ABSTRACT
Microbial threats in oil and gas settings require biocide use, yet conventional options carry impurities that impact both safety and environmental concerns. This chapter discusses how these hidden costs manifest from production to end-of-life management. The critical importance of sourcing genuine products is detailed with glutaraldehyde used as an industrial example. Additionally, uncontrolled microbes lead to a cycle of indirect consequences (souring, compromised assets) with negative implications for emissions and efficient operations. We advocate adopting precision biocide practices including monitoring, targeted dosing, and exploring alternatives, alongside the increasing importance of choosing biocides with minimal environmental persistence. Emerging solutions highlight industry responsiveness to rising standards shaped by authorities like the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the European Union Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR). This chapter offers crucial insights for oil and gas practitioners seeking ways to balance microbial control with long-term sustainability goals, driving progress toward more responsible operations.
