This review paper provides a critical overview of the formation of highly toxic disinfection byproducts (DBPs) from petroleum industry wastewaters, with a focus on petroleum refinery wastewaters (PRW) and produced water (PW). While extensive research has been conducted on DBP formation in drinking water, it is essential to recognize that living organisms can be exposed to these DBPs through various water sources beyond drinking water. DBPs in PRW and PW primarily result from two main processes: chlorination of effluents and elevated bromide/iodide levels in wastewater effluents. Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are identified as primary sources of halogenated disinfection by-products (DBPs) due to DBP precursors in wastewater when chlorination is used for disinfection. Among the various DBPs formed, iodinated DBPs are the most harmful, posing greater potential harm to living organisms than brominated and chlorinated DBPs. This review provides a critical synthesis of current knowledge on DBP formation, toxicity, and mitigation strategies specific to petroleum industry wastewater. Unlike existing reviews that primarily focus on drinking water or municipal effluents, this work systematically evaluates DBP formation pathways in PRW and PW, highlights the role of bromide and iodide in driving DBP speciation, and critically compares treatment technologies under petroleum-specific conditions. Emphasis is placed on the limitations of conventional treatment methods and the performance of advanced approaches such as activated carbon adsorption, membrane filtration, and advanced oxidation processes under high-salinity and hydrocarbon-rich environments.. By adopting sustainable practices, industries can mitigate environmental and health risks, comply with regulatory standards, and contribute to achieving global sustainability goals such as clean water and sanitation (SDG 6). In conclusion, addressing the emergence of DBPs in wastewater, particularly in produced water (PW) and PRW is pivotal for ensuring sustainable water management.
Ashok et al. (Fri,) studied this question.