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Chen K, Wu F, Li L, Zhang K, Huang J, Cheng F, Yu Z, Hicks AL, You J. Prioritizing Organic Pollutants for Shale Gas Exploitation: Life Cycle Environmental Risk Assessments in China and the US. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:8149-8160. [PMID: 38652896 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c10288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Environmental impacts associated with shale gas exploitation have been historically underestimated due to neglecting to account for the production or the release of end-of-pipe organic pollutants. Here, we assessed the environmental impacts of shale gas production in China and the United States using life cycle assessment. Through data mining, we compiled literature information on organic pollutants in flowback and produced water (FPW), followed by assessments using USEtox to evaluate end-of-pipe risks. Results were incorporated to reveal the life cycle risks associated with shale gas exploitation in both countries. China exhibited higher environmental impacts than the US during the production phase. Substantially different types of organic compounds were observed in the FPW between two countries. Human carcinogenic and ecological toxicity attributed to organics in FPW was 3 orders of magnitude higher than that during the production phase in the US. Conversely, in China, end-of-pipe organics accounted for approximately 52%, 1%, and 47% of the overall human carcinogenic, noncarcinogenic, and ecological impacts, respectively. This may be partially limited by the quantitative data available. While uncertainties exist associated with data availability, our study highlights the significance of integrating impacts from shale gas production to end-of-pipe pollution for comprehensive environmental risk assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keyan Chen
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China
| | - Fan Wu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China
| | - Liang Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China
| | - Keshuo Zhang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China
| | - Jiehui Huang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China
| | - Fei Cheng
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China
| | - Zhiqiang Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Andrea L Hicks
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 510640, United States
| | - Jing You
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China
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2
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Smedley PL, Allen G, Baptie BJ, Fraser-Harris AP, Ward RS, Chambers RM, Gilfillan SMV, Hall JA, Hughes AG, Manning DAC, McDermott CI, Nagheli S, Shaw JT, Werner MJ, Worrall F. Equipping for risk: Lessons learnt from the UK shale-gas experience on assessing environmental risks for the future geoenergy use of the deep subsurface. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 921:171036. [PMID: 38373449 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
findings are presented from an investigation to improve understanding of the environmental risks associated with developing an unconventional-hydrocarbons industry in the UK. The EQUIPT4RISK project, funded by UK Research Councils, focused on investigations around Preston New Road (PNR), Fylde, Lancashire, and Kirby Misperton Site A (KMA), North Yorkshire, where operator licences to explore for shale gas by hydraulic fracturing (HF) were issued in 2016, although exploration only took place at PNR. EQUIPT4RISK considered atmospheric (greenhouse gases, air quality), water (groundwater quality) and solid-earth (seismicity) compartments to characterise and model local conditions and environmental responses to HF activities. Risk assessment was based on the source-pathway-receptor approach. Baseline monitoring of air around the two sites characterised the variability with meteorological conditions, and isotopic signatures were able to discriminate biogenic methane (cattle) from thermogenic (natural-gas) sources. Monitoring of a post-HF nitrogen-lift (well-cleaning) operation at PNR detected the release of atmospheric emissions of methane (4.2 ± 1.4 t CH4). Groundwater monitoring around KMA identified high baseline methane concentrations and detected ethane and propane at some locations. Dissolved methane was inferred from stable-isotopic evidence as overwhelmingly of biogenic origin. Groundwater-quality monitoring around PNR found no evidence of HF-induced impacts. Two approaches for modelling induced seismicity and associated seismic risk were developed using observations of seismicity and operational parameters from PNR in 2018 and 2019. Novel methodologies developed for monitoring include use of machine learning to identify fugitive atmospheric methane, Bayesian statistics to assess changes to groundwater quality, a seismicity forecasting model seeded by the HF-fluid injection rate and high-resolution monitoring of soil-gas methane. The project developed a risk-assessment framework, aligned with ISO 31000 risk-management principles, to assess the theoretical combined and cumulative environmental risks from operations over time. This demonstrated the spatial and temporal evolution of risk profiles: seismic and atmospheric impacts from the shale-gas operations are modelled to be localised and short-lived, while risk to groundwater quality is longer-term.
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Affiliation(s)
- P L Smedley
- British Geological Survey, Nicker Hill, Keyworth, Nottingham NG12 5GG, UK.
| | - G Allen
- Department of Earth & Environmental Science, Simon Building, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - B J Baptie
- British Geological Survey, Lyell Centre, Research Avenue South, Edinburgh EH14 4AP, UK
| | - A P Fraser-Harris
- School of Geosciences, King's Buildings, University of Edinburgh, James Hutton Road, Edinburgh EH9 3FE, UK
| | - R S Ward
- British Geological Survey, Nicker Hill, Keyworth, Nottingham NG12 5GG, UK
| | - R M Chambers
- School of Geosciences, King's Buildings, University of Edinburgh, James Hutton Road, Edinburgh EH9 3FE, UK
| | - S M V Gilfillan
- School of Geosciences, King's Buildings, University of Edinburgh, James Hutton Road, Edinburgh EH9 3FE, UK
| | - J A Hall
- School of Engineering, Drummond Building, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK
| | - A G Hughes
- British Geological Survey, Nicker Hill, Keyworth, Nottingham NG12 5GG, UK
| | - D A C Manning
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK
| | - C I McDermott
- School of Geosciences, King's Buildings, University of Edinburgh, James Hutton Road, Edinburgh EH9 3FE, UK
| | - S Nagheli
- British Geological Survey, Nicker Hill, Keyworth, Nottingham NG12 5GG, UK
| | - J T Shaw
- Department of Earth & Environmental Science, Simon Building, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK; Now at: National Physical Laboratory, Hampton Road, Teddington, Middlesex TW11 0LW, UK
| | - M J Werner
- School of Earth Sciences, University of Bristol, Wills Memorial Building, Queens Road, Clifton, Bristol BS8 1RJ, UK
| | - F Worrall
- Department of Earth Sciences, Durham University, Stockton Road, Durham DH1 3LE, UK
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3
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Blanche J, Mitchell D, Shang J, Flynn D, Pavuluri S, Desmulliez M. Dynamic analysis of geomaterials using microwave sensing. Sci Rep 2024; 14:7112. [PMID: 38532052 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-57653-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Precise characterization of geomaterials improves subsurface energy extraction and storage. Understanding geomaterial property, and the complexities between petrophysics and geomechanics, plays a key role in maintaining energy security and the transition to a net zero global carbon economy. Multiple sectors demand accurate and rapid characterization of geomaterial conditions, requiring the extraction of core plugs in the field for full-field characterization and analysis in the laboratory. We present a novel technique for the non-invasive characterization of geomaterials by using Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) radar in the K-band, representing a new application of microwave radar. We collect data through the delivery of FMCW wave interactions with geomaterials under static and dynamic conditions and show that FMCW can detect fluid presence, differentiate fluid type, indicate the presence of metallic inclusions and detect imminent failure in loaded sandstones by up to 15 s, allowing for greater control in loading up to a failure event. Such precursors have the potential to significantly enhance our understanding of, and ability to model, geomaterial dynamics. This low-cost sensing method is easily deployable, provides quicker and more accessible data than many state-of-the-art systems, and new insights into geomaterial behavior under dynamic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie Blanche
- James Watt School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.
| | - Daniel Mitchell
- James Watt School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Junlong Shang
- Department of Mechanical, Aerospace & Civil Engineering, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - David Flynn
- James Watt School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Sumanth Pavuluri
- Smart Systems Group, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Marc Desmulliez
- Smart Systems Group, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, UK
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4
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Li Y, Siegel HG, Thelemaque NA, Bailey KR, Moncrieffe P, Nguyen T, Clark CJ, Johnson NP, Soriano MA, Deziel NC, Saiers JE, Plata DL. Conventional Fossil Fuel Extraction, Associated Biogeochemical Processes, and Topography Influence Methane Groundwater Concentrations in Appalachia. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:19702-19712. [PMID: 37982799 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c01862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
The production of fossil fuels, including oil, gas, and coal, retains a dominant share in US energy production and serves as a major anthropogenic source of methane, a greenhouse gas with a high warming potential. In addition to directly emitting methane into the air, fossil fuel production can release methane into groundwater, and that methane may eventually reach the atmosphere. In this study, we collected 311 water samples from an unconventional oil and gas (UOG) production region in Pennsylvania and an oil and gas (O&G) and coal production region across Ohio and West Virginia. Methane concentration was negatively correlated to distance to the nearest O&G well in the second region, but such a correlation was shown to be driven by topography as a confounding variable. Furthermore, sulfate concentration was negatively correlated with methane concentration and with distance to coal mining in the second region, and these correlations were robust even when considering topography. We hypothesized that coal mining enriched sulfate in groundwater, which in turn inhibited methanogenesis and enhanced microbial methane oxidation. Thus, this study highlights the complex interplay of multiple factors in shaping groundwater methane concentrations, including biogeochemical conversion, topography, and conventional fossil extraction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunpo Li
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Parsons Laboratory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 15 Vassar Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Helen G Siegel
- The School of the Environment, Yale University, 195 Prospect Street, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
| | - Nathalie A Thelemaque
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Parsons Laboratory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 15 Vassar Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Kathleen R Bailey
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Parsons Laboratory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 15 Vassar Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Priya Moncrieffe
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Parsons Laboratory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 15 Vassar Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Timothy Nguyen
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Parsons Laboratory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 15 Vassar Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Cassandra J Clark
- Yale School of Public Health, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale University, 60 College Street, New Haven, Connecticut 06512, United States
| | - Nicholaus P Johnson
- Yale School of Public Health, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale University, 60 College Street, New Haven, Connecticut 06512, United States
| | - Mario A Soriano
- The School of the Environment, Yale University, 195 Prospect Street, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
| | - Nicole C Deziel
- Yale School of Public Health, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale University, 60 College Street, New Haven, Connecticut 06512, United States
| | - James E Saiers
- The School of the Environment, Yale University, 195 Prospect Street, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
| | - Desiree L Plata
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Parsons Laboratory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 15 Vassar Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
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5
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Siegel HG, Nason SL, Warren JL, Prunas O, Deziel NC, Saiers JE. Investigation of Sources of Fluorinated Compounds in Private Water Supplies in an Oil and Gas-Producing Region of Northern West Virginia. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:17452-17464. [PMID: 37923386 PMCID: PMC10653085 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c05192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are a class of toxic organic compounds that have been widely used in consumer applications and industrial activities, including oil and gas production. We measured PFAS concentrations in 45 private wells and 8 surface water sources in the oil and gas-producing Doddridge, Marshall, Ritchie, Tyler, and Wetzel Counties of northern West Virginia and investigated relationships between potential PFAS sources and drinking water receptors. All surface water samples and 60% of the water wells sampled contained quantifiable levels of at least one targeted PFAS compound, and four wells (8%) had concentrations above the proposed maximum contaminant level (MCL) for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). Individual concentrations of PFOA and perfluorobutanesulfonic acid exceeded those measured in finished public water supplies. Total targeted PFAS concentrations ranged from nondetect to 36.8 ng/L, with surface water concentrations averaging 4-fold greater than groundwater. Semiquantitative, nontargeted analysis showed concentrations of emergent PFAS that were potentially higher than targeted PFAS. Results from a multivariate latent variable hierarchical Bayesian model were combined with insights from analyses of groundwater chemistry, topographic characteristics, and proximity to potential PFAS point sources to elucidate predictors of PFAS concentrations in private wells. Model results reveal (i) an increased vulnerability to contamination in upland recharge zones, (ii) geochemical controls on PFAS transport likely driven by adsorption, and (iii) possible influence from nearby point sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen G. Siegel
- School
of the Environment, Yale University, 195 Prospect Street, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
| | - Sara L. Nason
- Connecticut
Agricultural Experiment Station, 123 Huntington Street, New
Haven, Connecticut 06504, United States
| | - Joshua L. Warren
- School
of Public Health, Yale University, 60 College Street, New Haven, Connecticut 06510, United States
| | - Ottavia Prunas
- Swiss
Tropical and Public Health Institute, 2 Kreuzstrasse, Allschwill, Basel 4123, Switzerland
| | - Nicole C. Deziel
- School
of Public Health, Yale University, 60 College Street, New Haven, Connecticut 06510, United States
| | - James E. Saiers
- School
of the Environment, Yale University, 195 Prospect Street, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
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6
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Manz KE, Feerick A, Braun JM, Feng YL, Hall A, Koelmel J, Manzano C, Newton SR, Pennell KD, Place BJ, Godri Pollitt KJ, Prasse C, Young JA. Non-targeted analysis (NTA) and suspect screening analysis (SSA): a review of examining the chemical exposome. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2023; 33:524-536. [PMID: 37380877 PMCID: PMC10403360 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-023-00574-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
Non-targeted analysis (NTA) and suspect screening analysis (SSA) are powerful techniques that rely on high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) and computational tools to detect and identify unknown or suspected chemicals in the exposome. Fully understanding the chemical exposome requires characterization of both environmental media and human specimens. As such, we conducted a review to examine the use of different NTA and SSA methods in various exposure media and human samples, including the results and chemicals detected. The literature review was conducted by searching literature databases, such as PubMed and Web of Science, for keywords, such as "non-targeted analysis", "suspect screening analysis" and the exposure media. Sources of human exposure to environmental chemicals discussed in this review include water, air, soil/sediment, dust, and food and consumer products. The use of NTA for exposure discovery in human biospecimen is also reviewed. The chemical space that has been captured using NTA varies by media analyzed and analytical platform. In each media the chemicals that were frequently detected using NTA were: per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and pharmaceuticals in water, pesticides and polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in soil and sediment, volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds in air, flame retardants in dust, plasticizers in consumer products, and plasticizers, pesticides, and halogenated compounds in human samples. Some studies reviewed herein used both liquid chromatography (LC) and gas chromatography (GC) HRMS to increase the detected chemical space (16%); however, the majority (51%) only used LC-HRMS and fewer used GC-HRMS (32%). Finally, we identify knowledge and technology gaps that must be overcome to fully assess potential chemical exposures using NTA. Understanding the chemical space is essential to identifying and prioritizing gaps in our understanding of exposure sources and prior exposures. IMPACT STATEMENT: This review examines the results and chemicals detected by analyzing exposure media and human samples using high-resolution mass spectrometry based non-targeted analysis (NTA) and suspect screening analysis (SSA).
