Factsheet for mercury wastes from oil and gas sector

The oil and gas industry is a major and often underestimated source of mercury waste, presenting unique challenges (large volumes, low concentrations, complex matrices, NORM cooccurrence). Mercury is naturally occurring, found in almost all oil & gas reservoirs. Typically, the mercury is present in an elemental metallic or vapour form (Hg0), but will react to form complex species during production and processing. The mercury present in production fluids (gas, oil and water and contaminants from the well) can vary from sub ppb to ppm concentrations. It is important that the oil & gas facilities measure mercury in their process fluids to understand the concentrations present, what species transformations occur and where there may be accumulation, adsorption to process infrastructure or emissions to the environment. It is advised that specialist advice is sought as the sampling and analysis of trace Hg in oil & gas can be complex and erroneous results may be obtained if not done correctly.