Potential for up-scaling Nimr reed bed facilities, Oman : feasibility study

This report describes the findings of a feasibility study to treat oil contaminated water using reed beds, and consume the treated saline water using forestry. The feasibility study focused on the social, technical and economical feasibility of a project designed to process 45,000 m3 of water per day. Possible effects of a large scale operation on interactions between Petroleum Development Oman and local population are listed, and suggestions on the social processes involved are made. The economics of reed bed water treatment and water consumption through the use of forestry are determined and compared with the current practise of deep well disposal. The economics of the treatment-forestry system are more favorable than the economics of the deep well disposal. The technical analysis shows that the reed beds are able to treat water to remove hydrocarbons, and suggestions for management, design and development of the system are given.