Articles tagged with Hydraulic Fracturing
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A study by University of Texas at Austin researchers found that shifting from coal to natural gas for electricity generation saves significantly more water than the additional consumption required for hydraulic fracturing. Water savings can be up to 25-50 times greater, making Texas less vulnerable to drought.
New research links fracking chemicals to hormone disruption and reproductive issues in humans nearby. Water samples from drilling sites showed high levels of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), which can interfere with hormones and increase health risks.
Scientists examine fracking's impact on water, air, and human health through research that is still being played catch-up. The medical geology field has emerged to address the shale gas boom's concerns about environmental issues.
A University of Cincinnati study analyzes 25 groundwater wells for methane and hydrocarbons, shedding light on fracking's effects. The research aims to establish baseline assessments as fracking begins in the region.
The University of Michigan has released seven technical reports on hydraulic fracturing in Michigan, exploring its potential economic benefits and environmental risks. The studies found that while natural gas reserves exist in the state, high-volume hydraulic fracturing may not be feasible due to low gas prices and drilling costs.
Researchers have created a novel method to desalinate wastewater from oil and gas production, producing up to 90% pure water. The 'ice that burns' technique uses chunks of ice retrieved from deep below the sea to remove salt and other impurities.
Researchers at UTSA and SwRI are developing a low-cost method to treat flow-back water from hydraulic fracturing using biochar. The project aims to create an economical and environmentally friendly solution for treating the large volumes of fracking fluid, which contains salts, hydrocarbons, and heavy metals.
A recent study published in Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences explores the threat posed by shale gas fracking to biodiversity. The research reveals potential impacts on ecosystems, including salinization of soils, surface waters, and fragmentation of forests.
A University of Pittsburgh study found that fracking is associated with stress and various health concerns in Pennsylvania residents. The survey of 33 participants revealed that stress was the most commonly cited concern, with many reporting feelings of being taken advantage of or misled by the gas drilling industry.
Hydraulically fractured natural gas wells in the Marcellus shale region produce about 35% as much wastewater per unit of gas recovered as conventional wells. The total amount of wastewater has increased by 570% since 2004, threatening to overwhelm the region's wastewater-disposal infrastructure capacity.
A study by Penn State researchers has found high levels of ancient brines in Marcellus flowback water, which are consistent with brines formed during the Paleozoic era. The study highlights the importance of proper disposal and re-use of fracking fluids to prevent environmental contamination.
Researchers found very few genetic biomarkers for archaea and many more for species that derive from bacteria. The populations of microbes changed dramatically over a short period of time, with some species perishing and others becoming more abundant.
New water treatment firms are developing chemical treatments and evaporators to remove contaminants from fracking wastewater, which can then be reused. The cost of disposal is spurring oil and gas companies to adopt these technologies, limiting the amount of contaminated water that reaches people, plants, and animals.
A CU-Boulder-led team will examine social, ecological, and economic aspects of natural gas development. The project aims to provide a framework for society to evaluate the trade-offs associated with the benefits and costs of natural gas development.
A University of Minnesota research team is developing a biodegradation technology using naturally-occurring bacteria to remove contaminants from fracking wastewater. The goal is to make the water suitable for re-use in fracking and significantly reduce industry's water usage.
A study by Cliff Frohlich found that most earthquakes in the Barnett Shale region occur near injection wells used for hydraulic fracturing fluids disposal. The study suggests that injection wells enhance the probability of earthquakes, with nearly all quakes being small and posing no danger to the public.
Researchers study natural gas impacts on drinking water, finding high methane concentrations near fracking sites. Gas leaks also cause soil changes, affecting urban ecosystems. The session discusses policy strategies to encourage cleaner natural gas distribution and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Researchers from Durham University found that the probability of fractures extending beyond 0.6 kilometers is exceptionally low, with only one per cent risk beyond 350 meters. This analysis has implications for setting minimum distance requirements for fracking operations to prevent contamination of groundwater.
A new study found that air emissions from hydraulic fracturing (fracking) near natural gas drilling sites can cause non-cancer health impacts, such as eye irritation, headaches, and respiratory problems. The study also calculated higher cancer risks for residents living closer to wells.
A Simon Fraser University researcher discusses documented observations of spatial and temporal coincidences between fracturing and earthquakes east of the Rocky Mountains. The study highlights the need for more research, especially in earthquake-prone areas where injected fluids may trigger seismic activity.
A panel of experts discussed the use of hydraulic fracturing in shale gas development, addressing concerns over its impact on drinking water and air quality. The study found no direct link between hydraulic fracturing and groundwater contamination, but acknowledged surface issues that can be managed.
A new study by the Energy Institute at UT Austin finds no direct connection between hydraulic fracturing and groundwater contamination. The research identifies common oil and gas drilling issues, such as casing failures, as contributing factors to contamination.
A Stanford University geophysicist recommends stronger regulations for hydraulic fracturing to address concerns over water disposal and toxic additives. The expert argues that better regulation could lead to cheap, clean energy alternatives to coal.
Glacier Bay's de-glaciation reveals new stream ecosystems supporting salmon migration; overfishing in lakes may not impact fish scarcity due to anglers' priorities.
The development of new proppant materials enables the production of oil and gas from previously inaccessible deposits. New high-tech ceramics and coated sands are being used to fracture open rock formations at depths of over a mile, increasing access to more difficult-to-recover reserves.
A study by Duke University researchers has found high levels of leaked methane in well water collected near shale-gas drilling and hydrofracking sites. The contamination was observed primarily in Bradford and Susquehanna counties in Pennsylvania.
Research into fracking in Pennsylvania reveals industry neglect of local communities, chemical cocktail risks, and environmental concerns. The study's findings have sparked a national debate on balancing economic benefits with public health and environmental safety.
Researchers at University at Buffalo found that hydraulic fracturing can release naturally trapped uranium in Marcellus shale, potentially polluting streams and ecosystems. The study used advanced chemical instruments to map the location of uranium within the rock formation.
Kelvin Gregory, a civil engineering professor at Carnegie Mellon University, is leading a research team to develop a new water treatment system for hydraulic fracturing in the Marcellus Shale. The system aims to remove toxic metals and chemicals from flowback water, reducing environmental risks and minimizing disposal costs.
A study by Sverdrup et al. found that men highly exposed to motor or hydraulic oil have a 30% higher risk of developing RA than unexposed men, with increased risks also seen for 'rheumatoid factor positive' and 'anti-citrulline positive' types.