The aqueous phase generated from the exploration and exploitation of petroleum products is known as Produced Water (PW). Generally, PW contains various concentrations of petroleum components, production, and treatment chemicals, dissolved gases, salts, ions (e.g., Na+, Cl−, and SO 2−) as well as dissolved minerals including metals (e.g., iron), naturally occurring radioactive materials (Norm), and solids. The impacts of these components are negative on both land and marine ecosystems. The search for an efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable method for removing selective ions from Produced Water treatment is ongoing since several technologies have not provided sustainable solutions. Thus, the main objective of this study was to assess the efficiency of an advanced electrokinetic treatment of PW. This paper presents a part of investigations related to the reduction of chlorides and sulfates from Produced Water, where ion exchange membranes were applied. The process yielded a reduction of chloride and sulfate as well as improved PW properties to generate quality water. A series of tests were conducted on 3 different types of synthetically Produced Water (low, medium, and high concentrations). Electrokinetic (EK) cells combined with ion exchange membranes, containing 250 ml of each type of PW, were exposed to low DC 1 V/cm. The results showed that the efficiency of EK depended on the PW concentration, ion valence, temperature, and exposure time. The electrokinetic phenomena influenced electro-demulsification, dissociation, and ion motion. Besides flocculation, floatation, sedimentation, and separation of the phases were observed. Chloride reduction was demonstrated in all aqueous samples of PW. Furthermore, sulfate was completely removed from low concentration and almost eliminated from medium, and high-concentration samples of PW. The novel electrochemical process showed to be a potential new technology that can replace other treatment methods that are currently in use for Produced Water and subsequently protect the environment.
