FATE AND BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF OIL WELL DRILLING FLUIDS IN THE MARINE ENVIRONMENT: A LITERATURE REVIEW

• Main Author: Jerry M. Neff
• Format: Text
• Language: unknown
• Published: 2005
• Subjects: Arctic
• Online Access: http://oaspub.epa.gov/eims/eimsapi.dispdetail?deid=47317

The potential impact of drilling fluids on the marine environment is discussed. Prediction of impacts are difficult because no two drilling fluids are identical. They are custom-formulated to perform a variety of functions integral to each drilling operation. Further, drilling fluids are released in a variety of marine systems from arctic to temperate seas. Descriptions of the physical and chemical aspects of the plume that results from the release of drilling fluids, as well as a review and discussion of laboratory- and field-derived data on the effects of these fluids on marine organisms, are presented. Laboratory acute toxicity data indicate that lethal and sublethal concentrations of drilling fluids on various marine organisms vary from about 100 parts per million (ppm) in coral to more than 1000 ppm in other less sensitive organisms. Bioaccumulation of heavy metals associated with drilling fluid is discussed. Recommendations are given for preventing or ameliorating drilling-fluid damage to the marine environment. Additional research is proposed to close important gaps in current knowledge about behavior of drilling fluids in aquatic ecosystems.