Wojciech Cel

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.

Sustainable approach to mitigation of CO2 emission

Abstract The discussion about greenhouse gases emission mitigation focuses on the reduction of fossil fuels usage, which is extremely costly from the economic and social viewpoint. The analyses of CO2 and CH4 fluxes in the environment showed that intensifying natural photosynthesis and respiration process may significantly contribute to the mitigation of greenhouse gases emission. It has been proven that the intensity of photosynthesis in land ecosystems could compensate for the increase of CO2 emission from anthropological sources.

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.