Comparative geochemistry of flowback chemistry from the Utica/Point Pleasant and Marcellus formations

Welch, Susan A.; Sheets, J.; Daly, Rebecca A.; Hanson, Andrea; Sharma, Shikha; Darrah, Thomas H.; Olesik, John W.; Lutton, Anthony; Mouser, Paula J.; Wrighton, Kelly; Wilkins, Michael J.; Carr, Tim; Cole, David R.

doi:10.1016/j.chemgeo.2020.120041

Cited by 15 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 57 publications

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“…While fermentative metabolisms are dominant in this system, we also observed the presence of a lower abundance sub-community of respiratory sulfur reducing microorganisms. Freshwater used in the hydraulic fracturing process can promote the dissolution of sulfate minerals from the surrounding rock matrix [ 61 ] and thus produced fluids frequently contain sulfate and thiosulfate. The organic acids that are generated as waste products from fermentative microorganisms likely serve as electron donors to support this respiratory lifestyle (Fig.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Microbial colonization and persistence in deep fractured shales is guided by metabolic exchanges and viral predation

et al. 2022

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Background Microbial colonization of subsurface shales following hydraulic fracturing offers the opportunity to study coupled biotic and abiotic factors that impact microbial persistence in engineered deep subsurface ecosystems. Shale formations underly much of the continental USA and display geographically distinct gradients in temperature and salinity. Complementing studies performed in eastern USA shales that contain brine-like fluids, here we coupled metagenomic and metabolomic approaches to develop the first genome-level insights into ecosystem colonization and microbial community interactions in a lower-salinity, but high-temperature western USA shale formation. Results We collected materials used during the hydraulic fracturing process (i.e., chemicals, drill muds) paired with temporal sampling of water produced from three different hydraulically fractured wells in the STACK (Sooner Trend Anadarko Basin, Canadian and Kingfisher) shale play in OK, USA. Relative to other shale formations, our metagenomic and metabolomic analyses revealed an expanded taxonomic and metabolic diversity of microorganisms that colonize and persist in fractured shales. Importantly, temporal sampling across all three hydraulic fracturing wells traced the degradation of complex polymers from the hydraulic fracturing process to the production and consumption of organic acids that support sulfate- and thiosulfate-reducing bacteria. Furthermore, we identified 5587 viral genomes and linked many of these to the dominant, colonizing microorganisms, demonstrating the key role that viral predation plays in community dynamics within this closed, engineered system. Lastly, top-side audit sampling of different source materials enabled genome-resolved source tracking, revealing the likely sources of many key colonizing and persisting taxa in these ecosystems. Conclusions These findings highlight the importance of resource utilization and resistance to viral predation as key traits that enable specific microbial taxa to persist across fractured shale ecosystems. We also demonstrate the importance of materials used in the hydraulic fracturing process as both a source of persisting shale microorganisms and organic substrates that likely aid in sustaining the microbial community. Moreover, we showed that different physicochemical conditions (i.e., salinity, temperature) can influence the composition and functional potential of persisting microbial communities in shale ecosystems. Together, these results expand our knowledge of microbial life in deep subsurface shales and have important ramifications for management and treatment of microbial biomass in hydraulically fractured wells.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Microbial colonization and persistence in deep fractured shales is guided by metabolic exchanges and viral predation

et al. 2022

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“…Soil contamination is a significant concern associated with shale gas hydraulic fracturing operations. During the development and production of shale gas, various pollutants are generated, posing potential risks to soil quality [43,52]. The impact of shale gas exploitation on soil pollution (Table 1) is supported by evidence from the Barnett Shale in Texas.…”

Section: Soil and Environmental Contaminationmentioning

confidence: 97%

“…Understanding the underlying science is essential when evaluating the requirements for mitigating and managing potential earthquake risks. Historical records since 1920 indicate that induced seismicity primarily results from human activities and man-made structures, including large-scale water reservoirs behind dams, geothermal plant projects, mining, construction, and underground nuclear weapons testing [43,56,59]. Given this context, a scientific approach is imperative for discussing earthquake risk management and mitigation.…”

Section: Earthquakesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Environmental Implications of Shale Gas Hydraulic Fracturing: A Comprehensive Review on Water Contamination and Seismic Activity in the United States

Hwang,

Heo,

Lim

et al. 2023

Water

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Recent scholarship has highlighted the significant environmental impact of the rapidly expanding hydraulic fracturing industry, which is projected to grow from USD 15.31 billion in 2021 to USD 28.93 billion in 2028 at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 9.5%. Recognizing the need for comprehensive, national-scale evaluations, this review of the literature investigates contamination and induced seismicity associated with shale gas hydraulic fracturing in the United States. Employing systematic reviews of the literature and federal reports up until July 2023, this study reveals multiple areas of concern, including water and soil contamination, seismic activity, and air pollution. A notable finding is the average use of 2.4 million gallons of water per well in hydraulic fracturing, of which only 15–35% is typically retrieved. However, ongoing studies are actively exploring remediation strategies, including advancements in monitoring and treatment technologies, as well as the potential of reusing wastewater for hydraulic fracturing, as exemplified by the Garfield County region in Colorado; they utilized 100% wastewater to mitigate the impact of contamination. These findings underscore the need for stringent regulations, sustained research, and effective management practices. This work emphasizes the importance of a collaborative approach that leverages field studies, experimental investigations, and computational advancements to ensure the responsible development of shale gas resources.

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“…12) indicates similar effects in other settings. 75,76 Comparison of conventional and unconventional water data from the PWGD for the same formations point towards additional pools of Li and Sr that are tapped by hydraulically fracturing the rock (Fig. 1).…”

Section: Comparison Of Leachates From the Marcellus Shale And Produced Watersmentioning

confidence: 98%

Water–rock interaction and the concentrations of major, trace, and rare earth elements in hydrocarbon-associated produced waters of the United States

Bern

Birdwell

Jubb

2021

Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts

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Comparative geochemistry of flowback chemistry from the Utica/Point Pleasant and Marcellus formations

Cited by 15 publications

References 57 publications

Microbial colonization and persistence in deep fractured shales is guided by metabolic exchanges and viral predation

Microbial colonization and persistence in deep fractured shales is guided by metabolic exchanges and viral predation

Environmental Implications of Shale Gas Hydraulic Fracturing: A Comprehensive Review on Water Contamination and Seismic Activity in the United States

Water–rock interaction and the concentrations of major, trace, and rare earth elements in hydrocarbon-associated produced waters of the United States

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