Work

Treatment of Fracturing Flowback Fluid Using a Plasma-Fenton Coupled Process: Performance Evaluation and Parameter Optimization

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Fracturing flowback fluid poses significant pollution risks and potential threats to the surrounding ecological environment, especially soil and groundwater systems. This study innovatively combined the dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) low-temperature plasma technology with the Fenton oxidation process to construct a synergistic degradation system. Systematic investigation of key operational parameters, including discharge voltage, H2O2 and Fe2+ dosages, and initial pH, was conducted to evaluate their effects on process performance. Under the optimal process parameters, the system achieves over 90% in both COD removal rate and guar gum degradation efficiency, outperforming traditional treatment technologies. Mechanistic analysis suggests that the efficient degradation of HPG may result from the combined action of plasma-generated reactive species and Fenton-derived oxidizing species. However, further identification of transformation products and toxicity evaluation are still required. This research provides a green and efficient new solution for the fracturing flowback fluid treatment, which has significant engineering application value.

Source: Catalysts

DOI: 10.3390/catal16090766

Authors: Meiqi Shi, Fuping Feng, Jianwei Zhang, Xueqin Wang, Hong Jiang, Xu Han

Institution: Northeast Petroleum University

Language: English

Topic: Advanced oxidation water treatment

Subfield: Water Science and Technology

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Responsible consumption and production, Clean water and sanitation

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,654