Removal of hydrocarbons and heavy metals from petroleum water by modern green nanotechnology methods

Unveiling the revolutionary role of nanoparticles in the oil and gas field: Unleashing new avenues for enhanced efficiency and productivity

Prominent oil corporations are currently engaged in a thorough examination of the potential implementation of nanoparticles within the oil and gas sector. This is evidenced by the substantial financial investments made towards research and development, which serves as a testament to the significant consideration given to nanoparticles. Indeed, nanoparticles has garnered increasing attention and innovative applications across various industries, including but not limited to food, biomedicine, electronics, and materials. In recent years, the oil and gas industry has conducted extensive research on the utilization of nanoparticles for diverse purposes, such as well stimulation, cementing, wettability, drilling fluids, and enhanced oil recovery. To explore the manifold uses of nanoparticles in the oil and gas sector, a comprehensive literature review was conducted. Reviewing several published study data leads to the conclusion that nanoparticles can effectively increase oil recovery by 10 %-15 % of the initial oil in place while tertiary oil recovery gives 20-30 % extra initial oil in place. Besides, it has been noted that the properties of the reservoir rock influence the choice of the right nanoparticle for oil recovery. The present work examines the utilization of nanoparticles in the oil and gas sector, providing a comprehensive analysis of their applications, advantages, and challenges. The article explores various applications of nanoparticles in the industry, including enhanced oil recovery, drilling fluids, wellbore strengthening, and reservoir characterization. By delving into these applications, the article offers a thorough understanding of how nanoparticles are employed in different processes within the sector. This analysis may prove highly advantageous for future studies and applications in the oil and gas sector.

Nanostructured Mn@NiO composite for addressing multi-pollutant challenges in petroleum-contaminated water

Efficient catalysts play a pivotal role in advancing eco-friendly water treatment strategies, particularly in the removal of diverse organic contaminants found in water-petroleum sources. This study addresses the multifaceted challenges posed by contaminants, encompassing a spectrum of heavy metals such as As, Cd, Cr, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sb, Se, and Zn alongside pollutants like oily water (OIW), total suspended solids (TSS), chemical oxygen demand (COD), dyes, and pharmaceuticals, posing threats to both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Herein, we present the synthesis of biogenically derived Mn@NiO nanocomposite (NC) photocatalysts, a sustainable methodology employing an aqueous Rosmarinus officinalis L. extract, yielding particles with a size of 36.7 nm. The catalyst demonstrates exceptional efficacy in removing heavy metals, achieving rates exceeding 99-100% within 30 min, alongside notable removal efficiencies for OIW (98%), TSS (87%), and COD (98%). Furthermore, our photodegradation experiments showed remarkable efficiencies, with 94% degradation for Rose Bengal (RB) and 96% for methylene blue (MB) within 120 min. The degradation kinetics adhere to pseudo-first-order behavior, with rate constants of 0.0227 min-1 for RB and 0.0370 min-1 for MB. Additionally, the NC exhibits significant antibiotic degradation rates of 97% for cephalexin (CEX) and 96% for amoxicillin (AMOX). The enhanced photocatalytic performance is attributed to the synergistic interplay between the Mn and NiO nanostructures, augmenting responsiveness to sunlight while mitigating electron-hole pair recombination. Notably, the catalyst demonstrates outstanding stability and reusability across multiple cycles, maintaining its stable nanostructure without compromise.

A combined landfarming-phytoremediation method to enhance remediation of mixed persistent contaminants

Contamination of soil and water with petroleum hydrocarbons and metals can pose a significant threat to the environment and human health. This study aimed to investigate the establishment and growth of tall fescue and agropyron in two petroleum-contaminated soils (soil S1 and soil S2) with previous landfarming treatments, and to assess the phytoremediation potential for heavy metal removal from these polluted soils. The results showed that the presence of petroleum hydrocarbons significantly (P < 0.05) reduced plant growth, but plant development was facilitated in soils with prior landfarming treatments. Urease activity in the rhizosphere of agropyron for soil S1 was about 47% higher than the unplanted control soil. The rhizosphere of agropyron and tall fescue eliminated more than 40% and 20% of total hydrocarbon amounts in soil S1, respectively, compared to the unplanted soil. Moreover, the plants grown in the landfarming treatment exhibited higher concentrations of metals (Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, and Ni) than the control. Based on the findings, the combination of landfarming and phytoremediation techniques can provide an optimal solution for removing mixed pollutants, including petroleum hydrocarbons and metals, from the environment.

