Prevention; Public health; Purification; Salinity; Sewage; Soil contamination; Soil environment; Soil pollution; Soil sciences; Surface water; Surface-groundwater relations; Waste management; Water quality; Water treatment
• ISSN: 1687-7667; 1687-7675
• DOI: 10.1155/2016/2707989

During oil and natural gas production, so-called “produced water” comprises the largest byproduct stream. In addition, many oil and gas operations are augmented via injection of hydraulic fracturing (HF) fluids into the formation. Both produced water and HF fluids may contain hundreds of individual chemicals, some known to be detrimental to public health and the environment. Oil and gas production wastewater may serve a range of beneficial purposes, particularly in arid regions, if managed correctly. Numerous treatment technologies have been developed that allow for injection, discharge to the land surface, or beneficial reuse. Although many papers have addressed the effects of oil and gas production wastewater (OGPW) on groundwater and surface water quality, significantly less information is available on the effects of these fluids on the soil resource. This review paper compiles fundamental information on numerous chemicals used and produced during oil and gas development and their effects on the soil environment. Additionally, pollution prevention technologies relating to OGPW are presented. An understanding of the effects of OGPW on soil chemical, physical, and biological properties can provide a foundation for effective remediation of OGPW-affected soils; additionally, sustainable reuse of oil and gas water for irrigation and industrial purposes may be enhanced.