Abstract

Produced water from oil and gas extraction presents a major environmental challenge due to high boron content and toxicity risks for ecosystems and human health. Traditional boron removal methods suffer from high costs, limited efficiency, and generation of secondary pollutants. This study conducts a comprehensive assessment of strontium chloride as a precipitating agent in an optimized chemical oxo-precipitation process to remove boron from produced water. Through systematic variation of critical operational parameters including pH, reagent dosages, and mixing speed, the treatment achieved close to 85% boron removal under optimal conditions. Toxicity evaluation using Lactuca sativa L. lettuce seeds revealed a 133% increase in the median lethal dose after treatment, demonstrating substantial mitigation of ecological risk. The process embodies key principles of green chemistry by minimizing hazardous byproducts, employing safer chemicals, and reducing sludge generation relative to barium-based methods, thus promoting improved safety for both workers and the environment. Therefore, this methodology contributes directly to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by advancing water quality improvement, promoting the reuse of treated water, minimizing pollutant discharge, and supporting the protection of terrestrial ecosystems and public health through sustainable innovation.