(180p) Investigation of Chlorella sorokiniana's Potential for Produced Water Remediation

The management of produced water (PW) from oil and gas operations presents a critical environmental challenge due to its high concentrations of dissolved organic compounds, posing risks to aquatic ecosystems. Bioremediation using microalgae, particularly Chlorella sorokiniana, offers a sustainable and eco-friendly remediation strategy. This study investigates the potential of halotolerant Chlorella sorokiniana for the removal of organic contaminants and nutrients from PW through controlled laboratory experiments. Various concentrations of synthetic produced water (SPW) blended with synthetic domestic wastewater (SDW) were tested to evaluate biomass growth, total organic carbon (TOC) reduction, and nutrient removal efficiency. The results demonstrated robust biomass production with TOC removal efficiencies reaching up to 85% at 50% SPW concentration. Additionally, nitrogen and phosphorus removal rates were significant, achieving up to 82% and 97%, respectively. The lipid content of the biomass ranged from 12% to 16%, indicating potential for bioenergy applications. Overall, Chlorella sorokiniana emerges as a promising candidate for sustainable PW bioremediation, contributing to environmental conservation and resource recovery.