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Abstract
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This paper examines the utilization of microalgae to treat oil-produced water (OPW), a complex wastewater stream from the oil and gas industry. An examination of the challenges and potential solutions associated with treating OPW using microalgae is provided, emphasizing the feasibility of microalgae biorefineries to recover resources. Due to the complex composition of OPW, nutrient supplementation and pretreatment are required for microalgae cultivation in OPW. It is difficult for microalgae to grow in salty waters, toxic compounds, and low nutrient ratios. There needs to be more certainty regarding the overall effectiveness of microalgae for removing contaminants and producing biomass in OPW. A circular economy approach is also applied to microalgae, which can be used to produce biofuels and biobased chemicals. Bioproducts can be produced from microalgae, contributing to the sustainability of the environment. There is a discussion of the socioeconomic and environmental aspects, with a particular focus on the creation of jobs and the mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions. OPW treatment and resource recovery are potential benefits of microalgae biorefineries. The full potential of these technologies for a sustainable future will, however, require further research and development.
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