Articles tagged with Hydraulic Fracturing
Researchers have identified over 600 small earthquakes between magnitude 2.0 and 3.8 in Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Oklahoma, and Texas, linked to fracking operations. The study reveals that the depth of the well is a significant factor in predicting likelihood of seismicity.
Two moderate-sized earthquakes in Sichuan Province caused extensive damage and injury, likely triggered by nearby fracking operations. The earthquakes coincided with injection activities at fracking well pads, suggesting a link between the two.
A new computational model accurately predicts fracture mechanics, allowing for optimized pumping rates and fracturing fluid properties. This could lead to a greater percentage of gas extraction from deep shale strata, increasing industry efficiency and profitability.
A new study finds that the depth of wastewater disposal in US oil sites significantly contributes to induced seismicity. In Oklahoma, deeper disposal into the basement rock increases seismicity due to higher cumulative volume and injection rates.
Freshwater mussels filter water and record chemical composition in their shells, revealing elevated strontium levels downstream of fracking wastewater disposal sites. The long-term effects of fracking on sediments and aquatic life are still being uncovered.
Researchers suggest a hydraulic fracturing well in Alberta, Canada was in contact with an active fault, causing induced seismicity. The coincidence of geological conditions required for induced seismicity are rarely expected to occur naturally, according to the study.
Researchers at Dartmouth College have characterized the phenomenon of radium transfer in hydraulic fracturing, a widely-used method for extracting oil and gas. The study found that radium present in the Marcellus Shale is leached into saline water, becoming increasingly enriched as wastewater travels through the fracture network.
A new study found that water use for hydraulic fracturing in the US has been increasing at individual facilities, with some regions seeing a 770% rise. This trend may impact future global oil and gas development due to increased water requirements.
A Duke University study found that fracking's water use increased by up to 770% and wastewater volumes by up to 1440% between 2011 and 2016. If trends continue, the water footprint could grow 50-fold by 2030, raising concerns about its sustainability.
A new paper by Daniel J. Soeder and Douglas B. Kent summarizes the environmental impacts of shale development, providing a balanced understanding of fracking's merits and demerits. The study addresses various potential impacts of fracking, offering insights for non-geoscientists and experts alike.
New research has uncovered methane-producing microbial communities in fracking wells, which could have implications for energy companies and human health. The study also suggests parallels between these microbes and those found in the human gut and soil.
Researchers found that exposure to fracking chemicals and wastewater at diluted concentrations spurred fat cell development, with effects seen even when samples were diluted 1,000-fold. The study used laboratory models and observed significant increases in fat cell proliferation and lipid accumulation.
Methane levels in groundwater were found to be mostly unaffected by hydraulic fracturing operations, with concentrations rarely exceeding regulatory action levels. Groundwater salinity and isotopic data suggest natural shifts in aquifer recharge may have contributed to increased methane concentrations.
A study published in Toxicological Sciences suggests that exposure to fracking chemicals during pregnancy may impair female offspring's ability to fend off diseases. Fracking chemicals have been found in ground water near fracking sites and are linked to reproductive and developmental defects, hormone disruption, and immune system damage.
A new study from Oregon State University found that people living closer to fracking sites are more familiar with and supportive of hydraulic fracturing. The researchers used geo-spatial mapping and survey results to determine residents' proximity to fracking sites and their public opinion on the practice.
Study finds that 17 state oil and gas regulations leave the nation's water supply vulnerable to contamination. Groundwater resources are increasingly being used for drinking, food-crop irrigation, and household uses due to increased demand and climate change impacts.
A new study found that the risk of man-made earthquakes due to fracking is greatly reduced if high-pressure fluid injection used to crack underground rocks is 895m away from faults in the Earth's crust. The ReFINE consortium recommends this distance to avoid reactivating geological faults and reducing the risk of induced earthquakes.
Scientists estimate tens to hundreds of well sites could be needed in the UK to extract shale gas, with hundreds to thousands of wells drilled over several years. The researchers used data from the UK's milk and fuel transportation industries as a comparator for any future UK shale gas industry.
Researchers found that female mice exposed to fracking chemicals during prenatal development developed abnormal mammary glands and pre-cancerous lesions in adulthood. The study suggests that the mammary gland is sensitive to mixtures of fracking chemicals, increasing concerns about potential health effects in humans.
