Chemical composition and toxicological properties of drilling mud

Aim. Investigation of the chemical composition of drilling fluid and its toxicity based on the assessment of average lethal doses.

Materials and methods. The chemical composition of drilling fluid and drilling mud for metals and inorganic oxides was studied by atomic absorption spectroscopy (AgilentAA240FS), as well as using atomic emission spectroscopy. In an experiment on mature male rats, the average lethal dose of drilling fluid was established with intraperitoneal single injection.

Results and discussion. The results of our own research presented in this paper indicate that drilling fluid and drilling mud have a diverse chemical composition due to the presence of heavy metals and inorganic oxides in them. Pb and As are found in the drilling fluid, and As, Ba, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn; P₂O₅, SiO₂, CaO, Na₂O, and K₂O in the drilling mud. In acute experience, under conditions of a single intraperitoneal injection of drilling fluid, lethal doses (LD₁₆, LD₅₀, LD₈₄, LD₁₀₀), as well as survival rates, were established. The dose-dependent effects of the toxic effect of drilling fluid, determined by the average lethal dose and the corresponding survival rate, indicate the potential danger of drilling fluid and drilling mud.

Conclusions. Drilling fluid and drilling mud have a certain toxicity and danger, which largely depends on their chemical composition due to the presence of heavy metals and inorganic oxides. The established lethal doses and survival rates indicate moderate toxicity of drilling fluid.

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