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine E Manz
- School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, RI, 02912, USA.
| | - Anna Feerick
- Agricultural & Environmental Chemistry Graduate Group, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Joseph M Braun
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University, Providence, RI, 02912, USA
| | - Yong-Lai Feng
- Exposure and Biomonitoring Division, Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Amber Hall
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University, Providence, RI, 02912, USA
| | - Jeremy Koelmel
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Carlos Manzano
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Chile, Santiago, RM, Chile
- School of Public Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Seth R Newton
- Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Kurt D Pennell
- School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, RI, 02912, USA
| | - Benjamin J Place
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Dr, Gaithersburg, MD, 20899, USA
| | - Krystal J Godri Pollitt
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Carsten Prasse
- Department of Environmental Health & Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Risk Sciences and Public Policy Institute, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Joshua A Young
- Division of Biology, Chemistry and Materials Science, Office of Science and Engineering Laboratories, Center for Devices and Radiological Health, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, 20993, USA
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7
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Wu F, Zhou Z, Zhang S, Cheng F, Tong Y, Li L, Zhang B, Zeng X, Li H, Wang D, Yu Z, You J. Toxicity identification evaluation for hydraulic fracturing flowback and produced water during shale gas exploitation in China: Evidence from tissue residues and gene expression. WATER RESEARCH 2023; 241:120170. [PMID: 37290192 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.120170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Hydraulic fracturing flowback and produced water (HF-FPW) from shale gas extraction processes is a highly complex medium with potential threats to the environment. Current research on ecological risks of FPW in China is limited, and the link between major components of FPW and their toxicological effects on freshwater organisms is largely unknown. By integrating chemical and biological analyses, toxicity identification evaluation (TIE) was used to reveal causality between toxicity and contaminants, potentially disentangling the complex toxicological nature of FPW. Here, FPW from different shale gas wells, treated FPW effluent, and a leachate from HF sludge were collected from southwest China, and TIE was applied to obtain a comprehensive toxicity evaluation in freshwater organisms. Our results showed that FPW from the same geographic zone could cause significantly different toxicity. Salinity, solid phase particulates, and organic contaminants were identified as the main contributors to the toxicity of FPW. In addition to water chemistry, internal alkanes, PAHs, and HF additives (e.g., biocides and surfactants) were quantified in exposed embryonic fish by target and non-target tissue analyses. The treated FPW failed to mitigate the toxicity associated with organic contaminants. Transcriptomic results illustrated that organic compounds induced toxicity pathways in FPW-exposed embryonic zebrafish. Similar zebrafish gene ontologies were affected between treated and untreated FPW, again confirming that sewage treatment did not effectively remove organic chemicals from FPW. Thus, zebrafish transcriptome analyses revealed organic toxicant-induced adverse outcome pathways and served as evidence for TIE confirmation in complex mixtures under data-poor scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Wu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China
| | - Zhimin Zhou
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China
| | - Shaoqiong Zhang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China
| | - Fei Cheng
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China
| | - Yujun Tong
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China
| | - Liang Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China
| | - Biao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Xiangying Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Huizhen Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China
| | - Dali Wang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China
| | - Zhiqiang Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Jing You
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China.
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8
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Soriano MA, Warren JL, Clark CJ, Johnson NP, Siegel HG, Deziel NC, Saiers JE. Social Vulnerability and Groundwater Vulnerability to Contamination From Unconventional Hydrocarbon Extraction in the Appalachian Basin. GEOHEALTH 2023; 7:e2022GH000758. [PMID: 37064218 PMCID: PMC10100439 DOI: 10.1029/2022gh000758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Unconventional oil and gas (UOG) development, made possible by horizontal drilling and high-volume hydraulic fracturing, has been fraught with controversy since the industry's rapid expansion in the early 2000's. Concerns about environmental contamination and public health risks persist in many rural communities that depend on groundwater resources for drinking and other daily needs. Spatial disparities in UOG risks can pose distributive environmental injustice if such risks are disproportionately borne by marginalized communities. In this paper, we analyzed groundwater vulnerability to contamination from UOG as a physically based measure of risk in conjunction with census tract level sociodemographic characteristics describing social vulnerability in the northern Appalachian Basin. We found significant associations between elevated groundwater vulnerability and lower population density, consistent with UOG development occurring in less densely populated rural areas. We also found associations between elevated groundwater vulnerability and lower income, higher proportions of elderly populations, and higher proportion of mobile homes, suggesting a disproportionate risk burden on these socially vulnerable groups. We did not find a statistically significant association between elevated groundwater vulnerability and populations of racial/ethnic minorities in our study region. Household surveys provided empirical support for a relationship between sociodemographic characteristics and capacity to assess and mitigate exposures to potentially contaminated water. Further research is needed to probe if the observed disparities translate to differences in chemical exposure and adverse health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario A. Soriano
- School of the EnvironmentYale UniversityNew HavenCTUSA
- Integrated GroundWater Modeling CenterHigh Meadows Environmental InstitutePrinceton UniversityPrincetonNJUSA
| | - Joshua L. Warren
- Department of BiostatisticsSchool of Public HealthYale UniversityNew HavenCTUSA
| | - Cassandra J. Clark
- Department of Environmental Health SciencesSchool of Public HealthYale UniversityNew HavenCTUSA
| | - Nicholaus P. Johnson
- Department of Environmental Health SciencesSchool of Public HealthYale UniversityNew HavenCTUSA
| | | | - Nicole C. Deziel
- Department of Environmental Health SciencesSchool of Public HealthYale UniversityNew HavenCTUSA
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9
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Underhill V, Fiuza A, Allison G, Poudrier G, Lerman-Sinkoff S, Vera L, Wylie S. Outcomes of the Halliburton Loophole: Chemicals regulated by the Safe Drinking Water Act in US fracking disclosures, 2014-2021. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 322:120552. [PMID: 36368552 PMCID: PMC10187986 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Hydraulic fracturing (fracking) has enabled the United States to lead the world in gas and oil production over the past decade; 17.6 million Americans now live within a mile of an oil or gas well (Czolowski et al., 2017). This major expansion in fossil fuel production is possible in part due to the 2005 Energy Policy Act and its "Halliburton Loophole," which exempts fracking activity from regulation under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). To begin quantifying the environmental and economic impacts of this loophole, this study undertakes an aggregate analysis of chemicals that would otherwise be regulated by SDWA within FracFocus, an industry-sponsored fracking disclosure database. This paper quantifies the total disclosures and total mass of these chemicals used between 2014 and 2021, examines trends in their use, and investigates which companies most use and supply them. We find that 28 SDWA-regulated chemicals are reported in FracFocus, and 62-73% of all disclosures (depending on year) report at least one SDWA-regulated chemical. Of these, 19,700 disclosures report using SDWA-regulated chemicals in masses that exceed their reportable quantities as defined under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA). Finally, while the most common direct-supplier category is "company name not reported," Halliburton is the second-most named direct supplier of SWDA regulated chemicals. Halliburton is also the supplier most frequently associated with fracks that use SDWA regulated chemicals. These results show the necessity of a more robust and federally mandated disclosure system and suggest the importance of revisiting exemptions such as the Halliburton Loophole.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivian Underhill
- Social Science Environmental Health Research Institute, Northeastern University, USA.
| | - Angelica Fiuza
- Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, USA
| | | | - Grace Poudrier
- Department of Sociology & Anthropology, Northeastern University, USA
| | | | - Lourdes Vera
- Department of Sociology and Department of Environment and Sustainability, University at Buffalo, USA
| | - Sara Wylie
- Department of Sociology & Anthropology and Department of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, USA
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10
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Chou L, Zhou C, Luo W, Guo J, Shen Y, Lin D, Wang C, Yu H, Zhang X, Wei S, Shi W. Identification of high-concern organic pollutants in tap waters from the Yangtze River in China based on combined screening strategies. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 857:159416. [PMID: 36244484 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.159416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 10/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Recently, numerous organic pollutants have been detected in water environment. The safety of our drinking water has attracted widespread attention. Effective methods to screen and identify high-concern substances are urgently needed. In this study, the combined workflow for the detection and identification of high-concern organic chemicals was established and applied to tap water samples from the Yangtze River Basin. The solid phase extraction (SPE) sorbents were compared and evaluated and finally the HLB cartridge was selected as the best one for most of the contaminants. Based on target, suspect and non-target analysis, 3023 chemicals/peaks were detected. Thirteen substances such as diundecyl phthalate (DUP), 2-hydroxyatrazine, dioxoaminopyrine and diethyl-2-phenylacetamide were detected in drinking water in the Yangtze River Basin for the very first time. Based on three kinds of prioritization principles, 49 ubiquitous, 103 characteristic chemicals and 13 inefficiently removed chemicals were selected as high-concern substances. Among them, 8, 31, 9, 3, 4 substances overlapped with the toxic, risky or high-concern chemicals lists in China, America, European Union, Japan, Korea, respectively. Specific management and removal strategies were further recommended. The workflow is efficient for identification of key pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liben Chou
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Chengzhuo Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Wenrui Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Jing Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Yanhong Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Die Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Chang Wang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Environmental and Health Effects of Persistent Toxic Substances, Institute of Environment and Health, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China
| | - Hongxia Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Xiaowei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Si Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Wei Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China; Jiangsu Province Ecology and Environment Protection Key Laboratory of Chemical Safety and Health Risk, Nanjing 210023, China
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11
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He X, Li P, Shi H, Xiao Y, Guo Y, Zhao H. Identifying strontium sources of flowback fluid and groundwater pollution using 87Sr/ 86Sr and geochemical model in Sulige gasfield, China. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 306:135594. [PMID: 35803383 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.135594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Hydraulic fracturing technology has made unconventional oil and gas development economically viable; however, it can lead to potential environmental issues such as groundwater pollution. Strontium isotope (87Sr/86Sr) is considered as a sensitive tracer to indicate potential groundwater contamination. In this study, strontium (Sr) and 87Sr/86Sr sources of hydraulic fracturing flowback fluid are identified with 87 flowback fluid samples and 5 borehole core samples. High Sr concentrations and 87Sr/86Sr values were found in fracturing flowback fluid. The hydrogeochemistry evidence shows high Sr and 87Sr/86Sr in fracturing flowback fluid mainly comes from formation water with high ion concentrations, while Sr and 87Sr/86Sr of formation water develop in diagenesis and long term water-rock interaction (e.g., feldspar dissolution and clay mineral transformations) under the high temperature and pressure. A complete evaluation system was executed to assess the sensitivity of 87Sr/86Sr indicating potential pollution on groundwater. The mixing curves which 87Sr/86Sr combined with Sr and Cl were also established by mixing models to indicate groundwater pollution. The modeling results show mineral dissolution/precipitation and cation exchange have little impact on 87Sr/86Sr in the mixing process between fracturing flowback fluid and groundwater, which 87Sr/86Sr can identify contamination when only 0.89% of fracturing flowback fluid mixes with groundwater. Finally, the potential contamination pathways are discussed. It is highly unlikely fracturing flowback fluid contaminates groundwater and soil through upward migration, whereas leakage is a more prevalent pollution pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaodong He
- School of Water and Environment, Chang'an University, No. 126 Yanta Road, Xi'an, 710054, Shaanxi, China; Key Laboratory of Subsurface Hydrology and Ecological Effects in Arid Region of the Ministry of Education, Chang'an University, No. 126 Yanta Road, Xi'an, 710054, Shaanxi, China
| | - Peiyue Li
- School of Water and Environment, Chang'an University, No. 126 Yanta Road, Xi'an, 710054, Shaanxi, China; Key Laboratory of Subsurface Hydrology and Ecological Effects in Arid Region of the Ministry of Education, Chang'an University, No. 126 Yanta Road, Xi'an, 710054, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Hua Shi
- Oil and Gas Technology Research Institute of Changqing Oilfield Company, PetroChina, Xi'an, 710018, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yuanxiang Xiao
- Oil and Gas Technology Research Institute of Changqing Oilfield Company, PetroChina, Xi'an, 710018, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yanan Guo
- School of Water and Environment, Chang'an University, No. 126 Yanta Road, Xi'an, 710054, Shaanxi, China; Key Laboratory of Subsurface Hydrology and Ecological Effects in Arid Region of the Ministry of Education, Chang'an University, No. 126 Yanta Road, Xi'an, 710054, Shaanxi, China
| | - Hanghang Zhao
- School of Water and Environment, Chang'an University, No. 126 Yanta Road, Xi'an, 710054, Shaanxi, China; Key Laboratory of Subsurface Hydrology and Ecological Effects in Arid Region of the Ministry of Education, Chang'an University, No. 126 Yanta Road, Xi'an, 710054, Shaanxi, China
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12
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Li L, Wu F, Cao Y, Cheng F, Wang D, Li H, Yu Z, You J. Sustainable development index of shale gas exploitation in China, the UK, and the US. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND ECOTECHNOLOGY 2022; 12:100202. [PMID: 36157342 PMCID: PMC9500373 DOI: 10.1016/j.ese.2022.100202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
