Offshore produced water management: A review of current practice and challenges in harsh/Arctic environments

• Published in: Marine pollution bulletin 2016-03, Vol.104 (1-2), p.7-19
• Main Authors: Zheng, Jisi, Chen, Bing, Thanyamanta, Worakanok, Hawboldt, Kelly, Zhang, Baiyu, Liu, Bo
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Arctic Regions; Environment; Extraction and Processing Industry - standards; Harsh/Arctic environments; issues and policy; management systems; Marine; Ocean pollution; Offshore oil and gas; Offshore produced water; Oil and Gas Fields; oils; technology; temperate zones; Waste management; Water; water management; Water Pollutants, Chemical - analysis; water pollution; Water Pollution, Chemical - prevention & control; water quality
• ISSN: 0025-326X; 1879-3363
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2016.01.004

Increasing offshore oil and gas exploration and development in harsh/Arctic environments require more effective offshore produced water management, as these environments are much more sensitive to changes in water quality than more temperate climates. However, the number and scope of studies of offshore produced water management in harsh/Arctic environments are limited. This paper reviews the current state of offshore produced water management, impacts, and policies, as well as the vulnerability, implications and operational challenges in harsh/Arctic environments. The findings show that the primary contaminant(s) of concern are contained in both the dissolved oil and the dispersed oil. The application of emerging technologies that can tackle this issue is significantly limited by the challenges of offshore operations in harsh/Arctic environments. Therefore, there is a need to develop more efficient and suitable management systems since more stringent policies are being implemented due to the increased vulnerability of harsh/Arctic environments. [Display omitted] •Current offshore produced water production, pollution and management status, especially the major pollutants and concerns, are reviewed.•Current policies are reviewed and the relationship between the stringency of policy and exposure to harsh environments is demonstrated.•Management technologies with their applications and limitations for offshore operations in harsh/Arctic environments are reviewed.•Challenges in harsh/Arctic environments including environmental vulnerability and operational limitations are demonstrated.•Recommendations and future research needs are also made based on the findings from this review.