Fate of Radium in Marcellus Shale Flowback Water

摘要

Radium is naturally occurring radioactive element that is found in shale gas wastewater(flowback and produced water). Ra~(226) is the main isotope that is often found in Marcellus Shaleflowback water at activities ranging from 500-10,000 pCi/L. In comparison, the EPA maximumcontaminant level (MCL) for drinking water is 5pCi/L and the maximum radioactivity fordisposal in RCRA-D non-hazardous landfill is 25pCi/g. This study is designed to investigate thefate of Radium in flowback/produced water and sediments during storage in surfaceimpoundment and to evaluate potential environmental implications of different managementoptions.