While shale gas could complement the world's natural gas supply, its environmental tradeoffs and sustainability potential should be cautiously assessed before using it to satisfy future energy needs. Shale gas development in China is still in its infancy but has been progressing by the Central Government at a fast pace nowadays. Advanced experience from North America would greatly benefit sustainable design and decision-making for energy development in China. However, the lack of consistency concerning internal and external parameters among previous investigations does not allow an integrated impact comparison among shale gas-rich countries. Herein, we applied a meta-analysis to harmonize environmental tradeoff data through a comprehensive literature review. Greenhouse gas emission, water consumption, and energy demand were selected as environmental tradeoff indicators during shale gas production. Data harmonization suggested that environmental tradeoffs ranged from 5.6 to 37.4 g CO2-eq, 11.0-119.7 mL water, and 0.027-0.127 MJ energy to produce 1 MJ shale gas worldwide. Furthermore, sustainable development indexes (SDIs) for shale gas exploitation in China were analyzed and compared to the United States and the United Kingdom by considering environment, economy, and social demand through an analytic hierarchy process. The United States and China elicit higher SDIs than the United Kingdom, indicating higher feasibility for shale gas exploitation. Although China has relatively low scores in the environmental aspect, large reservoirs and high future market demand make Chinese shale gas favorable in the social demand aspect. Region-specific SDI characteristics identified among representative countries could improve the sustainability potential of regional development and global energy supply.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 511443, China
| | - Fan Wu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 511443, China
- Institute for Low Carbon and Sustainable Development, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 511443, China
| | - Yuanyu Cao
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 511443, China
| | - Fei Cheng
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 511443, China
| | - Dali Wang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 511443, China
| | - Huizhen Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 511443, China
| | - Zhiqiang Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510640, China
| | - Jing You
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 511443, China
- Institute for Low Carbon and Sustainable Development, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 511443, China
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13
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Soriano MA, Deziel NC, Saiers JE. Regional Scale Assessment of Shallow Groundwater Vulnerability to Contamination from Unconventional Hydrocarbon Extraction. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:12126-12136. [PMID: 35960643 PMCID: PMC9454823 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c00470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Concerns over unconventional oil and gas (UOG) development persist, especially in rural communities that rely on shallow groundwater for drinking and other domestic purposes. Given the continued expansion of the industry, regional (vs local scale) models are needed to characterize groundwater contamination risks faced by the increasing proportion of the population residing in areas that accommodate UOG extraction. In this paper, we evaluate groundwater vulnerability to contamination from surface spills and shallow subsurface leakage of UOG wells within a 104,000 km2 region in the Appalachian Basin, northeastern USA. We test a computationally efficient ensemble approach for simulating groundwater flow and contaminant transport processes to quantify vulnerability with high resolution. We also examine metamodels, or machine learning models trained to emulate physically based models, and investigate their spatial transferability. We identify predictors describing proximity to UOG, hydrology, and topography that are important for metamodels to make accurate vulnerability predictions outside their training regions. Using our approach, we estimate that 21,000-30,000 individuals in our study area are dependent on domestic water wells that are vulnerable to contamination from UOG activities. Our novel modeling framework could be used to guide groundwater monitoring, provide information for public health studies, and assess environmental justice issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario A. Soriano
- School
of the Environment, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
| | - Nicole C. Deziel
- School
of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06510, United States
| | - James E. Saiers
- School
of the Environment, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
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14
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Clark CJ, Johnson NP, Soriano M, Warren JL, Sorrentino KM, Kadan-Lottick NS, Saiers JE, Ma X, Deziel NC. Unconventional Oil and Gas Development Exposure and Risk of Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: A Case-Control Study in Pennsylvania, 2009-2017. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2022; 130:87001. [PMID: 35975995 PMCID: PMC9383266 DOI: 10.1289/ehp11092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Unconventional oil and gas development (UOGD) releases chemicals that have been linked to cancer and childhood leukemia. Studies of UOGD exposure and childhood leukemia are extremely limited. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to evaluate potential associations between residential proximity to UOGD and risk of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), the most common form of childhood leukemia, in a large regional sample using UOGD-specific metrics, including a novel metric to represent the water pathway. METHODS We conducted a registry-based case-control study of 405 children ages 2-7 y diagnosed with ALL in Pennsylvania between 2009-2017, and 2,080 controls matched on birth year. We used logistic regression to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association between residential proximity to UOGD (including a new water pathway-specific proximity metric) and ALL in two exposure windows: a primary window (3 months preconception to 1 y prior to diagnosis/reference date) and a perinatal window (preconception to birth). RESULTS Children with at least one UOG well within 2 km of their birth residence during the primary window had 1.98 times the odds of developing ALL in comparison with those with no UOG wells [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.06, 3.69]. Children with at least one vs. no UOG wells within 2 km during the perinatal window had 2.80 times the odds of developing ALL (95% CI: 1.11, 7.05). These relationships were slightly attenuated after adjusting for maternal race and socio-economic status [odds ratio (OR) = 1.74 (95% CI: 0.93, 3.27) and OR = 2.35 (95% CI: 0.93, 5.95)], respectively). The ORs produced by models using the water pathway-specific metric were similar in magnitude to the aggregate metric. DISCUSSION Our study including a novel UOGD metric found UOGD to be a risk factor for childhood ALL. This work adds to mounting evidence of UOGD's impacts on children's health, providing additional support for limiting UOGD near residences. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP11092.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassandra J. Clark
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Nicholaus P. Johnson
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Center for Perinatal, Pediatric and Environmental Epidemiology, Yale University Schools of Public Health and Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Mario Soriano
- Yale School of the Environment, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Joshua L. Warren
- Department of Biostatistics, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Keli M. Sorrentino
- Center for Perinatal, Pediatric and Environmental Epidemiology, Yale University Schools of Public Health and Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Nina S. Kadan-Lottick
- Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - James E. Saiers
- Yale School of the Environment, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Xiaomei Ma
- Department of Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Nicole C. Deziel
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Center for Perinatal, Pediatric and Environmental Epidemiology, Yale University Schools of Public Health and Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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15
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Shaheen SW, Wen T, Herman A, Brantley SL. Geochemical Evidence of Potential Groundwater Contamination with Human Health Risks Where Hydraulic Fracturing Overlaps with Extensive Legacy Hydrocarbon Extraction. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:10010-10019. [PMID: 35767873 PMCID: PMC9302435 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c00001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Unconventional oil and gas development (UOGD) sometimes impacts water resources, including incidents of methane (CH4) migration from compromised wells and spills that degrade water with salts, organics, and metals. We hypothesized that contamination may be more common where UOGD overlaps with legacy coal, oil, and gas extraction. We tested this hypothesis on ∼7000 groundwater analyses from the largest U.S. shale gas play (Marcellus), using data mining techniques to explore UOGD contamination frequency. Corroborating the hypothesis, we discovered small, statistically significant regional correlations between groundwater chloride concentrations ([Cl]) and UOGD proximity and density where legacy extraction was extremely dense (southwestern Pennsylvania (SWPA)) but no such correlations where it was minimal (northeastern Pennsylvania). On the other hand, legacy extraction of shallow gas in SWPA may have lessened today's gas leakage, as no regional correlation was detected for [CH4] in SWPA. We identify hotspots where [Cl] and [CH4] increase by 3.6 and 3.0 mg/L, respectively, per UOG well drilled in SWPA. If the [Cl] correlations document contamination via brines leaked from wellbores, impoundments, or spills, we calculate that thallium concentrations could exceed EPA limits in the most densely developed hotspots, thus posing a potential human health risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel W. Shaheen
- Department
of Geosciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
| | - Tao Wen
- Department
of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Syracuse
University, Syracuse, New York 13244, United States
| | - Alison Herman
- Earth
and Environmental Systems Institute, Pennsylvania
State University, University
Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
| | - Susan L. Brantley
- Department
of Geosciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
- Earth
and Environmental Systems Institute, Pennsylvania
State University, University
Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
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16
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Dennis L, Richardson SJ, Miles N, Woda J, Brantley SL, Davis KJ. Measurements of Atmospheric Methane Emissions from Stray Gas Migration: A Case Study from the Marcellus Shale. ACS EARTH & SPACE CHEMISTRY 2022; 6:909-919. [PMID: 35495365 PMCID: PMC9037607 DOI: 10.1021/acsearthspacechem.1c00312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Understanding emissions of methane from legacy and ongoing shale gas development requires both regional studies that assess the frequency of emissions and case studies that assess causation. We present the first direct measurements of emissions in a case study of a putatively leaking gas well in the largest shale gas play in the United States. We quantify atmospheric methane emissions in farmland >2 km from the nearest shale gas well cited for casing and cementing issues. We find that emissions are highly heterogeneous as they travel long distances in the subsurface. Emissions were measured near observed patches of dead vegetation and methane bubbling from a stream. An eddy covariance flux tower, chamber flux measurements, and a survey of enhancements of the near-surface methane mole fraction were used to quantify emissions and evaluate the spatial and temporal variability. We combined eddy covariance measurements with the survey of the methane mole fraction to estimate total emissions over the study area (2,800 m2). Estimated at ∼6 kg CH4 day-1, emissions were spatially heterogeneous but showed no temporal trends over 6 months. The isotopic signature of the atmospheric CH4 source (δ13CH4) was equal to -29‰, consistent with methane of thermogenic origin and similar to the isotopic signature of the gas reported from the nearest shale gas well. While the magnitude of emissions from the potential leak is modest compared to large emitters identified among shale gas production sites, it is large compared to estimates of emissions from single abandoned wells. Since other areas of emissions have been identified close to this putatively leaking well, our estimate of emissions likely represents only a portion of total emissions from this event. More comprehensive quantification will require more extensive spatial and temporal sampling of the locations of gas migration to the surface as well as an investigation into the mechanisms of subsurface gas migration. This work highlights an example of atmospheric methane emissions from potential stray gas migration at a location far from a well pad, and further research should explore the frequency and mechanisms behind these types of events to inform careful and strategic natural gas development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren
E. Dennis
- Department
of Meteorology and Atmospheric Science, The Pennsylvania State University, 503 Walker Building, University
Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
| | - Scott J. Richardson
- Department
of Meteorology and Atmospheric Science, The Pennsylvania State University, 503 Walker Building, University
Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
| | - Natasha Miles
- Department
of Meteorology and Atmospheric Science, The Pennsylvania State University, 503 Walker Building, University
Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
| | - Josh Woda
- Department
of Geosciences, The Pennsylvania State University, 503 Deike Building, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
| | - Susan L. Brantley
- Department
of Geosciences, The Pennsylvania State University, 503 Deike Building, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
- Earth
and Environmental Systems Institute, The
Pennsylvania State University, 2217 Earth-Engineering Sciences Building, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
| | - Kenneth J. Davis
- Department
of Meteorology and Atmospheric Science, The Pennsylvania State University, 503 Walker Building, University
Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
- Earth
and Environmental Systems Institute, The
Pennsylvania State University, 2217 Earth-Engineering Sciences Building, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
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17
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Xiong B, Soriano MA, Gutchess KM, Hoffman N, Clark CJ, Siegel HG, De Vera GAD, Li Y, Brenneis RJ, Cox AJ, Ryan EC, Sumner AJ, Deziel NC, Saiers JE, Plata DL. Groundwaters in Northeastern Pennsylvania near intense hydraulic fracturing activities exhibit few organic chemical impacts. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2022; 24:252-264. [PMID: 35018906 PMCID: PMC11094648 DOI: 10.1039/d1em00124h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Horizontal drilling with hydraulic fracturing (HDHF) relies on the use of anthropogenic organic chemicals in proximity to residential areas, raising concern for groundwater contamination. Here, we extensively characterized organic contaminants in 94 domestic groundwater sites in Northeastern Pennsylvania after ten years of activity in the region. All analyzed volatile and semi-volatile compounds were below recommended United States Environmental Protection Agency maximum contaminant levels, and integrated concentrations across two volatility ranges, gasoline range organic compounds (GRO) and diesel range organic compounds (DRO), were low (0.13 ± 0.06 to 2.2 ± 0.7 ppb and 5.2-101.6 ppb, respectively). Following dozens of correlation analyses with distance-to-well metrics and inter-chemical indicator correlations, no statistically significant correlations were found except: (1) GRO levels were higher within 2 km of violations and (2) correlation between DRO and a few inorganic species (e.g., Ba and Sr) and methane. The correlation of DRO with inorganic species suggests a potential high salinity source, whereas elevated GRO may result from nearby safety violations. Highest-concentration DRO samples contained bis-2-ethylhexyl phthalate and N,N-dimethyltetradecylamine. Nevertheless, the overall low rate of contamination for the analytes could be explained by a spatially-resolved hydrogeologic model, where estimated transport distances from gas wells over the relevant timeframes were short relative to the distance to the nearest groundwater wells. Together, the observations and modeled results suggest a low probability of systematic groundwater organic contamination in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boya Xiong
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.
| | - Mario A Soriano
- School of the Environment, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | | | - Nicholas Hoffman
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.
| | - Cassandra J Clark
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Helen G Siegel
- School of the Environment, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Glen Andrew D De Vera
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.
| | - Yunpo Li
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.
| | - Rebecca J Brenneis
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.
| | - Austin J Cox
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.
| | - Emma C Ryan
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Tufts University, Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, 136 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA 02111, USA
| | - Andrew J Sumner
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.
| | - Nicole C Deziel
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - James E Saiers
- School of the Environment, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Desiree L Plata
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.
