Sensors for detection of production chemicals and oil in produced water

The oil and gas industry produces millions of barrels of crude oil and a byproduct called "produced water" daily. Unfortunately, this waste product is harmful to the environment, human health, and the industry itself. Produced water consists of a complex mixture of chemicals, including oil and production chemicals, which must be monitored to prevent economic and environmental problems. This review compiles the advances and existing sensors and technologies available to monitor production chemicals and oil in produced water. While traditional analytical methods require expensive benchtop instruments and trained personnel, they also struggle to fully characterize the complex nature of produced water samples. Developing field-deployable sensors capable of providing quick, user-friendly, and cost-effective analyses of produced water is a crucial and challenging task. Such sensors stand out by allowing prompt decision-making against nonconformities, thus helping to prevent environmental issues and save time and money for the industry.