Squalene Recovery from Uzen Oil Field Wastewater: a Novel Non-Biological Resource Potential

Squalene (2,3-oxidosqualene), a critical precursor in the biosynthesis of cell membrane steroids, is enzymatically derived via squalene synthase in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms. Its remarkable physicochemical properties and potent antioxidant characteristics underlie its extensive application across multifarious sectors including nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and fragrance industries. Historically, squalene has been predominantly sourced from shark liver oil and select plant oils. However, contemporary sustainable considerations have spurred pioneering investigations into unconventional reservoirs. This study presents a pioneering endeavor wherein squalene is extracted from the wastewater of Kazakhstan's Uzen oil field, showcasing a distinctive non-biological resource that holds profound implications across scientific and industrial domains. In this study, wastewater samples from the Uzen oil field were collected, extracted, and the composition of volatile dissolved compounds in the extract was investigated using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Notably, the predominant constituents were hydrocarbons, which is expected. Intriguingly, the analysis also revealed substantial quantities of squalene—a natural biomarker of oil. This unexpected discovery underscores the remarkable potential of this unconventional source.