Oil and Gas Wastewaters: Commodities and Constituents Affecting Reuse

Explore the complex world of oil and gas produced waters in this informative lecture by Dr. Madalyn S. Blondes, Supervisory Research Geologist at the U.S. Geological Survey. Delve into the composition, potential uses, and challenges associated with these byproducts of oil and gas production. Learn about new approaches to quantify produced water available for reuse based on water chemistry, discover the potential for sourcing critical minerals like lithium from high-salinity brines, and understand the obstacles faced in commodity recovery and water reuse. Gain insights into the environmental and human health impacts of certain constituents, such as radium, found in these waters. Examine the geologic origins of produced waters and how their composition varies from brackish to hypersaline, affecting their potential for industrial reuse and preservation of freshwater resources in water-stressed regions.