Research analyzes earthquake sequences in eastern Ohio from 2013-2015, finding that hydraulic fracturing increases seismic hazard with maturity of activated faults. Deep earthquakes tend to be larger and persist after HF ceases, suggesting a long-term impact on seismic hazards.
Scientists estimate that hydraulic fracturing could affect aquatic organisms in 7-51% of streams due to freshwater usage. Improved monitoring is needed to protect these vital habitats and drinking water sources.
Researchers identified specific factors causing seismic activity in Alberta's Duvernay play, finding that increased hydraulic fracturing fluid volumes in susceptible locations trigger earthquakes. The study aims to improve earthquake prediction and mitigate induced seismicity in the region.
Scientists developed a model to estimate the maximum magnitude of an earthquake caused by wastewater injection from hydraulic fracturing. The model takes into account the energy stored on nearby faults and predicts the distance an earthquake can propagate beyond an injection site.
A study published in Science Advances found that infants born within a half mile of a hydraulic fracturing site were 25% more likely to be born at low birth weights, increasing their risk of infant mortality and long-term health problems. The research also found significant impacts on cognitive development.
A Pennsylvania study found that infants born to mothers near active fracking sites are 25% more likely to have low birthweight, a risk factor for infant mortality and other health issues. Exposure to fracking pollutants may contribute to this increased risk.
Researchers developed an algorithm to balance information exposure on social media, allowing users to see both sides of controversial discussions. The algorithm identifies and selects influential users who can spread balanced viewpoints, helping to break echo chambers.
Researchers at University of California - Santa Barbara found that about half of hydraulically fractured wells exist within 2 to 3 kilometers of domestic groundwater systems. The study analyzed data from nearly 27,000 wells in 14 states and suggests increased water monitoring efforts are needed to protect water quality.
A pilot study in northeastern British Columbia detected high concentrations of muconic acid, a degradation product of benzene, in the urine of pregnant women. The median concentration was approximately 3.5 times higher than in the general Canadian population, raising concerns about the health impacts of living near fracking sites.
A new University of Michigan study compares the toxic chemical releases associated with coal-generated and natural gas obtained via fracking-based electricity. The results suggest that potential human health impacts of coal electricity are much higher, outweighing those from shale gas electricity.
Researchers create a superhydrophilic filter that can remove greater than 90% of hydrocarbons and all bacteria from contaminated water produced by hydraulic fracturing operations. The filter significantly cuts the amount of water that needs to be stored or transported, making it ideal for reusing in fracking operations.
Rice University scientists developed a superhydrophilic membrane that can remove more than 90% of hydrocarbons, bacteria, and particulates from contaminated fracking water. The filter keeps emulsified hydrocarbons from passing through, allowing for reuse and reducing the need for storage or transportation.
Researchers found that reusing produced water from hydraulic fracturing sites can reduce water management issues and potentially induced seismicity. The study analyzed 10 years of water data, revealing a significant difference in water use between conventional and unconventional wells.
A study found that 17.6 million Americans live within one mile of an active oil or gas well, correlating to increased risk of heart and neurological problems, cancers, and adverse birth outcomes. States with high percentages of residents living near active wells include West Virginia and Oklahoma.
Researchers found high concentrations of contaminants, including endocrine disrupting chemicals and carcinogens, in sediments and pore water. The discharge of oil and gas wastewater impacted water quality on a larger scale than previously thought, with contamination detected as far away as 12 miles downstream from treatment plants.
Researchers found that treated fracking wastewater contaminated a Pennsylvania watershed with radioactive material, salts, and endocrine-disrupting chemicals. The study suggests tighter regulations could protect the environment and human health.
A new study by Duke University researchers found that fracking wastewater has polluted surface water in northwestern West Virginia. Despite this, groundwater remains untouched, according to the three-year study that tested 112 drinking wells.
A study by PSE Healthy Energy found that many hazardous chemicals used in hydraulic fracturing are also used in routine oil- and gas-field activities, including drilling, cleaning, and maintenance. These findings have major implications for chemical disclosure policies and risk assessments of oil and gas development.
Researchers are developing methods to predict and mitigate fracking-induced earthquakes in Canada and the US. Experts are working to identify factors that affect the likelihood of damaging ground motion from these earthquakes.
A study by Cardiff University researchers found that both the UK and US prioritize renewable energy sources over fossil fuels in their energy systems. The public in both countries express concerns about water contamination and long-term impacts of horizontal drilling for shale energy.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin found that high methane levels in well water are likely from shallow natural gas deposits, not hydraulic fracturing. The study used chemical and geographic evidence to tie elevated methane levels to these natural sources.
