A solution to remediate wastewater generated during processes

By OEM Update Editorial July 7, 2023 6:02 pm IST

A practical method for restoring formation water, the wastewater produced during crude oil extraction
and processing, involves utilising a blend of plant-based biomaterial, biosurfactant, and NPK fertiliser.

Formation water is disposed of in huge volumes during crude oil excavation and processing. It consists of oily components, brine solutions, and solvents used during various phases in the oil industry. It is usually drained off and reaches the rivers and streams, ultimately deteriorating the water quality and threatening the existing aquatic life. Further, the larger animals’ consumption of fish and plants collected from such contaminated sites can transfer and even magnify the associated risks. Thus, the formation water must be treated before it is released into the environment for a safe and sustainable tomorrow. A mixture of plant-based biomaterial, biosurfactant, and NPK fertiliser can help efficiently restore formation water – the wastewater disposed of during crude oil excavation and processing.

The scientists of the Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST), an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology led by Dr Arundhuti Devi, worked towards developing a green approach for treating the formation of water.

With repeated trial and error, several experiments, and studies, they formulated a mixture of plant-based biomaterial, biosurfactant, secondary metabolites of microbes, and NPK fertiliser, to efficiently restore formation water. Around 2.5 gm of the formulation could treat one litre of formation water in 12 hours. The team has filed an Indian patent on the development.

The ‘wonder mixture’ can help prevent pollution of the environment from forming water and render it reusable for maintaining the green revolution. This can help enhance crop production to meet the ever-growing food demand.

Contact details: Dr. Arundhuti Devi (Assoc. Professor, IASST)
arundhuti@iasst.gov.in