Particulate matter (PM) poses significant risks to human and environmental health, being linked to respiratory illnesses, decreased ecosystem productivity, and the transport of chemical contaminants. Unpaved roads, which comprise approximately 33% of the US road system, generate over 35% of all PM annually. Dust suppressants are applied to unpaved surfaces to mitigate fugitive dust emissions. These products change the physical characteristics of the roadbed, either causing finer particles to aggregate together or serving as a barrier against vehicle impact. Water, salt brines, and non-petroleum organic products like vegetable oils are traditionally used and commercially available. However, the cost of these products, ranging from $4,000 to $10,000 per road mile per application, can be prohibitive. To reduce the costs of dust management, 13 states allow oil and gas wastewater from conventional wells (COGWW) to be used in lieu of traditional dust suppressants. COGWW are characterized by high total dissolved solids, but often contain toxic heavy metals, petroleum hydrocarbons, and radioactive elements. The goal of the current study is to characterize potential water quality impacts various dust suppressants pose to adjacent water bodies. A model roadbed was constructed and treated with traditional and COGWW dust suppressants. The treated roadbed was then exposed to a simulated rainfall event. Runoff water was collected and analyzed for major cations and anions, trace metals, radioisotopes, total organic carbon, and targeted organic compounds. Roadbed samples were analyzed for radioisotopes and targeted organic compounds. Results of all analyses will be presented.

Potential water quality impacts from dirt and gravel roads treated with traditional and produced water dust suppressants

ACS Spring 2022

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.