Bio-electrochemical systems show promise for low-carbon oilfield wastewater treatment

The DUTPJ research team of Professor Lifen Liu and Assistant Professor Guandong Su recently reported the comparative life cycle assessment results regarding the sustainability of their bio-electrochemical system while exploring the potential of this technology in the decarbonization of the oil and gas industry for energy transition. This study was performed by comparing the life cycle of bio-electrochemical systems (BES) against electrochemical oxidation, activated sludge (ASP), the Fenton process, and reverse osmosis. Key findings include that BES significantly outperformed the above conventional technologies, reducing global warming potential by 79.6 % (360.3 versus 1766.0 kg CO2 eq./kg COD) and human toxicity by 88.2 % (127.0 versus 1078.6 kg 1,4-DB eq.) compared with ASP and the Fenton process, respectively. This was attributed to BES converting organic pollutants into bioelectricity to power COD degradation while avoiding chemical reagent inputs. An empirical greenhouse gas emission model and a decision framework were developed to guide technology deployment based on local infrastructure and ecological priorities. Overall, BES presents a sustainable and energy-efficient alternative for oilfield wastewater management, offering significant dual environmental benefits of effective contaminant removal and substantial carbon emission reduction.

The above findings have been published as a research article in Bioresource Technology, entitled Low-carbon sustainable bio-electrochemical system for upgrading oilfield wastewater treatment: Comparative life cycle assessment. For more information, please see Piao, X., Li, Y., Liu, L., Li, B., Ding, J., & Su, G. (2025). Low-carbon sustainable bio-electrochemical system for upgrading oilfield wastewater treatment: Comparative life cycle assessment. Bioresource Technology, 439, 133338.

Published on 10 October 2025