Bioremediation of Produced Water – Frequently Asked Questions. What are the general characteristics of produced water? Produced waters that are formed from gas production tend to have high concentrations of aromatic hydrocarbons, specifically the BTEX (Benzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene, and xylene) compounds. Produced water also contains the chemicals used for gas processing such as; sulfide removal chemicals, dehydration chemicals, hydrogen sulfide reducing chemicals, and chemicals that inhibit hydrates. Produced water contains free product hydrocarbons, and a number of dissolved and dispersed compounds. Generally, produced water is placed into a holding pond. What is bioremediation of produced water? Bioremediation of produced water is the use of bacteria to metabolize the hydrocarbons and other petroleum compounds associated with produced water. What are the major problems associated with produced water? Generally, produced water is first treated to remove as much free product hydrocarbons as possible. While the goal is to reduce TRPH to below 100ppm, most treated produced water contains 300-400 ppm TRPH. Additionally, produced water contains saturation concentrations for any hydrocarbons present. These hydrocarbons can’t be removed by physical methods. Treating these remaining hydrocarbons is the major problem with produced water. Also, as the produced water begins to evaporate, a number of problems develop. The hydrocarbons in the produced water begin to...