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Spectral characterization of dissolved organic matter in groundwater to assess mixing with oil-field water near selected oil fields, southern California

September 16, 2023

Samples of oil-field water (oil wells, injectate, disposal ponds) and groundwater near selected oil and gas fields in southern California were analyzed for dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentration and by optical spectroscopic techniques (i.e., absorbance and fluorescence) to assess whether these measurements can be used to distinguish between oil-field water (Oil Field), native groundwater (WGnat), and native groundwater mixed with oil-field water from surface (WGsurf) or subsurface sources (WGsub), and if so whether commonly reported optical measurements can be used as a screening tool to identify such water. Concentrations of DOC were significantly (p < 0.0001) higher (67 to 2934 mg C L−1) in oil-field water compared to native groundwater samples (

Publication Year 2023
Title Spectral characterization of dissolved organic matter in groundwater to assess mixing with oil-field water near selected oil fields, southern California
DOI 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166970
Authors Angela Hansen, Tamara E. C. Kraus, Matthew K. Landon, Peter B. McMahon
Publication Type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Series Title Science of the Total Environment
Index ID 70251437
Record Source USGS Publications Warehouse
USGS Organization California Water Science Center
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