Full-scale processing by anaerobic baffle reactor, sequencing batch reactor, and sand filter for treating high-salinitywastewater from offshore oil rigs

Abstract

High-salinity wastewater discharged from offshore oil rigs (WORS) is harmful to marine environments. Therefore, WORS should be properly treated before discharge. In this study, a full-scale anaerobic baffle reactor (ABR) + sequencing batch reactor (SBR) + sand filter (SF) process was used for the first time to treat WORS at an inshore treatment terminal. After seeding with residual sludge from a municipal wastewater treatment facility, the start-up of the ABR and SBR was accomplished in one month. During a steady running period, the ABR + SBR process showed stable performance in treating WORS. The results of microbial diversity indicated that Rhizobiales, Thermotogales, and Actinomycetales were the most abundant genera in the ABR sample, while Acidobacteria DRC31, Lactobacillales, and Bacillales prevailed in the SBR sample. The results showed that ABR + SBR is a reliable process for WORS treatment, with the treated WORS meeting the National Sewage Comprehensive Emission Standards (GB8978-1996).