Quality control in the analysis of radioactivity from the oil exploration sector

Landsberger, Sheldon; Morton, Jacob; Yoho, Michael

doi:10.1007/s10967-015-4555-x

Cited by 5 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 9 publications

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“…226 Ra analyses are simplified for this complex matrix by elevated abundance and the high-energy γ emissions of 226 Ra decay products ( 214 Bi and 214 Pb) for HPGe γ spectrometry with little sample preparation (apart from a 30 day hold to allow for decay product ingrowth). The high density of the drill cuttings can interfere with direct measurement of 210 Pb (46 keV, 4%) by γ spectrometry; 32,33 therefore, 210 Pb was quantitated by methods developed for 210 Pb in soil. 28 210 Po was extracted with aqua regia and H 2 O 2 , because 210 Po can adhere to organic matter in the soil 34 and volatilize in dry samples through elevated temperatures (>100 °C) 35 or by biological processes under ambient conditions.…”

Section: Environmental Science and Technology Lettersmentioning

confidence: 99%

Disequilibrium of Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials (NORM) in Drill Cuttings from a Horizontal Drilling Operation

Eitrheim

May

Forbes

et al. 2016

Environ. Sci. Technol. Lett.

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Naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM) in solid waste or “drill cuttings” produced from unconventional drilling for natural gas extraction wells potentially pose environmental contamination risks; however, the composition and mobility of NORM in these solid wastes are poorly understood. In this study, the composition of NORM, including uranium, thorium, radium, lead, and polonium isotopes, was evaluated in three samples of drill cuttings extracted from a well drilled into the Marcellus Shale formation. Leachability of NORM in drill cuttings was characterized by leaching the solid waste with dilute acetic acid at four different pH values. The uranium-series radionuclides in cuttings and leachate samples displayed isotopic disequilibrium, suggesting some environmental mobility of radionuclides in these shale formations. Our results indicate that isotopic analysis of uranium-series radionuclides is needed for a more complete understanding of the potential environmental contamination risks associated with these solid wastes.

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Section: Environmental Science and Technology Lettersmentioning

confidence: 99%