Measuring Radioactivity Associated with Solid and Liquid Waste from Marcellus Shale
Topics in Shale Gas Exploration and Production
Oral Presentation
Prepared by
Contact Information: andrew-w-nelson@uiowa.edu; 319-335-1350
ABSTRACT
Although there are numerous socioeconomic benefits of natural gas, toxicants in wastes generated by drilling activities present potential environmental and public health risks. One class of toxicants of concern in waste streams generated by shale gas extraction is naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM). Despite receiving considerable media attention, the environmental and public health risks posed by NORM remain poorly characterized. This is in part due to the lack of accurate, precise, and comprehensive radioanalytical methodology that is suitable for the complex matrices in drilling wastes. This presentation will discuss recent developments, limitations, and future directions for detecting NORM in produced fluids and in drill cuttings from the Marcellus Shale and other formations.
Topics in Shale Gas Exploration and Production
Oral Presentation
Prepared by
Contact Information: andrew-w-nelson@uiowa.edu; 319-335-1350
ABSTRACT
Although there are numerous socioeconomic benefits of natural gas, toxicants in wastes generated by drilling activities present potential environmental and public health risks. One class of toxicants of concern in waste streams generated by shale gas extraction is naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM). Despite receiving considerable media attention, the environmental and public health risks posed by NORM remain poorly characterized. This is in part due to the lack of accurate, precise, and comprehensive radioanalytical methodology that is suitable for the complex matrices in drilling wastes. This presentation will discuss recent developments, limitations, and future directions for detecting NORM in produced fluids and in drill cuttings from the Marcellus Shale and other formations.
