Physical and chemical characterization of drill cuttings: A review

L C Costa; C F Carvalho; A S F Soares; A C P Souza; E F T Bastos; E C B T Guimarães; J C Santos; T Carvalho; V H Calderari; L S Marinho; M R C Marques

doi:10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115342

Physical and chemical characterization of drill cuttings: A review

Mar Pollut Bull. 2023 Sep;194(Pt A):115342. doi: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115342. Epub 2023 Aug 25.

Authors

Affiliations

¹ Pharmacy Department, Faculty of Biological Sciences and Health, State University of Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Rio de Janeiro 23070-200, RJ, Brazil. Electronic address: luciana.cunha.costa@uerj.br.
² Pharmacy Department, Faculty of Biological Sciences and Health, State University of Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Rio de Janeiro 23070-200, RJ, Brazil.
³ Department of Organic Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, State University of Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Rio de Janeiro 20550-900, RJ, Brazil.
⁴ Pharmacy Department, Faculty of Biological Sciences and Health, State University of Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Rio de Janeiro 23070-200, RJ, Brazil; Department of Organic Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, State University of Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Rio de Janeiro 20550-900, RJ, Brazil.
⁵ Environmental Engineering Program, Polytechnic School, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-909, RJ, Brazil.

PMID: 37634349
DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115342

Abstract

Drill cuttings comprise a mixture of rocks generated during drilling activities of exploration and production of oil and gas. These residues' properties are variable, depending on several drilling parameters and drilled rock composition. Many scientific studies have been published regarding the characterization of these residues. Articles summarizing these residues' characteristics and toxicity data are poorly explored in the literature. This work reviews the principal methods used to characterize drill cuttings and data about these residues' properties. Some authors have reported the large content of Zn in drill cuttings. These cuttings can be associated with base fluids (as olefins, varying from C₁₁ to C₁₈), and some time crude oil (high range of TPH, unresolved complex mixtures, and PAH compounds). Acute and chronic toxicity tests have shown negative impacts of different types of fluids, the components of these fluids, and cuttings on other marine organisms.

Keywords: Drilling waste; Solid residues; drill cuttings.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Alkenes*
Petroleum*
Toxicity Tests, Chronic

Substances

Alkenes
Petroleum