TABLE 1. Common Naturally Occurring Substances Found in Formations Containing Oil and Gas.
Type of contaminant | Examples |
---|---|
Inorganics (or common ions) | Brine (e.g., sodium chloride, bromide) |
Gases | Natural gas (e.g., methane, ethane), carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, nitrogen, and helium |
Trace elements | Mercury, lead, and arsenic |
Naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM) | Radium, thorium, and uranium |
Organic material | Organic acids, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, volatile, and semivolatile organic compounds |