Wastewater Brine Used to Treat Pennsylvania Roads
Topics:
Keywords: wastewater brine, soil contaminants
Abstract Type: Poster Abstract
Authors:
Mitzy L. Schaney, University of Pittsburgh
Hannah Frizzell, University of Pittsburgh
Jayden Cinko, University of Pittsburgh
Nicholas Goldyn, University of Pittsburgh
Micah Gutierrez, University of Pittsburgh
Kelly Leibfreid, University of Pittsburgh
Hannah Rising, University of Pittsburgh
Courtney Walsh, University of Pittsburgh
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Abstract
In Cambria County Pennsylvania, conventional well wastewater brine has been used to treat paved roads for de-icing and unpaved roads for dust control. Conventional well wastewater brine commonly contains Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials (NORMs) including Uranium, Radium 226 and 228, along with other chemicals. These radioactive chemicals are not only known carcinogens, but are also detrimental to the surrounding ecosystems. Five soil samples were collected from roadsides which were known to have conventional wastewater brine spread for dust-suppressant efforts prior to 2018. These samples were collected adjacent to the roadways and down-gradient from the road. One control soil sample was collected at a site which conventional wastewater produced brine has not been spread. We specifically sampled for Radium 226, as this isotope (Ra226), is the most commonly occurring NORM in the conventional well wastewater brine.
Wastewater Brine Used to Treat Pennsylvania Roads
Category
Poster Abstract
