Analysis of reserve pit sludge from unconventional natural gas hydraulic fracturing and drilling operations for the presence of technologically enhanced naturally occurring radioactive material (Tenorm)

Alisa L. Rich, Ernest C. Crosby

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

34 Scopus citations

Abstract

Soil and water (sludge) obtained from reserve pits used in unconventional natural gas mining was analyzed for the presence of technologically enhanced naturally occurring radioactive material (TENORM). Samples were analyzed for total gamma, alpha, and beta radiation, and specific radionuclides: beryllium, potassium, scandium, cobalt, cesium, thallium, lead-210 and-214, bismuth-212 and-214, radium-226 and-228, thorium, uranium, and strontium-89 and-90. Laboratory analysis confirmed elevated beta readings recorded at 1329 ± 311 pCi/g. Specific radionuclides present in an active reserve pit and the soil of a leveled, vacated reserve pit included232Thorium decay series (228Ra,228Th,208Tl), and226Radium decay series (214Pb,214Bi,210Pb) radionuclides. The potential for impact of TENORM to the environment, occupational workers, and the general public is presented with potential health effects of individual radionuclides. Current oversight, exemption of TENORM in federal and state regulations, and complexity in reporting are discussed.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)117-135
Number of pages19
JournalNew Solutions
Volume23
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 May 2013

Keywords

  • Barnett shale
  • Fracking
  • Natural gas mining
  • Naturally occurring radioactive materials (norm)
  • Radiation
  • Reserve pit
  • Technologically-enhanced naturally occurring radioactive materials (tenorm)

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