Study of an Iodine Distribution in Western Oklahoma Brine Waters

Abstract

In the late 1970's, it was discovered that the brine waters of NW OK contain significant amounts of Iodine (above 60 ppm). However, the exact amounts and distributions of Iodine throughout this region were unknown. Currently, the majority of the world's supply of Iodine comes from mining Iodate minerals in Chile (? 65%), brine water aquifers in NW Oklahoma (? 5%) and Japan (? 25%), and seaweed extraction. With the growing need for Iodine compounds in the various fields the demand for Iodine is higher than ever. Thus, Iofina has recruited the aid of NWOSU to quantify the Iodine concentrations and distribution throughout the brine aquifer, as well as, determine the longevity of these iodine concentrations. Currently, this study has led to the discovery of new sites within the aquifer that may be of commercial interest and has taken an in-depth look at four of these possible sites, as well as, measuring iodine fluctuations up to 100 ppm which is a much larger fluctuation than the expected 10 ppm. Currently, we are investigating rather these fluctuations are due to the changed from vertical to horizontal wells or inhomogeneity within the brine aquifer.