Multifaceted chemical and bioactive features of Ag@TiO2 and Ag@SeO2 core/shell nanoparticles biosynthesized using Beta vulgaris L. extract

Due to increasing concerns about environmental impact and toxicity, developing green and sustainable methods for nanoparticle synthesis is attracting significant interest. This work reports the successful green synthesis of silver (Ag), silver-titanium dioxide (Ag@TiO2), and silver-selenium dioxide (Ag@SeO2) nanoparticles (NPs) using Beta vulgaris L. extract. Characterization by XRD, SEM, TEM, and EDX confirmed the successful formation of uniformly distributed spherical NPs with controlled size (25 ± 4.9 nm) and desired elemental composition. All synthesized NPs and the B. vulgaris extract exhibited potent free radical scavenging activity, indicating significant antioxidant potential. However, Ag@SeO2 displayed lower hemocompatibility compared to other NPs, while Ag@SeO2 and the extract demonstrated reduced inflammation in a carrageenan-induced paw edema animal model. Interestingly, Ag@TiO2 and Ag@SeO2 exhibited strong antifungal activity against Rhizoctonia solani and Sclerotia sclerotium, as evidenced by TEM and FTIR analyses. Generally, the findings suggest that B. vulgaris-derived NPs possess diverse biological activities with potential applications in various fields such as medicine and agriculture. Ag@TiO2 and Ag@SeO2, in particular, warrant further investigation for their potential as novel bioactive agents.

Optimization by Box-Behnken design for environmental contaminants removal using magnetic nanocomposite

In this study, a CoO-Fe2O3/SiO2/TiO2 (CIST) nanocomposite was synthesized and utilized as an adsorbent to remove methylene blue (MB), malachite green (MG), and copper (Cu) from aqueous environments. The synthesized nanocomposite was characterized using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Input parameters included pH (3-10), contact time (10-30 min), adsorbent amount (0.01-0.03 g), and pollutant concentration (20-60 mg L-1). The effects of these parameters on the removal process efficiency were modeled and optimized using the response surface methodology (RSM) based on the Box-Behnken design (BBD). The RSM-BBD method demonstrated the capability to develop a second-degree polynomial model with high validity (R2 ˃ 0.99) for the removal process. The optimization results using the RSM-BBD method revealed a removal efficiency of 98.01%, 93.06%, and 88.26% for MB, MG, and Cu, respectively, under optimal conditions. These conditions were a pH of 6, contact time of 10 min, adsorbent amount of 0.025 g, and concentration of 20 mg L-1. The synthesized adsorbent was recovered through five consecutive adsorption-desorption cycles using hydrochloric acid. The results showed an approximately 12% reduction from the first to the seventh cycle. Also, MB, MG, and Cu removal from real water samples in optimal conditions was achieved in the range of 81.69-98.18%. This study demonstrates the potential use of CIST nanocomposite as an accessible and reusable option for removing MB, MG, and Cu pollutants from aquatic environments.

