Contaminant remediation with functionalized (meth)acrylic polymer or copolymer macroparticulates and systems related thereto

Abstract

Macroparticulates may be formed through at least partial self-assembly by reacting an epoxide-containing (meth)acrylic polymer or copolymer with a compound bearing a nitrogen nucleophile. An internal cavity may be formed when functionalizing the (meth)acrylic polymer or copolymer in the presence of a hindered amine base. When appropriately functionalized, the macroparticulates may be used to sequester a contaminant from a substance in need of contaminant remediation, such as produced water or flowback water from a wellbore job site. Reclaimed water obtained from the macroparticulates may be utilized to form a treatment fluid. The macroparticulates may be located within a continuous flow line, particularly within a removable cartridge, to promote removal of at least one contaminant from a substance in need of contaminant remediation. The substance in need of contaminant remediation and/or the macroparticulates may be visually or spectroscopically interrogated to determine whether the macroparticulates have become saturated with contaminant.