Justyna Kujawska

Mobility of Metals from Drill Cuttings

Forecasting threats resulting from the presence of heavy metals in various elements of the environment plays an important role in environmental studies. Metals in solid environmental samples are found in many forms and phases that differ in respect of mobility, bioavailability and toxicity. Pollution from deposited drilling wastes can penetrate into the environment, particularly the heavy metals may be released to the environment through rainfalls. Rainfalls may alter the pH, redox conditions and may lead to migration of metals in surface and ground waters. The aim of the study was to determine whether drill cuttings contain metal forms capable of migration in aquatic and soil environment, which would increase their availability for flora and fauna.

Effects of Soil-Like Materials Mix from Drill Cuttings, Sewage Sludge And Sawdust on the Growth of Trifolium pratense L. and Transfer of Heavy Metals

Approximately 80000 tons of drilling waste is produced in Poland annually. This type of waste is relocated and deposited in waste neutralization plants or landfills. Eventually, it must be managed. Reuse of solid wastes might constitute a method of their utilization. The article investigates the use of drill cuttings, sewage sludge and sawdust for production of soil-like mixtures. The studies on evaluation of the possibility of economic application of soillike materials were carried out. The assessment was conducted on the basis of metal content in soil-like materials and plants cultivated on substrates produced of soil-like materials. In accordance with the valid legal regulations, the concentration of metals in soil-like materials enables their application on class II soils, i.e. arable land. The concentration of heavy metals in the plants cultivated on the substrates produced with soil-like materials is low and does not exceed the concentration of metals determined in animal feeding standards.

Impact of Hydraulic Fracturing on the Quality of Natural Waters

Poland, due to the estimated shale gas deposits amounting to 346–768 billion m3 has become one of the most attractive regions for shale gas exploration in Europe. Throughout the period 2010–2015, 72 exploratory drillings were made (as of 4.01.2016), while hydraulic fracturing was carried out 25 times. Employing new drilling and shale gas prospecting technologies raises a question pertaining to their impact on the environment. The number of chemical compounds used (approximately 2000) for the production of new technological fluids may potentially pollute the environment. The fact that the composition of these fluids remains undisclosed hinders the assessment of their impact on the environment and devising optimal methods for managing this type of waste. The presented work indicates the chemical compounds which may infiltrate to groundwater, identified on the basis of technological fluids characteristics, as well as the review of studies pertaining to their impact on potable water carried out in the United States. The study focused on marking heavy metals, calcium, sodium, magnesium, potassium, chlorides and sulphates in the surface waters collected in proximity of Lewino well.