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18
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Emmons RV, Shyam Sunder GS, Liden T, Schug KA, Asfaha TY, Lawrence JG, Kirchhoff JR, Gionfriddo E. Unraveling the Complex Composition of Produced Water by Specialized Extraction Methodologies. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:2334-2344. [PMID: 35080868 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c05826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Produced water (PW), a waste byproduct of oil and gas extraction, is a complex mixture containing numerous organic solubles and elemental species; these constituents range from polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons to naturally occurring radioactive materials. Identification of these compounds is critical in developing reuse and disposal protocols to minimize environmental contamination and health risks. In this study, versatile extraction methodologies were investigated for the untargeted analysis of PW. Thin-film solid-phase microextraction with hydrophilic-lipophilic balance particles was utilized for the extraction of organic solubles from eight PW samples from the Permian Basin and Eagle Ford formation in Texas. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis found a total of 266 different organic constituents including 1,4-dioxane, atrazine, pyridine, and PAHs. The elemental composition of PW was evaluated using dispersive solid-phase extraction followed by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry, utilizing a new coordinating sorbent, poly(pyrrole-1-carboxylic acid). This confirmed the presence of 29 elements including rare earth elements, as well as hazardous metals such as Cr, Cd, Pb, and U. Utilizing chemometric analysis, both approaches facilitated the discrimination of each PW sample based on their geochemical origin with a prediction accuracy above 90% using partial least-squares-discriminant analysis, paving the way for PW origin tracing in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronald V Emmons
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio 43606, United States
- Dr. Nina McClelland Laboratory for Water Chemistry and Environmental Analysis, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio 43606, United States
| | - Govind Sharma Shyam Sunder
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio 43606, United States
- Dr. Nina McClelland Laboratory for Water Chemistry and Environmental Analysis, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio 43606, United States
- School of Green Chemistry and Engineering, The University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio 43606, United States
| | - Tiffany Liden
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, Texas 76019, United States
| | - Kevin A Schug
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, Texas 76019, United States
- Collaborative Laboratories for Environmental Analysis and Remediation, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, Texas 76019, United States
| | - Timnit Yosef Asfaha
- Center for Materials and Sensor Characterization, College of Engineering, The University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio 43606, United States
| | - Joseph G Lawrence
- Center for Materials and Sensor Characterization, College of Engineering, The University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio 43606, United States
| | - Jon R Kirchhoff
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio 43606, United States
- Dr. Nina McClelland Laboratory for Water Chemistry and Environmental Analysis, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio 43606, United States
- School of Green Chemistry and Engineering, The University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio 43606, United States
| | - Emanuela Gionfriddo
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio 43606, United States
- Dr. Nina McClelland Laboratory for Water Chemistry and Environmental Analysis, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio 43606, United States
- School of Green Chemistry and Engineering, The University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio 43606, United States
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19
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Clark CJ, Xiong B, Soriano MA, Gutchess K, Siegel HG, Ryan EC, Johnson NP, Cassell K, Elliott EG, Li Y, Cox AJ, Bugher N, Glist L, Brenneis RJ, Sorrentino KM, Plano J, Ma X, Warren JL, Plata DL, Saiers JE, Deziel NC. Assessing Unconventional Oil and Gas Exposure in the Appalachian Basin: Comparison of Exposure Surrogates and Residential Drinking Water Measurements. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:1091-1103. [PMID: 34982938 PMCID: PMC10259677 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c05081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Health studies report associations between metrics of residential proximity to unconventional oil and gas (UOG) development and adverse health endpoints. We investigated whether exposure through household groundwater is captured by existing metrics and a newly developed metric incorporating groundwater flow paths. We compared metrics with detection frequencies/concentrations of 64 organic and inorganic UOG-related chemicals/groups in residential groundwater from 255 homes (Pennsylvania n = 94 and Ohio n = 161). Twenty-seven chemicals were detected in ≥20% of water samples at concentrations generally below U.S. Environmental Protection Agency standards. In Pennsylvania, two organic chemicals/groups had reduced odds of detection with increasing distance to the nearest well: 1,2-dichloroethene and benzene (Odds Ratio [OR]: 0.46, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.23-0.93) and m- and p-xylene (OR: 0.28, 95% CI: 0.10-0.80); results were consistent across metrics. In Ohio, the odds of detecting toluene increased with increasing distance to the nearest well (OR: 1.48, 95% CI: 1.12-1.95), also consistent across metrics. Correlations between inorganic chemicals and metrics were limited (all |ρ| ≤ 0.28). Limited associations between metrics and chemicals may indicate that UOG-related water contamination occurs rarely/episodically, more complex metrics may be needed to capture drinking water exposure, and/or spatial metrics in health studies may better reflect exposure to other stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassandra J Clark
- Yale School of Public Health, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, 60 College Street, New Haven, Connecticut 06510, United States
| | - Boya Xiong
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Parsons Laboratory, 15 Vassar Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- University of Minnesota, Department of Civil, Environmental and Geo-Engineering, 500 Pillsbury Dr. SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Mario A Soriano
- Yale School of the Environment, 195 Prospect Street, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
| | - Kristina Gutchess
- Yale School of the Environment, 195 Prospect Street, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
| | - Helen G Siegel
- Yale School of the Environment, 195 Prospect Street, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
| | - Emma C Ryan
- Tufts University, Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, 136 Harrison Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02111, United States
| | - Nicholaus P Johnson
- Yale School of Public Health, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, 60 College Street, New Haven, Connecticut 06510, United States
| | - Kelsie Cassell
- Yale School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, 60 College Street, New Haven, Connecticut 06510, United States
| | - Elise G Elliott
- Yale School of Public Health, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, 60 College Street, New Haven, Connecticut 06510, United States
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Department of Environmental Health, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Yunpo Li
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Parsons Laboratory, 15 Vassar Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Austin J Cox
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Parsons Laboratory, 15 Vassar Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Nicolette Bugher
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Parsons Laboratory, 15 Vassar Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Lukas Glist
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Parsons Laboratory, 15 Vassar Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Rebecca J Brenneis
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Parsons Laboratory, 15 Vassar Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Keli M Sorrentino
- Center for Perinatal, Pediatric and Environmental Epidemiology, Yale University Schools of Public Health and Medicine, 1 Church Street, New Haven, Connecticut 06510, United States
| | - Julie Plano
- Center for Perinatal, Pediatric and Environmental Epidemiology, Yale University Schools of Public Health and Medicine, 1 Church Street, New Haven, Connecticut 06510, United States
| | - Xiaomei Ma
- Yale School of Public Health, Department of Chronic Disease Epidemiology, 60 College Street, New Haven, Connecticut 06510, United States
| | - Joshua L Warren
- Yale School of Public Health, Department of Biostatistics, 60 College Street, New Haven, Connecticut 06510, United States
| | - Desiree L Plata
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Parsons Laboratory, 15 Vassar Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - James E Saiers
- Yale School of the Environment, 195 Prospect Street, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
| | - Nicole C Deziel
- Yale School of Public Health, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, 60 College Street, New Haven, Connecticut 06510, United States
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20
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Li Y, Thelemaque NA, Siegel HG, Clark CJ, Ryan EC, Brenneis RJ, Gutchess KM, Soriano MA, Xiong B, Deziel NC, Saiers JE, Plata DL. Groundwater Methane in Northeastern Pennsylvania Attributable to Thermogenic Sources and Hydrogeomorphologic Migration Pathways. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:16413-16422. [PMID: 34874708 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c05272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Conflicting evidence exists as to whether or not unconventional oil and gas (UOG) development has enhanced methane transport into groundwater aquifers over the past 15 years. In this study, recent groundwater samples were collected from 90 domestic wells and 4 springs in Northeastern Pennsylvania located above the Marcellus Shale after more than a decade of UOG development. No statistically significant correlations were observed between the groundwater methane level and various UOG geospatial metrics, including proximity to UOG wells and well violations, as well as the number of UOG wells and violations within particular radii. The δ13C and methane-to-higher chain hydrocarbon signatures suggested that the elevated methane levels were not attributable to UOG development nor could they be explained by using simple biogenic-thermogenic end-member mixing models. Instead, groundwater methane levels were significantly correlated with geochemical water type and topographical location. Comparing a subset of contemporary methane measurements to their co-located pre-drilling records (n = 64 at 49 distinct locations) did not indicate systematic increases in methane concentration but did reveal several cases of elevated concentration (n = 12) across a spectrum of topographies. Multiple lines of evidence suggested that the high-concentration groundwater methane could have originated from shallow thermogenic methane that migrated upward into groundwater aquifers with Appalachian Basin brine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunpo Li
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Parsons Laboratory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 15 Vassar Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Nathalie A Thelemaque
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Parsons Laboratory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 15 Vassar Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, The University of Washington, 3760 East Stevens Way Northeast, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Helen G Siegel
- The School of the Environment, Yale University, 195 Prospect Street, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
| | - Cassandra J Clark
- Yale School of Public Health, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale University, 60 College Street, New Haven, Connecticut 06512, United States
| | - Emma C Ryan
- Yale School of Public Health, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale University, 60 College Street, New Haven, Connecticut 06512, United States
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Tufts University, 136 Harrison Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02111, United States
| | - Rebecca J Brenneis
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Parsons Laboratory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 15 Vassar Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Kristina M Gutchess
- The School of the Environment, Yale University, 195 Prospect Street, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
| | - Mario A Soriano
- The School of the Environment, Yale University, 195 Prospect Street, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
| | - Boya Xiong
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Parsons Laboratory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 15 Vassar Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Geo-Engineering, University of Minnesota, 500 Pillsbury Dr. SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Nicole C Deziel
- Yale School of Public Health, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale University, 60 College Street, New Haven, Connecticut 06512, United States
| | - James E Saiers
- The School of the Environment, Yale University, 195 Prospect Street, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
| | - Desiree L Plata
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Parsons Laboratory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 15 Vassar Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
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21
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Lu Y, Zhang Y, Zhong C, Martin JW, Alessi DS, Goss GG, Ren Y, He Y. Suspended solids-associated toxicity of hydraulic fracturing flowback and produced water on early life stages of zebrafish (Danio rerio). ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 287:117614. [PMID: 34171731 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.117614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2021] [Revised: 06/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Hydraulic fracturing flowback and produced water (HF-FPW), which contains polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and numerous other potential contaminants, is a complex wastewater produced during the recovery of tight hydrocarbon resources. Previous studies on HF-FPW have demonstrated various toxicological responses of aquatic organisms as consequences of combined exposure to high salinity, dissolved organic compounds and particle/suspended solids-bound pollutants. Noteworthy is the lack of studies illustrating the potentially toxic effects of the FPW suspended solids (FPW-SS). In this study, we investigated the acute and sublethal toxicity of suspended solids filtered from six authentic FPW sample collected from two fracturing wells, using a sediment contact assay based on early-life stages of zebrafish (Danio rerio). PAHs profiles and acute toxicity tests provided initial information on the toxic potency of the six samples. Upon exposure to sediment mixture at two selected doses (1.6 and 3.1 mg/mL), results showed adverse effects in larval zebrafish, as revealed by increased Ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) activity. Transcriptional alterations were also observed in xenobiotic biotransformation (ahr, pxr, cyp1a, cyp1b1, cyp1c1, cyp1c2, cyp3a65, udpgt1a1, udpgt5g1), antioxidant response (sod1, sod2, gpx1a, gpx1b) and hormone receptor signaling (esr1, esr2a, cyp19a1a, vtg1) genes. The results demonstrated that even separated from the complex aqueous FPW mixture, FPW-SS can induce toxicological responses in aquatic organisms' early life stages. Since FPW-SS could sediment to the bottom of natural wetland acting as a continuous source of contaminants, the current findings imply the likelihood of long-term environmental risks of polluted sediments on aquatic ecosystems due to FPW spills.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yichun Lu
- School of Energy and Environment and State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yifeng Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2G3, Canada
| | - Cheng Zhong
- Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2E3, Canada
| | - Jonathan W Martin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2G3, Canada; Department of Environmental Science and Analytical Chemistry, Stockholm University, Stockholm, 10691, Sweden
| | - Daniel S Alessi
- Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2E3, Canada
| | - Greg G Goss
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2E9, Canada
| | - Yuan Ren
- School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Yuhe He
- School of Energy and Environment and State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2E9, Canada; Hong Kong Branch of Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Hong Kong, China.
