Regional distribution, properties, treatment technologies, and resource utilization of oil-based drilling cuttings: A review

Oil-based drilling cuttings (OBDC) are hazardous wastes produced during the extensive use of oil-based drilling mud in oil and gas exploration and development. They have strong mutagenic, carcinogenic, and teratogenic effects and need to be properly disposed of to avoid damaging the natural environment. This paper reviews the recent research progress on the regional distribution, properties, treatment technologies, and resource utilization of OBDC. The advantages and disadvantages of different technologies for removing petroleum pollutants from OBDC were comprehensively analyzed, and required future developments in treatment technologies were proposed. [Display omitted] •The research progress in OBDC treatment technologies in recent years was reviewed.•The resource utilization of OBDC was summarized.•The different types of treatment technologies for OBDC were comprehensively evaluated.•A complete treatment process for OBDC was proposed.