Efficient treatment of oily wastewater, antibacterial activity, and photodegradation of organic dyes using biosynthesized Ag@Fe3O4 nanocomposite

A significant waste (e.g., high oil content and pollutants such as heavy metals, dyes, and microbial contaminants) in water is generated during crude oil extraction and industrial processes, which poses environmental challenges. This study explores the potential of Ag@Fe3O4 nanocomposite (NC) biosynthesized using the aqueous leaf extract of Laurus nobilis for the treatment of oily wastewater. The NC was characterized using ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectrophotometry, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transformed Infrared (FTIR) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) spectroscopies. The crystalline structure of the NC was determined to be face-centered cubic with an average size of 42 nm. Ag@Fe3O4 NC exhibited significant degradation (96.8%, 90.1%, and 93.8%) of Rose Bengal (RB), Methylene Blue (MB), and Toluidine Blue (TB), respectively, through a reduction reaction lasting 120 min at a dye concentration of 10 mg/L. The observed reaction kinetics followed a pseudo-first-order model, with rate constants (k-values) of 0.0284 min-1, 0.0189 min-1, and 0.0212 min-1 for RB, MB, and TB, respectively. The fast degradation rate can be attributed to the low band gap (1.9 eV) of Ag@Fe3O4 NC. The NC elicited an impressive effectiveness (99-100%, 98.0%, and 91.8% within 30 min) in removing, under sunlight irradiation, several heavy metals, total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH), and total suspended solids (TSS) from the oily water samples. Furthermore, Ag@Fe3O4 NC displayed potent antibacterial properties and a good biocompatibility. These findings contribute to the development of efficient and cost-effective methods for wastewater treatment and environmental remediation.

Adsorption and photodegradation of organic contaminants by silver nanoparticles: isotherms, kinetics, and computational analysis

In view of the widespread and distribution of several classes and types of organic contaminants, increased efforts are needed to reduce their spread and subsequent environmental contamination. Although several remediation approaches are available, adsorption and photodegradation technologies are presented in this review as one of the best options because of their environmental friendliness, cost-effectiveness, accessibility, less selectivity, and wider scope of applications among others. The bandgap, particle size, surface area, electrical properties, thermal stability, reusability, chemical stability, and other properties of silver nanoparticles (AgNPS) are highlighted to account for their suitability in adsorption and photocatalytic applications, concerning organic contaminants. Literatures have been reviewed on the application of various AgNPS as adsorbent and photocatalyst in the remediation of several classes of organic contaminants. Theories of adsorption have also been outlined while photocatalysis is seen to have adsorption as the initial mechanism. Challenges facing the application of silver nanoparticles have also been highlighted and possible solutions have been presented. However, current information is dominated by applications on dyes and the view of the authors supports the need to strengthen the usefulness of AgNPS in adsorption and photodegradation of more classes of organic contaminants, especially emerging contaminants. We also encourage the simultaneous applications of adsorption and photodegradation to completely convert toxic wastes to harmless forms.

Assessment of the synthesis method of Fe3O4 nanocatalysts and its effectiveness in viscosity reduction and heavy oil upgrading

In this research, Fe3O4 nanocatalysts were synthesized systematically microwave-assisted. The effectiveness of the synthesized nanocatalysts in reducing viscosity and upgrading heavy oil was evaluated. The nanocatalysts were investigated for their magnetic and electromagnetic properties. The impact of microwave radiation's time and power on the size and purity of nanocatalysts was investigated. The purities in the crystal network of Fe3O4 nanocatalysts expanded as a result of reducing microwave radiation time and power due to less heat production. Increased temperature leads to dope NH4Cl into the Fe3O4 nanocatalysts crystal network. At: 1 min and power of 400 watts the most satisfactory results in the size and purity of nanocatalysts. The electromagnetic properties, size, and effectiveness of the synthesized Fe3O4 nanocatalysts have been examined to determine the effect of the synthesis method. The performance of Fe3O4 nanocatalysts synthesized by co-precipitation and microwave-assisted viscosity reduction and heavy oil upgrading was evaluated and compared. The crystallite size of the Fe3O4 nanocatalysts synthesized by microwave-assisted was smaller than that synthesized using co-precipitation. Fe3O4 nanocatalysts synthesized by microwave-assisted and the co-precipitation method decreased viscosity by 28% and 23%, respectively. Moreover, Fe3O4 nanocatalysts synthesized by microwave-assisted reduced the sulfoxide index and aromatic index considerably more than the co-precipitation synthesized Fe3O4 (90% against. 48% and 13% vs. 7%, respectively).