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22
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Bonetti P, Leuz C, Michelon G. Large-sample evidence on the impact of unconventional oil and gas development on surface waters. Science 2021; 373:896-902. [PMID: 34413233 DOI: 10.1126/science.aaz2185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2019] [Revised: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
The impact of unconventional oil and gas development on water quality is a major environmental concern. We built a large geocoded database that combines surface water measurements with horizontally drilled wells stimulated by hydraulic fracturing (HF) for several shales to examine whether temporal and spatial well variation is associated with anomalous salt concentrations in United States watersheds. We analyzed four ions that could indicate water impact from unconventional development. We found very small concentration increases associated with new HF wells for barium, chloride, and strontium but not bromide. All ions showed larger, but still small-in-magnitude, increases 91 to 180 days after well spudding. Our estimates were most pronounced for wells with larger amounts of produced water, wells located over high-salinity formations, and wells closer and likely upstream from water monitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pietro Bonetti
- IESE Business School, University of Navarra, 21 Avenida Pearson, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Christian Leuz
- Booth School of Business, University of Chicago, and the National Bureau of Economic Research, 5807 South Woodlawn Avenue, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
| | - Giovanna Michelon
- School of Accounting and Finance, University of Bristol, 15-19 Tyndall's Park Road, Bristol BS8 1PQ, UK
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23
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Wang Q, Yang X. Evaluating the potential for sustainable development of China's shale gas industry by combining multi-level DPSIR framework, PPFCI technique and RAGA algorithm. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 780:146525. [PMID: 34030295 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.146525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Revised: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
This work was aimed to comprehensively evaluate the potential for sustainable development of China's shale gas industry. It will contribute to the sustainable development of China's energy and economic. Factors of resource, technology, economy and environment were selected to develop the DPSIR framework evaluation indicators in system for shale gas based on the previous research. Next, The PPFCI (projection pursuit fuzzy clustering model) technique was developed by combining the projection pursuit model with a fuzzy clustering iterative model. So that it can deal with the multi-source, high-dimensional, fuzzy data of the proposed evaluation indicators. And then, the RAGA (accelerated genetic algorithm based on real coding) algorithm was developed to run the PPFCI technique. The results show that core technical capability, investment in projects of prevention of geological disasters, and ecological environment damage indicators were the key factors affecting the sustainability of China's shale gas industry. The potential for sustainable development of China's shale gas industry was relatively low. And it was unbalanced in different provinces. The potential for sustainable development of the southwest region was better than the northwest region. Among them, the development of Sichuan was more stable than Chongqing, with a 99% probability of maintaining a stable and sustainable development state, while Chongqing province has a 15%-20% probability to fluctuate towards the poles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Wang
- School of Economics and Management, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao, Shandong 266580, People's Republic of China; Institute for Energy Economics and Policy, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao, Shandong 266580, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xuan Yang
- School of Economics and Management, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao, Shandong 266580, People's Republic of China; Institute for Energy Economics and Policy, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao, Shandong 266580, People's Republic of China
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24
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Wen T, Liu M, Woda J, Zheng G, Brantley SL. Detecting anomalous methane in groundwater within hydrocarbon production areas across the United States. WATER RESEARCH 2021; 200:117236. [PMID: 34062403 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2021.117236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Numerous geochemical approaches have been proposed to ascertain if methane concentrations in groundwater, [CH4], are anomalous, i.e., migrated from hydrocarbon production wells, rather than derived from natural sources. We propose a machine-learning model to consider alkalinity, Ca, Mg, Na, Ba, Fe, Mn, Cl, sulfate, TDS, specific conductance, pH, temperature, and turbidity holistically together. The model, an ensemble of sub-models targeting one parameter pair per sub-model, was trained with groundwater chemistry from Pennsylvania (n=19,086) and a set of 16 analyses from putatively contaminated groundwater. For cases where [CH4] ≥ 10 mg/L, salinity- and redox-related parameters sometimes show that CH4 may have moved into the aquifer recently and separately from natural brine migration, i.e., anomalous CH4. We applied the model to validation and hold-out data for Pennsylvania (n=4,786) and groundwater data from three other gas-producing states: New York (n=203), Texas (n=688), and Colorado (n=10,258). The applications show that 1.4%, 1.3%, 0%, and 0.9% of tested samples in these four states, respectively, have high [CH4] and are ≥50% likely to have been impacted by gas migrated from exploited reservoirs. If our approach is indeed successful in flagging anomalous CH4, we conclude that: i) the frequency of anomalous CH4 (# flagged water samples / total samples tested) in the Appalachian Basin is similar in areas where gas wells target unconventional as compared to conventional reservoirs, and ii) the frequency of anomalous CH4 in Pennsylvania is higher than in Texas + Colorado. We cannot, however, exclude the possibility that differences among regions might be affected by differences in data volumes. Machine learning models will become increasingly useful in informing decision-making for shale gas development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Wen
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York 13244, United States.
| | - Mengqi Liu
- College of Information Sciences and Technology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
| | - Josh Woda
- Department of Geosciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
| | - Guanjie Zheng
- College of Information Sciences and Technology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
| | - Susan L Brantley
- Department of Geosciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States; Earth and Environmental Systems Institute, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
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25
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Zhong C, Zolfaghari A, Hou D, Goss GG, Lanoil BD, Gehman J, Tsang DCW, He Y, Alessi DS. Comparison of the Hydraulic Fracturing Water Cycle in China and North America: A Critical Review. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:7167-7185. [PMID: 33970611 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c06119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
There is considerable debate about the sustainability of the hydraulic fracturing (HF) water cycle in North America. Recently, this debate has expanded to China, where HF activities continue to grow. Here, we provide a critical review of the HF water cycle in China, including water withdrawal practices and flowback and produced water (FPW) management and their environmental impacts, with a comprehensive comparison to the U.S. and Canada (North America). Water stress in arid regions, as well as water management challenges, FPW contamination of aquatic and soil systems, and induced seismicity are all impacts of the HF water cycle in China, the U.S., and Canada. In light of experience gained in North America, standardized practices for analyzing and reporting FPW chemistry and microbiology in China are needed to inform its efficient and safe treatment, discharge and reuse, and identification of potential contaminants. Additionally, conducting ecotoxicological studies is an essential next step to fully reveal the impacts of accidental FPW releases into aquatic and soil ecosystems in China. From a policy perspective, the development of China's unconventional resources lags behind North America's in terms of overall regulation, especially with regard to water withdrawal, FPW management, and routine monitoring. Our study suggests that common environmental risks exist within the world's two largest HF regions, and practices used in North America may help prevent or mitigate adverse effects in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Zhong
- Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Ashkan Zolfaghari
- Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Deyi Hou
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Greg G Goss
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Brian D Lanoil
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Joel Gehman
- Department of Strategy, Entrepreneurship and Management, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Daniel C W Tsang
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yuhe He
- School of Energy and Environment and State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Daniel S Alessi
- Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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26
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Adutwum LA, Kwao JK, Harynuk JJ. Unique ion filter-A data reduction tool for chemometric analysis of raw comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography-mass spectrometry data. J Sep Sci 2021; 44:2773-2784. [PMID: 33932270 DOI: 10.1002/jssc.202001127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Revised: 04/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Comprehensive gas chromatography with time of flight mass spectrometry is a powerful tool in the analysis of complex samples. Chemometric analysis of raw chromatographic data is more useful in one- and two-dimensional separations relative to peak tables. The data volume from such experiments generally necessitates the use of data reduction tools. Such tools often sacrifice some of the multivariate information in the mass to charge ratio dimension. The unique ion filter reduces the over-redundancy in two-dimensional gas chromatography-mass spectrometry data by limiting the data to a few unique/pseudo-unique ions, sub-peaks/slices in the first dimension, and spectra in the second dimension. We explore the performance of this algorithm through careful inspection of two-dimensional gas chromatography-mass spectrometry data before and after application of the filter. A reduction (99%) in the number of variables in a two-dimensional gas chromatography-mass spectrometry chromatogram passed on to subsequent analysis was observed. Feature selection times for model optimization reduced from 229 (±13) to 6.8 (±0.5) min when the filter was applied. An estimate of two unique/pseudo-unique ions, one sub-peak in the first dimension and five spectra in the second dimension were considered to provide a true representation of each chromatogram and provided enough information to achieve 100% model prediction accuracy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lawrence A Adutwum
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana.,Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Joanna Koryo Kwao
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - James J Harynuk
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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27
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Sandl E, Cahill AG, Welch L, Beckie R. Characterizing oil and gas wells with fugitive gas migration through Bayesian multilevel logistic regression. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 769:144678. [PMID: 33736248 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.144678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Revised: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Oil and gas wells are engineered with barriers to prevent fluid movement along the wellbore. If the integrity of one or more of these barriers fails, it may result in subsurface leakage of natural gas outside the well casing, a process termed fugitive gas migration (GM). Knowledge of the occurrence and causes of GM is essential for effective management of associated potential risks. In the province of British Columbia, Canada (BC), oil and gas producers are required to report well drilling, completion, production, and abandonment records for all oil and gas wells to the provincial regulator. This well data provides a unique opportunity to identify well characteristics with higher likelihoods for GM to develop. Here we employ Bayesian multilevel logistic regression to understand the associations between various well attributes and reported occurrences of GM in 0.6% of the 25,000 oil and gas wells in BC. Our results indicate that there is no association between the occurrence of GM and hydraulic fracturing. Overall, there appears to be no well construction or operation attribute in the study database that is conclusively associated with GM. Wells with GM more frequently exhibit indicators of well integrity loss (i.e., surface casing vent flow, remedial treatments, and blowouts) and geographic location appears to be important. We ascribe the spatial clustering of GM cases to the local geologic environment, and we speculate that there are links between particular intermediate gas-bearing formations and GM occurrence in the Fort Nelson Plains Area. The results of this study suggest that oil and gas wells in high GM occurrence areas and those showing any attribute associated with integrity failure (e.g., surface casing vent flow) should be prioritized for monitoring to improve the detection of GM.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Sandl
- Earth Ocean and Atmospheric Science, University of British Columbia, 2020-2007 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada.
| | - A G Cahill
- The Lyell Centre, Heriot-Watt University, Research Avenue South, Edinburgh EH14 4AP, United Kingdom
| | - L Welch
- British Columbia Oil and Gas Commission, 1500 Hardy St #203, Kelowna, BC V1Y 8H2, Canada
| | - R Beckie
- Earth Ocean and Atmospheric Science, University of British Columbia, 2020-2007 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
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28
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Sharma S, Agrawal V, Akondi RN, Wang Y, Hakala A. Understanding controls on the geochemistry of hydrocarbon produced waters from different basins across the US. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2021; 23:28-47. [PMID: 33404564 DOI: 10.1039/d0em00388c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The most massive waste stream generated by conventional and unconventional hydrocarbon exploration is the produced water (PW). The costs and environmental issues associated with the management and disposal of PW, which contains high concentrations of inorganic and organic pollutants, is one of the most challenging problems faced by the oil and gas industry. Many of the current strategies for the reuse and recycling of PW are inefficient because of varying water demand and the spatial and temporal variations in the chemical composition of PW. The chemical composition of PW is controlled by a multitude of factors and can vary significantly over time. This study aims to understand different parameters and processes that control the quality of PW generated from hydrocarbon-bearing formations by analyzing relationships between their major ion concentrations, O, H, and Sr isotopic composition. We selected PW data sets from three conventional (Trenton, Edwards, and Wilcox Formations) and four unconventional (Lance, Marcellus, Bakken, and Mesaverde Formations) oil and gas formations with varying lithology and depositional environment. Using comparative geochemical data analysis, we determined that the geochemical signature of PW is controlled by a complex interplay of several factors, including the original source of water (connate marine vs. non-marine), migration of the basinal fluids, the nature and degree of water-mineral-hydrocarbon interactions, water recharge, processes such as evaporation and ultrafiltration, and production techniques (conventional vs. unconventional). The development of efficient PW recycle and reuse strategies requires a holistic understanding of the geological and hydrological history of each formation to account for the temporal and spatial heterogeneities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shikha Sharma
- West Virginia University, Department of Geology & Geography, 330 Brooks Hall, 98 Beechurst Ave., Morgantown, WV 26506, USA.
| | - Vikas Agrawal
- West Virginia University, Department of Geology & Geography, 330 Brooks Hall, 98 Beechurst Ave., Morgantown, WV 26506, USA.
| | - Rawlings N Akondi
- West Virginia University, Department of Geology & Geography, 330 Brooks Hall, 98 Beechurst Ave., Morgantown, WV 26506, USA.
| | - Yifeng Wang
- Sandia National Laboratories, 4100 National Parks Highway, Carlsbad, New Mexico 88220, USA
| | - Alexandra Hakala
- National Energy Technology Laboratory, US Department of Energy, Pittsburgh, PA 15236, USA
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Chao JTH, Cahill AG, Lauer RM, Van De Ven CJC, Beckie RD. Propensity for fugitive gas migration in glaciofluvial deposits: An assessment of near-surface hydrofacies in the Peace Region, Northeastern British Columbia. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 749:141459. [PMID: 33370906 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.141459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Revised: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 08/01/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Petroleum resource development has generated a global legacy of millions of active and decommissioned energy wells. Associated with this legacy are concerns about wellbore integrity failure and leakage of fugitive gas into groundwater and atmosphere. The fate of fugitive gas in the shallow subsurface is controlled by sediment heterogeneity, hydrostratigraphy and hydraulic connectivity. We characterized the shallow subsurface at a site in northeastern British Columbia, Canada; a region of extensive petroleum resource development. We collected 13 core profiles, 9 cone-penetrometer profiles, 58 sediment samples and 4 electrical resistivity profiles. At the site, a ~ 12 m thick layer of low-permeability diamict (10-8 m/s) overlays a more permeable (10-6 - 10-4 m/s) but highly heterogeneous sequence of glacigenic sand, clay and silt. We develop a conceptual hydrostratigraphic model for fluid flow in this system in the context of fugitive-gas migration. Driven by buoyancy forces, free-phase gas will move upward through discontinuous permeable zones within the Quaternary sediments, until it encounters lower permeability interbeds where it will pool, flow laterally or become trapped and dissolve into flowing groundwater. The vertical extent of gas migration will be significantly limited by the relatively continuous overlying diamict, a feature common across the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin. However, intra-till lenses observed embedded within the diamict may provide pathways for gas to move vertically towards ground surface and into the atmosphere. This study provides one of the few investigations examining geological and hydrogeological heterogeneity in the shallow subsurface at scales relevant to gas migration. For glaciated regions with similar surficial geology, such as Western Canada Sedimentary Basin, gas that is released into the subsurface from an energy wellbore, below a surface diamict, will likely migrate laterally away from the wellbore, and be inhibited from reaching ground surface and emitting to atmosphere.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessie Tse-Hua Chao
- Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada.
| | - Aaron G Cahill
- Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada; The Lyell Centre, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, Scotland EH14 4AS, UK
| | - Rachel M Lauer
- Department of Geoscience, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Cole J C Van De Ven
- Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Roger D Beckie
- Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
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30
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Ye Z, Prigiobbe V. Transport of produced water through reactive porous media. WATER RESEARCH 2020; 185:116258. [PMID: 32771563 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2020.116258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
During hydraulic fracturing (or fracking) large volumes of wastewater (flow-back and produced water) are generated, which are naturally rich in heavy metals and radionuclides, such as radium. Spills may occur during operations and contaminate the groundwater. Therefore, there is an urgent need to identify a practice that can mitigate the negative impact of accidental leaks on water resources. Here, we present an experimental and modeling work on the transport of alkaline earth elements in produced water, which are congeners of radium, namely, barium (Ba2+), strontium (Sr2+), calcium (Ca2+), and magnesium (Mg2+) in addition to sodium (Na+). Column-flood tests were conducted using produced water from a shale-gas site and reactive porous media made of ubiquitous minerals such as sand, hydrous ferric oxide, activated alumina, and manganese oxide. In all cases, no retardation of the ions was observed at the salinity conditions of the produced water, but strong retardation in the pH front was measured, indicating that adsorption indeed occurred. When using manganese oxide and upon dilution of produced water, the concentration fronts of all major divalent cations were retarded. However, a fast wave of solute, traveling at the average flow velocity, emerged. This phenomenon confirmed that significant adsorption occurred under those conditions. But, pH-dependent adsorption and hydrodynamic dispersion favored fast solute transport. Overall, these results suggest that manganese oxide could be used as a reactive material in the lining of temporary storage tanks and in the well cases in order to retard the migration of the major toxic elements in produced water. However, mixing must be controlled to avoid the emergence of an instability at the concentration fronts favoring the formation of fast waves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi Ye
- Department of Civil, Environmental, and Ocean Engineering, Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken (NJ) USA
| | - Valentina Prigiobbe
- Department of Civil, Environmental, and Ocean Engineering, Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken (NJ) USA.
