Cation exchange properties of drilling cutting dump in the oil production area of the Middle Ob (Russia)

The results of a study of the cation exchange properties of the material of a drill cuttings dump (CD) from the point of view of its use in recultivation activities are presented. A comparison was made of the obtained cation exchange properties of the studied samples with the native soils of the study area. The need for recultivation and the possibility of using the material of the cuttings dump as a substrate for plant growth from the point of view of the composition of the absorbing complex was assessed. The actual acidity of the studied samples of CD corresponds to the values admissible for the use of BSH in reclamation measures without preliminary technical preparation. The composition of exchangeable cations in the studied CD samples is characterized by the presence of sodium, a high content of potassium and magnesium in comparison with the background samples studied, and a similar content of calcium. All types of cation exchange capacity (CEC) of CD samples are generally lower than the corresponding values of native soils. The oil content in the studied samples is high and should be reduced if the CD material is used for reclamation purposes.