Soil Contamination Assessments from Drilling Fluids and Produced Water Using Combined Field and Laboratory Investigations: A Case Study of Arkansas, USA

Rotary drilling for oil and natural gas uses fluid lubrication of the bit, to seal off unstable shale layers, floating out rock cuttings. Drilling is a water–clay chemical mixture. Produced water water–sand Land farming common disposal technique produced water. In land process, amendments are repeatedly applied soil surface. Plant growth properties may be altered by additions fluid, because alkalinity, salinity, trace elements, petroleum residue contained in waste. The objective this study was determine change pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total nitrogen carbon, extractable nutrient levels following application comparison three plots with similar conditions. had various applications. data show major difference from field-to-field EC, Na, Cl levels. EC salt increased additional applications percent values plant available P were very low all fields. High values, coupled N levels, would detrimental development. To successfully vegetate land-farm site, fertilizer required. This help give better understanding practical ways fashion that both minimizes environmental issues economically feasible Arkansas. Thus, research will provide important information contamination management contributes on responses future.