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31
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Woda J, Wen T, Lemon J, Marcon V, Keeports CM, Zelt F, Steffy LY, Brantley SL. Methane concentrations in streams reveal gas leak discharges in regions of oil, gas, and coal development. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 737:140105. [PMID: 32783833 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.140105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2020] [Revised: 06/07/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
As natural gas has grown in importance as a global energy source, leakage of methane (CH4) from wells has sometimes been noted. Leakage of this greenhouse gas is important because it affects groundwater quality and, when emitted to the atmosphere, climate. We hypothesized that streams might be most contaminated by CH4 in the northern Appalachian Basin in regions with the longest history of hydrocarbon extraction activities. To test this, we searched for CH4-contaminated streams in the basin. Methane concentrations ([CH4]) for 529 stream sites are reported in New York, West Virginia and (mostly) Pennsylvania. Despite targeting contaminated areas, the median [CH4], 1.1 μg/L, was lower than a recently identified threshold indicating potential contamination, 4.0 μg/L. [CH4] values were higher in a few streams because they receive high-[CH4] groundwaters, often from upwelling seeps. By analogy to the more commonly observed type of groundwater seep known as abandoned mine drainage (AMD), we introduce the term, "gas leak discharge" (GLD) for these waters where they are not associated with coal mines. GLD and AMD, observed in all parts of the study area, are both CH4-rich. Surprisingly, the region of oldest and most productive oil/gas development did not show the highest median for stream [CH4]. Instead, the median was statistically highest where dense coal mining was accompanied by conventional and unconventional oil and gas development, emphasizing the importance of CH4 contamination from coal mines into streams.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josh Woda
- Department of Geosciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA.
| | - Tao Wen
- Earth and Environmental Systems Institute, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | | | - Virginia Marcon
- Department of Geosciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | | | - Fred Zelt
- Independent Geoscientist, Pittsburgh, PA 15106, USA
| | - Luanne Y Steffy
- Susquehanna River Basin Commission, Harrisburg, PA 17110, USA
| | - Susan L Brantley
- Department of Geosciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA; Earth and Environmental Systems Institute, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
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Piotrowski PK, Tasker TL, Geeza TJ, McDevitt B, Gillikin DP, Warner NR, Dorman FL. Forensic tracers of exposure to produced water in freshwater mussels: a preliminary assessment of Ba, Sr, and cyclic hydrocarbons. Sci Rep 2020; 10:15416. [PMID: 32963276 PMCID: PMC7508860 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-72014-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Hydraulic fracturing is often criticized due in part to the potential degradation of ground and surface water quality by high-salinity produced water generated during well stimulation and production. This preliminary study evaluated the response of the freshwater mussel, Elliptio complanata, after exposure to produced water. A limited number of adult mussels were grown over an 8-week period in tanks dosed with produced water collected from a hydraulically fractured well. The fatty tissue and carbonate shells were assessed for accumulation of both inorganic and organic pollutants. Ba, Sr, and cyclic hydrocarbons indicated the potential to accumulate in the soft tissue of freshwater mussels following exposure to diluted oil and gas produced water. Exposed mussels showed accumulation of Ba in the soft tissue several hundred times above background water concentrations and increased concentrations of Sr. Cyclic hydrocarbons were detected in dosed mussels and principle component analysis of gas chromatograph time-of-flight mass spectrometer results could be a novel tool to help identify areas where aquatic organisms are impacted by oil and gas produced water, but larger studies with greater replication are necessary to confirm these results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulina K Piotrowski
- Department of Chemistry, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Travis L Tasker
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, 212 Sackett Building, University Park, PA, 16802, USA.,Environmental Engineering, Saint Francis University, Loretto, PA, USA
| | - Thomas J Geeza
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, 212 Sackett Building, University Park, PA, 16802, USA.,EES-14, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, 87544, USA
| | - Bonnie McDevitt
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, 212 Sackett Building, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - David P Gillikin
- Department of Geology, Union College, 807 Union St, Schenectady, NY, 12308, USA
| | - Nathaniel R Warner
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, 212 Sackett Building, University Park, PA, 16802, USA.
| | - Frank L Dorman
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Molecular Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, 107 Althouse Lab, University Park, PA, 16802, USA.
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33
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Lai CY, Song Y, Wu M, Lu X, Wang Y, Yuan Z, Guo J. Microbial selenate reduction in membrane biofilm reactors using ethane and propane as electron donors. WATER RESEARCH 2020; 183:116008. [PMID: 32634677 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2020.116008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Revised: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Selenate (Se(VI)) contamination in groundwater is one of major concerns for human health, in particular in shale gas extraction sites. Microbial selenate reduction coupled to methane (CH4) oxidation has been demonstrated very recently. Little is known whether ethane (C2H6) and butane (C3H8) are able to drive selenate reduction, although they are also important components in shale gas. In this study, we demonstrated Se(VI) bio-reduction could be achieved using C2H6 and C3H8 as electron donors and carbon sources. Scanning electron microscopy coupled to energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) confirmed elemental Se (Se0) was the major final product formed from Se(VI) bio-reduction. Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) were generated in the biofilms as the internal electron-storage materials, which were consumed for sustaining Se(VI) bio-reduction in absence of C2H6 and C3H8. Microbial community analysis showed that two genera capable of oxidizing gaseous alkanes dominated in the biofilms, including Mycobacterium (in both C2H6 and C3H8-fed biofilms) and Rhodococcus (in C3H8-fed biofilm). In addition, several potential Se(VI) reducers (e.g., Variovorax) were detected in the biofilms. Investigation of Communities by Reconstruction of Unobserved States analysis supported that predictive genes associated with alkanes oxidation, denitrification and PHAs cycle were enriched in the biofilms. These findings offer insights into the process of selenate reduction driven by C2H6 and C3H8, which ultimately may help to develop a solution to use shale gas for groundwater remediation, especially near shale gas exploitation sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Yu Lai
- Advanced Water Management Centre, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - Yarong Song
- Advanced Water Management Centre, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - Mengxiong Wu
- Advanced Water Management Centre, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - Xuanyu Lu
- Advanced Water Management Centre, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - Yulu Wang
- Advanced Water Management Centre, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - Zhiguo Yuan
- Advanced Water Management Centre, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - Jianhua Guo
- Advanced Water Management Centre, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland, 4072, Australia.
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34
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Villarín MC, Merel S. Paradigm shifts and current challenges in wastewater management. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2020; 390:122139. [PMID: 32007860 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.122139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2019] [Revised: 01/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Wastewater is a significant environmental and public health concern which management is a constant challenge since antiquity. Wastewater research has increased exponentially over the last decades. This paper provides a global overview of the exponentially increasing wastewater research in order to identify current challenges and paradigm shifts. Besides households, hospitals and typical industries, other sources of wastewater appear due to emerging activities like hydraulic fracturing. While the composition of wastewater needs constant reassessment to identify contaminants of interest, the comprehensive chemical and toxicological analysis remains one of the main challenges in wastewater research. Moreover, recent changes in the public perception of wastewater has led to several paradigm shifts: i) water reuse considering wastewater as a water resource rather than a hazardous waste, ii) wastewater-based epidemiology considering wastewater as a source of information regarding the overall health of a population through the analysis of specific biomarkers, iii) circular economy through the implementation of treatment processes aiming at harvesting valuable components such as precious metals or producing valuable goods such as biofuel. However, wastewater research should also address social challenges such as the public acceptance of water reuse or the access to basic sanitation that is not available for nearly a third of the world population.
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Affiliation(s)
- María C Villarín
- Department of Human Geography, University of Seville, c/ Doña María de Padilla s/n, 41004, Sevilla, Spain.
| | - Sylvain Merel
- Institute of Marine Research (IMR), PO Box 1870 Nordnes, N-5817, Bergen, Norway; INRAE, UR RiverLy, 5 rue de la Doua, F-69625 Villeurbanne, France.
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35
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Cao C, Li L, DU L, Wang Y, He J. The Use of Noble Gas Isotopes in Detecting Methane Contamination of Groundwater in Shale Gas Development Areas: An Overview of Technology and Methods. ANAL SCI 2020; 36:521-530. [PMID: 32173675 DOI: 10.2116/analsci.19sbr01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Groundwater contamination by stray gas (mainly methane) in areas of shale-gas development has captured publics, political and scientific attention. However, the sources and potential mechanisms of groundwater contamination are still debated. Noble gases can provide useful information on fluid migration for discerning the scale, conditions, and physical mechanisms. In this study, details about analytical technology and theoretical approach of noble gases in tracing groundwater contaminations are presented. In addition, applications of noble-gases isotopes for determining contamination sources and potential pathways are explored and reviewed. Recent developments are discussed and highlighted with focusing on new utilities of noble-gas isotope parameters in evaluating groundwater contamination. Some usages of indicators (4He/20Ne, CH4/36Ar, 4He/CH4, etc.) are discussed through specific research articles. And it is a new trend to make comprehensive use of multiple geochemical parameters to determine the occurrence, source, and process of methane pollution in groundwater.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunhui Cao
- Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences.,Key Lab of Petroleum Resources, Gansu Province/Key Lab of Petroleum Resources Research, Institute of Geology and Geophysics, CAS
| | - Liwu Li
- Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences.,Key Lab of Petroleum Resources, Gansu Province/Key Lab of Petroleum Resources Research, Institute of Geology and Geophysics, CAS
| | - Li DU
- Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences.,Key Lab of Petroleum Resources, Gansu Province/Key Lab of Petroleum Resources Research, Institute of Geology and Geophysics, CAS
| | - Yuhui Wang
- Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences.,Key Lab of Petroleum Resources, Gansu Province/Key Lab of Petroleum Resources Research, Institute of Geology and Geophysics, CAS.,College of Earth Science, University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences
| | - Jian He
- Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences.,Key Lab of Petroleum Resources, Gansu Province/Key Lab of Petroleum Resources Research, Institute of Geology and Geophysics, CAS
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36
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Sumner AJ, Plata DL. A geospatially resolved database of hydraulic fracturing wells for chemical transformation assessment. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2020; 22:945-955. [PMID: 32037427 DOI: 10.1039/c9em00505f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Hydraulically fractured wells with horizontal drilling (HDHF) accounted for 69% of all oil and gas wells drilled and 670 000 of the 977 000 producing wells in 2016. However, only 238 flowback and produced water samples have been analyzed to date for specific organic chemicals. To aid the development of predictive tools, we constructed a database combining additive disclosure reports and physicochemical conditions at respective well sites with the goal of making synthesized analyses accessible. As proof-of-concept, we used this database to evaluate transformation pathways through two case studies: (1) a filter-based approach for flagging high-likelihood halogenation sites according to experimental criteria (e.g., for a model compound, cinnamaldehyde) and (2) a semi-quantitative, regionally comparative trihalomethane formation model that leverages an empirically derived equation. Study (1) highlighted 173 wells with high cinnamaldehyde halogenation likelihood based on combined criteria related to subsurface conditions and oxidant additive usage. Study (2) found that trihalomethane formation in certain wells within five specific basins may exceed regulatory limits for drinking water based on reaction-favorable subsurface conditions, albeit with wide uncertainty. While experimentation improves our understanding of subsurface reaction pathways, this database has immediate applications for informing environmental monitors and engineers about potential transformation products in residual fluids, guiding well operators' decisions to avoid unwanted transformations. In the future, we envision more robust components incorporating transformation, transport, toxicity, and other physicochemical parameters to predict subsurface interactions and flowback composition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J Sumner
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, USA
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37
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McLaughlin MC, Borch T, McDevitt B, Warner NR, Blotevogel J. Water quality assessment downstream of oil and gas produced water discharges intended for beneficial reuse in arid regions. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 713:136607. [PMID: 31955100 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.136607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2019] [Revised: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Produced water (PW) is the largest waste stream associated with oil and gas extraction and contains organics, salts, metals and radioactive materials. In the United States, west of the 98th meridian, the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System exemption allows for release of PW to surface waters for agricultural beneficial reuse if it is "of good enough quality". Due to the complex and variable composition of PW, the downstream impacts of these releases are not fully understood. In this study, a detailed chemical analysis was conducted on a stream composed of PW released for agricultural beneficial reuse. Over 50 geogenic and anthropogenic organic chemicals not specified in the effluent limits were detected at the discharge including hydrocarbons, halogenated compounds, and surfactants. Most were removed within 15 km of the discharge due to volatilization, biodegradation, and sorption to sediment. Inorganics detected at the discharge were within regulatory effluent limits. While some inorganic species (i.e., strontium, barium and radium) decreased in concentration downstream due to co-precipitation, concentrations of many inorganic species including sodium, sulfate and boron increased due to water evaporation. Consequently, downstream water quality changes need to be considered to adequately evaluate the potential impact of discharged PW. Regulatory health thresholds for humans, livestock, and aquatic species for most chemical species present at the discharge are still lacking. As a result, toxicity tests are necessary to determine the potential health impacts to downstream users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly C McLaughlin
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Colorado State University, 1320 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Thomas Borch
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Colorado State University, 1320 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA; Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, 1872 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA; Department of Soil and Crop Sciences, Colorado State University, 1170 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA.
| | - Bonnie McDevitt
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Nathaniel R Warner
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Jens Blotevogel
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Colorado State University, 1320 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA.
