Environmental aspects of drill cuttings from oil operations: characterization, risk assessment, valorization, and treatment innovations

Abstract The construction of offshore oil and gas wells, especially during the drilling phase, generates a large volume of waste, particularly drill cuttings contaminated with drilling fluids, which represent a source of marine environmental contamination. Despite research on the environmental impacts of fluid-contaminated drill cuttings, there is still a scarcity of review articles on the topic from a holistic perspective. Therefore, this article presents a critical review of the generation, characterization, environmental impacts, treatment, valorization by reusing, and final disposal regulations for drill cuttings. Drilling methods and the fluids used are discussed, along with associated environmental risks, such as toxicity, bioaccumulation, and contamination by heavy metals and petroleum hydrocarbons. Methodologies for characterization and risk assessment are addressed, with an emphasis on the geographical limitation of studies and the absence of regionalized models. The potential for valorization of drill cuttings is explored, primarily in civil construction. Patent analysis reveals a growing trend in the utilization of thermal and chemical processes for drill cutting treatment. From a legal perspective, a regulatory comparison among countries highlights the lack of normative standardization. Overall, the sustainable management of drill cuttings requires integrated strategies that combine effective treatment, valorization by reusing, and risk assessments. Accordingly, this study could contribute to the development of sustainable drill cuttings management strategies, which would mitigate marine pollution and promote more environmentally responsible practices within the oil industry. Graphical Abstract