Produced water has traditionally been considered a byproduct of the oil and gas industry, but scientists have called for a reconsideration of its role in extracting valuable resources from the Earth in the future.
Amid pressing environmental issues, scientists have discovered an unexpected source of valuable minerals: produced water, a byproduct of oil and gas operations. A new study has brought renewed attention to this forgotten resource, revealing that it contains a rich set of elements from the periodic table that are critical to a variety of industries, ScienceBlog writes.
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Produced water, a mixture that is saltier and richer in minerals than seawater, has traditionally been considered a waste product due to the high costs associated with its purification. The oil and gas industry produces a staggering amount of this water every year. from Texas A&M University. Hamidreza Samouei’s work involves cataloging their contents and developing a method to efficiently extract valuable minerals such as lithium, rubidium and cesium, as well as more common elements such as sodium and potassium. This process not only makes water purification financially profitable, but can also turn industrial waste into a profitable source of critical resources.
The method Samway is researching involves a number of advanced filtration technologies, including desalination of CO2, to selectively remove these minerals. But realizing the idea would require significant investment and a shift in the views of both the oil and gas industry and potential government funders who are currently focusing on more traditional mining activities.
Samway’s research makes a compelling case for repurposing produced water not as waste, but as a hidden treasure that could help solve some of the world’s most serious environmental and resource scarcity problems. By extracting valuable minerals and recycling water for beneficial uses, this innovative approach can pave the way for a more sustainable and economically viable future. As the project progresses, it promises not only to change humanity’s relationship with extracted water, but also to provide practical solutions to pressing global problems.
Previously Focus wrote about the creation of an implant Generates electricity from excess glucose in the body. A successful treatment of type 1 diabetes has been achieved using an implant that works like a tea bag and loads the body with sugar.
Moreover Focus wrote about what scientists created wireless subcutaneous charger. The new development will prevent dangerous and complex surgical interventions for charging implantable medical devices that consume electricity.
Source: Focus
Ashley Fitzgerald is an accomplished journalist in the field of technology. She currently works as a writer at 24 news breaker. With a deep understanding of the latest technology developments, Ashley’s writing provides readers with insightful analysis and unique perspectives on the industry.