A study by Duke University identifies 6,648 fracking spills in Colorado, New Mexico, North Dakota, and Pennsylvania between 2005 and 2014, with half of spills due to pipes and valves. The analysis reveals that wells with previous spills are at higher risk of future incidents.
A new study suggests that science curiosity can reduce polarization on contentious issues like climate change and fracking. Curious individuals are more willing to engage with surprising information that challenges their political predispositions, leading to a decrease in partisan divide.
Researchers will develop a mechanical model to explain the behavior of dike swarms using 'swarm theory' from biology. This new approach aims to improve oil and gas stimulation methods, benefiting industry and society with lower energy costs and reduced environmental impact.
A new study has found heightened concentrations of common substances in drinking water near fracking sites in Pennsylvania. The researchers suggest underground disturbances that could be harbingers of eventual water-quality problems.
Researchers found microbes consuming fracking fluid, creating new compounds that support microbial communities below ground. The study provides insight into the complex interactions among microbes and their role in shaping the planet's environment.
A new Duke University study reveals that most fracking wastewater comes from naturally occurring brines, not man-made chemicals, accounting for over 92% of the flowback and produced water. While these brines carry risks, they also have potential beneficial re-uses, particularly in areas with scarce freshwater.
A recent survey found that most Americans (65%) think climate change is a problem that needs addressing, with 43% of Republicans and 84% of Democrats agreeing. The survey also revealed that 42% are unwilling to pay even $1 per month for their electric bill to combat climate change, while 20% would be willing to pay up to $50.
Researchers found highly variable contamination events in the Eagle Ford shale region due to mechanical inefficiencies. The study suggests that air contamination from fracking can be monitored and controlled with improved efficiency.
Researchers exposed mice to 23 fracking chemicals, finding altered hormone levels and ovarian development. The study suggests adverse reproductive outcomes in animals and potentially people.
Researchers found that individuals living near active natural gas wells were nearly twice as likely to suffer from migraines, chronic rhinosinusitis, and severe fatigue. The study suggests a plausible link between fracking and these health conditions, highlighting the need for further research and protection.
Researchers at the University of Missouri found that exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals from hydraulic fracturing may harm fertility in animals and potentially people. Mice exposed to drilling chemicals had lower levels of key hormones related to reproductive health, leading to reduced fertility.
A new study found that people with asthma living near larger or bigger fracking industry wells in Pennsylvania are 1.5-4 times more likely to experience asthma attacks. The researchers identified a significant increase in asthma attacks among patients living closer to these wells, particularly during the production phase.
Researchers analyzed public data to determine the sources and occurrence rate of methane in groundwater. The majority of dissolved methane was found to be microbially-generated, rather than high-volume hydraulic fracturing.
Researchers investigated how hydraulic fracturing chemicals degrade in agricultural soil and found that co-contamination can slow down biodegradation. They tested three common chemicals and found varying degradation rates, highlighting the need for further studies to understand chemical interactions and their impact on human health.
Simulated testing reveals that hydraulic fracturing additives degrade over time, but some persist in soil and may affect crops. Researchers emphasize the need for further testing to understand spills' environmental impacts.
A recent study by the U.S. Department of Energy's Argonne National Laboratory reveals that temporary oilfield workers are a major factor in increased water use in the Bakken region. Water usage has more than quintupled from 2008 to 2012, with most water coming from Lake Sakakawea.
Researchers from University of Cincinnati identified sources of methane in three US states using isotopic composition analysis. Methane levels came from organic matter decay and biological processes in coal formations, with fracking contributing to high emissions in some areas.
Research by Plymouth University indicates that people's political ideology significantly influences their attitude towards hydraulic fracking. Politically conservative participants were more likely to favor fracking and perceive economic benefits, while liberals expressed greater concerns over health risks.
Research from the University of Texas at Arlington reveals that groundwater quality in the Permian Basin changes significantly during and after hydraulic fracturing expansion. The study detected chlorinated solvents, alcohols, and aromatic compounds in private water well samples, as well as large fluctuations in pH and total organic ca...
A new test has been developed to identify shale gas hazard in groundwater by fingerprinting methane gas with unique natural gas signatures. This will enable responsible exploration and extraction practices, addressing public concerns over water contamination.