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38
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Hildenbrand ZL, Carlton DD, Wicker AP, Habib S, Granados PS, Schug KA. Characterizing anecdotal claims of groundwater contamination in shale energy basins. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 713:136618. [PMID: 31958728 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.136618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2019] [Revised: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The increased societal monitoring of unconventional oil and gas development (UD) has brought forth tremendous scrutiny over the environmental stewardship and subsequent public health impacts of surface and sub-surface activities. Concerns over groundwater quality in shale energy basins have prompted concerned citizens into monitoring UD activities for a series of qualitative parameters, and even coordinating sampling efforts for chemical analysis. Here we present a list of analytical parameters, hierarchically structured to guide concerned citizens through an efficient and cost-effective monitoring program. Utilizing this multi-step testing regime, we assessed groundwater quality from 36 private water wells involved in 19 anecdotal claims of alleged UD-related contamination across the Barnett, Eagle Ford, Haynesville, and Marcellus Shale formations in the United States. Our analytical findings aligned with the landowners' accounts of their situation in only 5 of the 36 collected samples, with several cases revealing environmental abnormalities that were unbeknownst to the landowners but likely unrelated to UD activities. These data are some of the first to assess the relationship between landowner perception and analytical determination in a cohort of highly variable anecdotal cases of alleged groundwater contamination, revealing a notable disconnect that is likely attributable to a myriad of societal and environmental factors. The analytical modalities presented here also serve as a step-wise method in a weight of evidence approach to assess the presence or absence of anthropogenic contamination under the most variable hydrogeological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zacariah L Hildenbrand
- Affiliate of the Collaborative Laboratories for Environmental Analysis and Remediation, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76019, United States of America; Inform Environmental, LLC, Dallas, TX 75206, United States of America.
| | - Doug D Carlton
- Affiliate of the Collaborative Laboratories for Environmental Analysis and Remediation, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76019, United States of America; Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76019, United States of America
| | - A Paige Wicker
- Affiliate of the Collaborative Laboratories for Environmental Analysis and Remediation, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76019, United States of America; Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76019, United States of America
| | - Sabrina Habib
- Affiliate of the Collaborative Laboratories for Environmental Analysis and Remediation, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76019, United States of America; University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, United States of America
| | | | - Kevin A Schug
- Affiliate of the Collaborative Laboratories for Environmental Analysis and Remediation, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76019, United States of America; Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76019, United States of America.
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39
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Wilson MP, Worrall F, Davies RJ, Hart A. A dynamic baseline for dissolved methane in English groundwater. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 711:134854. [PMID: 31818574 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.134854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2019] [Revised: 10/03/2019] [Accepted: 10/04/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Elevated dissolved methane (CH4) concentrations in groundwater are an environmental concern associated with hydraulic fracturing for shale gas. Therefore, determining dissolved CH4 baselines is important for detecting and understanding any potential environmental impacts. Such baselines should change in time and space to reflect ongoing environmental change and should be able to predict the probability that a change in dissolved CH4 concentration has occurred. We considered four dissolved CH4 concentration datasets of English groundwater using a Bayesian approach: two national datasets and two local datasets from shale gas exploration sites. The most sensitive national dataset (the previously published British Geological Survey CH4 baseline) was used as a strong prior for a larger (2153 measurements compared to 439) but less sensitive (detection limit 1000 times higher) Environment Agency dataset. The use of the strong prior over a weak prior improved the precision of the Environment Agency dataset by 75%. The expected mean dissolved CH4 concentration in English groundwater based on the Bayesian approach is 0.24 mg/l, with a 95% credible interval of 0.11 to 0.45 mg/l, and a Weibull distribution of W(0.35 ± 0.01, 0.34 ± 0.16). This result indicates the amount of CH4 degassing from English groundwater to the atmosphere equates to between 0.7 and 3.1 kt CH4/year, with an expected value of 1.65 kt CH4/year and a greenhouse gas warming potential of 40.3 kt CO2eq/year. The two local monitoring datasets from shale gas exploration sites, in combination with the national datasets, show that dissolved CH4 concentrations in English groundwater are generally low, but locations with concentrations greater than or equal to the widely used risk action level of 10.0 mg/l do exist. Statistical analyses of groundwater redox conditions at these locations suggest that it may be possible to identify other locations with dissolved CH4 concentrations ≥10.0 mg/l using redox parameters such as Fe concentration.
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Affiliation(s)
- M P Wilson
- Department of Earth Sciences, Durham University, Science Labs, Durham DH1 3LE, UK.
| | - F Worrall
- Department of Earth Sciences, Durham University, Science Labs, Durham DH1 3LE, UK
| | - R J Davies
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle NE1 7RU, UK
| | - A Hart
- Environment Agency, Research Assessment and Evaluation, Sapphire East, Streetsbrook Road, Solihull B91 1QT, UK
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40
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Wollin KM, Damm G, Foth H, Freyberger A, Gebel T, Mangerich A, Gundert-Remy U, Partosch F, Röhl C, Schupp T, Hengstler JG. Critical evaluation of human health risks due to hydraulic fracturing in natural gas and petroleum production. Arch Toxicol 2020; 94:967-1016. [PMID: 32385535 PMCID: PMC7225182 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-020-02758-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The use of hydraulic fracturing (HF) to extract oil and natural gas has increased, along with intensive discussions on the associated risks to human health. Three technical processes should be differentiated when evaluating human health risks, namely (1) drilling of the borehole, (2) hydraulic stimulation, and (3) gas or oil production. During the drilling phase, emissions such as NOx, NMVOCs (non-methane volatile organic compounds) as precursors for tropospheric ozone formation, and SOx have been shown to be higher compared to the subsequent phases. In relation to hydraulic stimulation, the toxicity of frac fluids is of relevance. More than 1100 compounds have been identified as components. A trend is to use fewer, less hazardous and more biodegradable substances; however, the use of hydrocarbons, such as kerosene and diesel, is still allowed in the USA. Methane in drinking water is of low toxicological relevance but may indicate inadequate integrity of the gas well. There is a great concern regarding the contamination of ground- and surface water during the production phase. Water that flows to the surface from oil and gas wells, so-called 'produced water', represents a mixture of flow-back, the injected frac fluid returning to the surface, and the reservoir water present in natural oil and gas deposits. Among numerous hazardous compounds, produced water may contain bromide, arsenic, strontium, mercury, barium, radioactive isotopes and organic compounds, particularly benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes (BTEX). The sewage outflow, even from specialized treatment plants, may still contain critical concentrations of barium, strontium and arsenic. Evidence suggests that the quality of groundwater and surface water may be compromised by disposal of produced water. Particularly critical is the use of produced water for watering of agricultural areas, where persistent compounds may accumulate. Air contamination can occur as a result of several HF-associated activities. In addition to BTEX, 20 HF-associated air contaminants are group 1A or 1B carcinogens according to the IARC. In the U.S., oil and gas production (including conventional production) represents the second largest source of anthropogenic methane emissions. High-quality epidemiological studies are required, especially in light of recent observations of an association between childhood leukemia and multiple myeloma in the neighborhood of oil and gas production sites. In conclusion, (1) strong evidence supports the conclusion that frac fluids can lead to local environmental contamination; (2) while changes in the chemical composition of soil, water and air are likely to occur, the increased levels are still often below threshold values for safety; (3) point source pollution due to poor maintenance of wells and pipelines can be monitored and remedied; (4) risk assessment should be based on both hazard and exposure evaluation; (5) while the concentrations of frac fluid chemicals are low, some are known carcinogens; therefore, thorough, well-designed studies are needed to assess the risk to human health with high certainty; (6) HF can represent a health risk via long-lasting contamination of soil and water, when strict safety measures are not rigorously applied.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - G Damm
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Visceral Transplantation, University Hospital, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - H Foth
- Institute of Environmental Toxicology, University of Halle, Halle/Saale, Germany
| | - A Freyberger
- Research and Development, Translational Sciences-Toxicology, Bayer AG, Wuppertal, Germany
| | - T Gebel
- Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Dortmund, Germany
| | - A Mangerich
- Molecular Toxicology, Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Constance, Germany
| | - U Gundert-Remy
- Institute for Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Charité, Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - F Partosch
- Institute for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Medical Center, Göttingen, Germany
| | - C Röhl
- Department of Environmental Health Protection, Schleswig-Holstein State Agency for Social Services, Kiel, Germany
| | - T Schupp
- Chemical Engineering, University of Applied Science Muenster, Steinfurt, Germany
| | - Jan G Hengstler
- Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors (IfADo), University of Dortmund, Dortmund, Germany.
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41
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Scanlon BR, Ikonnikova S, Yang Q, Reedy RC. Will Water Issues Constrain Oil and Gas Production in the United States? ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2020; 54:3510-3519. [PMID: 32062972 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.9b06390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The rapid growth in U.S. unconventional oil and gas has made energy more available and affordable globally but brought environmental concerns, especially related to water. We analyzed the water-related sustainability of energy extraction, focusing on: (a) meeting the rapidly rising water demand for hydraulic fracturing (HF) and (b) managing rapidly growing volumes of water co-produced with oil and gas (produced water, PW). We analyzed historical (2009-2017) HF water and PW volumes in ∼73 000 wells and projected future water volumes in major U.S. unconventional oil (semiarid regions) and gas (humid regions) plays. Results show a marked increase in HF water use, and depleting groundwater in some semiarid regions (e.g., by ≤58 ft [18 m]/year in Eagle Ford). PW from oil reservoirs (e.g., Permian) is ∼15× higher than that from gas reservoirs (Marcellus). Water issues related to both HF water demand and PW supplies may be partially mitigated by closing the loop through reuse of PW for HF of new wells. However, projected PW volumes exceed HF water demand in semiarid Bakken (2.1×), Permian Midland (1.3×), and Delaware (3.7×) oil plays, with the Delaware oil play accounting for ∼50% of the projected U.S. oil production. Therefore, water issues could constrain future energy production, particularly in semiarid oil plays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bridget R Scanlon
- Bureau of Economic Geology, Jackson School of Geosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78758, United States
| | - Svetlana Ikonnikova
- Bureau of Economic Geology, Jackson School of Geosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78758, United States
| | - Qian Yang
- Bureau of Economic Geology, Jackson School of Geosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78758, United States
| | - Robert C Reedy
- Bureau of Economic Geology, Jackson School of Geosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78758, United States
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42
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Sun C, Zhang Y, Alessi DS, Martin JW. Nontarget profiling of organic compounds in a temporal series of hydraulic fracturing flowback and produced waters. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2019; 131:104944. [PMID: 31284105 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2019.104944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2019] [Revised: 06/17/2019] [Accepted: 06/18/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Hydraulic fracturing (HF) flowback and produced water (FPW) can be toxic to aquatic life but its chemical content is largely unknown, variable and complex. Seven FPW samples were collected from a HF operation in the Duvernay Formation (Alberta, Canada) over 30 days of flowback and characterized by a nontarget workflow based on high performance liquid chromatography - high resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS). A modified Kendrick mass defect plot and MS/MS spectral interpretation revealed seven series of homologues composed of ethylene oxide (i.e. -CH2CH2O-), among which a series of aldehydes was proposed as degradation products of polyethylene glycols, and two series of alkyl ethoxylate carboxylates could be proprietary HF additives. Many other ions were confidently assigned a formula by accurate mass measurement and were subsequently prioritized for identification by matching to records in ChemSpider and the US EPA's CompTox Chemistry Dashboard. Quaternary ammonium compounds, amine oxides, organophosphorous compounds, phthalate diesters and hydroxyquinoline were identified with high confidence by MS/MS spectra (Level 3), matching to reference spectra in MassBank (Level 2) or to authentic standards (Level 1). Temporal trends showed that most of the compounds declined in abundance over the first nine days of flowback, except for phthalate diesters and hydroxyquinoline that were still observed on Day 30 and had disappearance half-lives of 61 and 91 days, respectively. All the compounds followed first-order disappearance kinetics in flowback, except for polyoxygenated acids which followed second-order kinetics. This analysis and the workflow, based largely on public on-line databases, enabled profiling of complex organic compounds in HF-FPW, and will likely be useful for further understanding the toxicity and chemical fate of HF-FPW.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenxing Sun
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton AB T6G 2G3, Canada
| | - Yifeng Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton AB T6G 2G3, Canada
| | - Daniel S Alessi
- Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton AB T6G 2E3, Canada
| | - Jonathan W Martin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton AB T6G 2G3, Canada; Department of Environmental Sciences and Analytical Chemistry, Stockholm University, Stockholm 10691, Sweden.
