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Abstract
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Today, the produced water in oil and gas refineries is a major environmental issue. The volume of produced water is more than refined oil and gas and includes many hazardous metals. This study explores the potential of microalgae as sustainable biosorbents for the removal of heavy metals from wastewater produced by oil and gas refineries. As a result of increasing environmental worries associated with heavy metal contamination, this paper focused on the effectiveness of various microalgae species in adsorbing metals including Cadmium, Lead, and others from refinery effluents. Besides, through a series of designed laboratory experiments, the adsorption capacity was evaluated to determine optimal conditions for metal removal. The results indicate that microalgae powders exhibit significant biosorption capabilities, with varying efficiencies depending on species and operational parameters. The maximum metal removal was achieved with a concentration of 1.1 g/L Dunaliella salina, and it removed up to 93 % of Cr in 38 min. The practicability of utilizing microalgae not only as a waste treatment solution but also as a resource for enhancing environmental sustainability in the oil and gas industry is highlighted in this research.
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