Integrating Circular Economy Principles in Petroleum Produced Water Management: Toward Sustainable Resource Recovery and Waste Minimization
Funding Sponsor
American University in Cairo
Author's Department
Petroleum & Energy Engineering Department
Second Author's Department
Petroleum & Energy Engineering Department
Third Author's Department
Petroleum & Energy Engineering Department
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https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13113604
Document Type
Research Article
Publication Title
Processes
Publication Date
11-1-2025
doi
10.3390/pr13113604
Abstract
Oil production generates approximately 250 million barrels of produced water (PW) daily, nearly three times the volume of oil, with salinity levels reaching up to 300,000 ppm. Improper management of this wastewater causes significant environmental degradation, including soil salinization and aquatic toxicity. To address these impacts, this study applies circular economy (CE) principles to PW management through flash vaporization and resource recovery. Implementing this approach enables 85–90% water recovery and reduces salinity to below 1000 ppm, allowing reuse for irrigation. Simultaneously, residual brine processed via evaporation ponds yields 15–25% potash (KCl) and 30–40% halite (NaCl), thereby transforming waste into valuable products. As a result, the integrated CE process can reduce wastewater disposal by 80%, cut greenhouse gas emissions by 25–30%, and lower treatment costs by 20–35%, while generating additional revenue of $150–300 per ton of recovered potash. These outcomes demonstrate that adopting CE strategies in PW management not only mitigates environmental degradation but also strengthens economic resilience and resource efficiency. The framework offers a scalable pathway for achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 6 and 12) and advancing sustainability within the oil and gas industry.
Recommended Citation
APA Citation
Khlaifat, A.
Fakher, S.
Ezzat, F.
Alalaween, M.
&
Galiotos, J.
(2025). Integrating Circular Economy Principles in Petroleum Produced Water Management: Toward Sustainable Resource Recovery and Waste Minimization. Processes, 13(11),
https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13113604
MLA Citation
Khlaifat, Abdelaziz, et al.
"Integrating Circular Economy Principles in Petroleum Produced Water Management: Toward Sustainable Resource Recovery and Waste Minimization." Processes, vol. 13, no. 11, 2025
https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13113604