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43
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McIntosh JC, Ferguson G. Conventional Oil-The Forgotten Part of the Water-Energy Nexus. GROUND WATER 2019; 57:669-677. [PMID: 31183853 DOI: 10.1111/gwat.12917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2019] [Revised: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/05/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The impacts of unconventional oil and gas production via high-volume hydraulic fracturing (HVHF) on water resources, such as water use, groundwater and surface water contamination, and disposal of produced waters, have received a great deal of attention over the past decade. Conventional oil and gas production (e.g., enhanced oil recovery [EOR]), which has been occurring for more than a century in some areas of North America, shares the same environmental concerns, but has received comparatively little attention. Here, we compare the amount of produced water versus saltwater disposal (SWD) and injection for EOR in several prolific hydrocarbon producing regions in the United States and Canada. The total volume of saline and fresh to brackish water injected into depleted oil fields and nonproductive formations is greater than the total volume of produced waters in most regions. The addition of fresh to brackish "makeup" water for EOR may account for the net gain of subsurface water. The total amount of water injected and produced for conventional oil and gas production is greater than that associated with HVHF and unconventional oil and gas production by well over a factor of 10. Reservoir pressure increases from EOR and SWD wells are low compared to injection of fluids for HVHF, however, the longer duration of injections could allow for greater solute transport distances and potential for contamination. Attention should be refocused from the subsurface environmental impacts of HVHF to the oil and gas industry as a whole.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Grant Ferguson
- Department of Civil, Geological and Environmental Engineering, University of Saskatchewan, 57 College Drive, S7N 5A9, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
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Wen T, Woda J, Marcon V, Niu X, Li Z, Brantley SL. Exploring How to Use Groundwater Chemistry to Identify Migration of Methane near Shale Gas Wells in the Appalachian Basin. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2019; 53:9317-9327. [PMID: 31299147 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.9b02290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Methane (CH4) enters waters in hydrocarbon-rich basins because of natural processes and problems related to oil and gas wells. As a redox-active greenhouse gas, CH4 degrades water or emits to the atmosphere and contributes to climate change. To detect if methane migrated from hydrocarbon wells (i.e., anomalous methane), we examined 20 751 methane-containing groundwaters from the Upper Appalachian Basin (AB). We looked for concentrations (mg/L) that indicated AB brine salts (chloride concentrations ([Cl]) > 30; [Ca]/[Na] < 0.52) to detect natural methane, and we looked for concentrations of redox-active species ([SO4] ≥ 6; [Fe] ≥ 0.3) to detect anomalous methane. These indicators highlight natural contamination by methane-containing brines or recent onset of microbial oxidation of methane coupled to iron- or sulfate-reduction. We hypothesized that only waters recently contaminated by methane still exhibit high iron and sulfate concentrations. Of the AB samples, 17 (0.08%) from 12 sites indicated potential contamination. All were located in areas with high densities of shale-gas or conventional oil/gas wells. In contrast, in southwestern Pennsylvania where brines are shallow and coal, oil, and gas all have been extracted extensively, no sites of recent methane migration were detectable. Such indicators may help screen for contamination in some areas even without predrill measurements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Wen
- Earth and Environmental Systems Institute , Pennsylvania State University , University Park , Pennsylvania 16802 , United States
| | - Josh Woda
- Department of Geosciences , Pennsylvania State University , University Park , Pennsylvania 16802 , United States
| | - Virginia Marcon
- Department of Geosciences , Pennsylvania State University , University Park , Pennsylvania 16802 , United States
| | - Xianzeng Niu
- Earth and Environmental Systems Institute , Pennsylvania State University , University Park , Pennsylvania 16802 , United States
| | - Zhenhui Li
- College of Information Sciences and Technology , Pennsylvania State University , University Park , Pennsylvania 16802 , United States
| | - Susan L Brantley
- Earth and Environmental Systems Institute , Pennsylvania State University , University Park , Pennsylvania 16802 , United States
- Department of Geosciences , Pennsylvania State University , University Park , Pennsylvania 16802 , United States
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45
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McMahon PB, Lindsey BD, Conlon MD, Hunt AG, Belitz K, Jurgens BC, Varela BA. Hydrocarbons in Upland Groundwater, Marcellus Shale Region, Northeastern Pennsylvania and Southern New York, U.S.A. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2019; 53:8027-8035. [PMID: 31246428 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.9b01440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Water samples from 50 domestic wells located <1 km (proximal) and >1 km (distal) from shale-gas wells in upland areas of the Marcellus Shale region were analyzed for chemical, isotopic, and groundwater-age tracers. Uplands were targeted because natural mixing with brine and hydrocarbons from deep formations is less common in those areas compared to valleys. CH4-isotope, predrill CH4-concentration, and other data indicate that one proximal sample (5% of proximal samples) contains thermogenic CH4 (2.6 mg/L) from a relatively shallow source (Catskill/Lock Haven Formations) that appears to have been mobilized by shale-gas production activities. Another proximal sample contains five other volatile hydrocarbons (0.03-0.4 μg/L), including benzene, more hydrocarbons than in any other sample. Modeled groundwater-age distributions, calibrated to 3H, SF6, and 14C concentrations, indicate that water in that sample recharged prior to shale-gas development, suggesting that land-surface releases associated with shale-gas production were not the source of those hydrocarbons, although subsurface leakage from a nearby gas well directly into the groundwater cannot be ruled out. Age distributions in the samples span ∼20 to >10000 years and have implications for relating occurrences of hydrocarbons in groundwater to land-surface releases associated with recent shale-gas production and for the time required to flush contaminants from the system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter B McMahon
- U.S. Geological Survey , Lakewood , Colorado 80225 , United States
| | - Bruce D Lindsey
- U.S. Geological Survey , New Cumberland , Pennsylvania 17070 , United States
| | - Matthew D Conlon
- U.S. Geological Survey , New Cumberland , Pennsylvania 17070 , United States
| | - Andrew G Hunt
- U.S. Geological Survey , Lakewood , Colorado 80225 , United States
| | - Kenneth Belitz
- U.S. Geological Survey , Northboro , Massachusetts 01532 , United States
| | - Bryant C Jurgens
- U.S. Geological Survey , Sacramento , California 95819 , United States
| | - Brian A Varela
- U.S. Geological Survey , Lakewood , Colorado 80225 , United States
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46
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Sumner AJ, Plata DL. Oxidative Breakers Can Stimulate Halogenation and Competitive Oxidation in Guar-Gelled Hydraulic Fracturing Fluids. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2019; 53:8216-8226. [PMID: 31276388 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.9b01896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
A number of flowback samples derived from horizontally drilled hydraulic fracturing (HDHF) operations reveal consistent detections of halogenated organic species , yet the source of these compounds remains uncertain. Studies simulating subsurface conditions have found that oxidative "breakers" can halogenate certain additives, but these pathways are unverified in the presence of cross-linked-gels, common features of HDHF operations. Using a high-throughput custom reactor system, we implemented a reaction matrix to test the capacity for halogenation of two frequently disclosed compounds with demonstrated halogenation pathways (cinnamaldehyde and citric acid) across guar gels with varied types and concentrations of cross-linkers and oxidative breakers. Cinnamaldehyde halogenation proceeded most readily in borate cross-linked gels at high ammonium persulfate dosages. Citric acid formed trihalomethanes (THMs) broadly across the matrix, generating brominated THMs at higher levels of hypochlorite breaker. Isolated removals of cross-linker or guar enhanced or diminished certain product formations, highlighting additional capacities for relevant ingredients to influence halogenation. Finally, we analyzed flowback samples from the Denver-Julesberg Basin, finding that additions of oxidant enhanced halogenation. As a more realistic subsurface simulation, this work demonstrates strict criteria for the subsurface halogenation of cinnamaldehyde and the broad capacity for THM formation due to systematic oxidant usage as gel breakers in HDHF operations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J Sumner
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering , Yale University , New Haven , Connecticut 06520 , United States
| | - Desiree L Plata
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering , Yale University , New Haven , Connecticut 06520 , United States
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering , Massachusetts Institute of Technology , Cambridge , Massachusetts 02139 , United States
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47
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Shanafield M, Cook PG, Simmons CT. Towards Quantifying the Likelihood of Water Resource Impacts from Unconventional Gas Development. GROUND WATER 2019; 57:547-561. [PMID: 30159905 DOI: 10.1111/gwat.12825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2018] [Revised: 08/23/2018] [Accepted: 08/27/2018] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Gas production from unconventional reservoirs has led to widespread environmental concerns. Despite several excellent reviews of various potential impacts to water resources from unconventional gas production, no study has systematically and quantitatively assessed the potential for these impacts to occur. We use empirical evidence and numerical and analytical models to quantify the likelihood of surface water and groundwater contamination, and shallow aquifer depletion from unconventional gas developments. These likelihoods are not intended to be exact. They provide a starting point for comparing the probabilities of adverse impacts between types of water resources and pathways. This analysis provides much needed insight into what are "probable" rather than simply "possible" impacts. The results suggest that the most likely water resource impacts are surface water and groundwater contamination from spills at the well pad, which can be as high as 1 in 10 and 1 in 100 for each gas well, respectively. For wells that are hydraulically fractured, the likelihood of contamination due to inter-aquifer leakage is 1 in 106 or lower (dependent on the separation distance between the production formation and the aquifer). For gas-bearing formations that were initially over-pressurized, the potential for contamination from inter-aquifer leakage after production ceases could be as high as 1 in 400 where the separation between gas formation and shallow aquifer is 500 m, but will be much lower for greater separation distances (more characteristic of shale gas).
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret Shanafield
- National Centre for Groundwater Research and Training and College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide, South Australia 5001, Australia
| | - Peter G Cook
- National Centre for Groundwater Research and Training and College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide, South Australia 5001, Australia
| | - Craig T Simmons
- National Centre for Groundwater Research and Training and College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide, South Australia 5001, Australia
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48
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Hadrochemical Evolution of Groundwater in a Typical Semi-Arid Groundwater Storage Basin Using a Zoning Model. WATER 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/w11071334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Groundwater guarantees water resources and ecological environment security in semi-arid areas. Studying the chemical evolution of groundwater in semi-arid areas is of great significance to regional ecological environment protection and water resources management. The water storage basin is not only a space for groundwater storage and movement but also a place for water–rock–gas interaction and elemental migration, dispersion, and enrichment. Due to its unique climate and geological environment, the semi-arid water storage basins have different hydrochemical environments, forming a zonal hydrogeochemical character. In this study, a typical semi-arid water storage basin (west of Jilin Province) is taken as an example, through the cross section of the recharge–runoff–excretion zone. A three-level hydrogeochemical zoning model is constructed to reveal the hydrogeochemical evolution of the area. The model is divided into three layers from bottom to top. The first layer shows the geological and hydrogeological conditions, including the topography, lithology, geological time, and hydrodynamic characteristics of the study area. The second layer represents the hydrogeochemical processes, divided into the recharge zone, runoff zone, and discharge zone in the horizontal direction according to the hydrodynamic environment and hydrochemistry type. The hydrogeochemical action gradually changes from lixiviation to cation exchange, evaporation, and concentration, as the landform plays a key role in hydrochemistry formation in the discharge area. The third layer gives the characteristics of the groundwater chemical components, including chemistry type, total dissolved solids, main anion and cation, and characteristic element F. Qualitative and quantitative characterizations of hydrochemistry evolution by reverse simulation and hydrodynamic, hydrochemical and thermodynamic indicators are given.
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49
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Jakob DS, Wang L, Wang H, Xu XG. Spectro-Mechanical Characterizations of Kerogen Heterogeneity and Mechanical Properties of Source Rocks at 6 nm Spatial Resolution. Anal Chem 2019; 91:8883-8890. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.9b00264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Devon S. Jakob
- Department of Chemistry, Lehigh University, 6 E. Packer Ave., Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18015, United States
| | - Le Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Lehigh University, 6 E. Packer Ave., Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18015, United States
| | - Haomin Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Lehigh University, 6 E. Packer Ave., Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18015, United States
| | - Xiaoji G. Xu
- Department of Chemistry, Lehigh University, 6 E. Packer Ave., Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18015, United States
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50
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Rogers JD, Thurman EM, Ferrer I, Rosenblum JS, Evans MV, Mouser PJ, Ryan JN. Degradation of polyethylene glycols and polypropylene glycols in microcosms simulating a spill of produced water in shallow groundwater. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2019; 21:256-268. [PMID: 30318550 DOI: 10.1039/c8em00291f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Polyethylene glycols (PEGs) and polypropylene glycols (PPGs) are frequently used in hydraulic fracturing fluids and have been detected in water returning to the surface from hydraulically fractured oil and gas wells in multiple basins. We identified degradation pathways and kinetics for PEGs and PPGs under conditions simulating a spill of produced water to shallow groundwater. Sediment-groundwater microcosm experiments were conducted using four produced water samples from two Denver-Julesburg Basin wells at early and late production. High-resolution mass spectrometry was used to identify the formation of mono- and di-carboxylated PEGs and mono-carboxylated PPGs, which are products of PEG and PPG biodegradation, respectively. Under oxic conditions, first-order half-lives were more rapid for PEGs (<0.4-1.1 d) compared to PPGs (2.5-14 d). PEG and PPG degradation corresponded to increased relative abundance of primary alcohol dehydrogenase genes predicted from metagenome analysis of the 16S rRNA gene. Further degradation was not observed under anoxic conditions. Our results provide insight into the differences between the degradation rates and pathways of PEGs and PPGs, which may be utilized to better characterize shallow groundwater contamination following a release of produced water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica D Rogers
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, 607 UCB, Boulder, CO 80309, USA.
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