Fractionated drilling wastes originating from shale gas exploration in the Baltic Basin in Pomerania were subjected to the measurements of mean activity concentrations of naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORMs).To better understand rock structure and texture, the X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy(SEM) observation were used. To compare activity concentration of radionuclides in bulk wastes...

Factors limiting shale gas exploration and exploitation in Pomorskie Voivodeship are presented. In particular, ground and surface water availability and land/community impact is discussed. Production from unconventional reservoirs requires proper well completion through hydraulic fracturing, hence voluminous streams of water are needed – in total 8000 to 20000 m3 per 1000 m of borehole length. 17 major groundwater basins were characterized....

Naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM) are present in Earth’s crust and they caused natural background radiation, variable in different regions. Liquid, gas and solid radionuclides emit three types of radiation – alpha, beta and gamma. Fluctuations of natural radioactivity in different geological formations in the world and in Poland were compared in relation to radiological hazard. Also drilling cuttings from boreholes...