Organic geochemistry and toxicology of a stream impacted by unconventional oil and gas wastewater disposal operations
Matthew S. Varonka, Calin Tatu, Tiffani Schell, William H. Orem, Adam C. Mumford, Keith A. Loftin, Jeanne B. Jaeschke, Michelle Hladik, Karl B. Haase, Lynn M. Crosby, Isabelle M. Cozzarelli, Anne L. Bates, Denise M. Akob | March 10th, 2017
The large volume of wastewater produced during unconventional oil and gas (UOG) extraction is a significant challenge for the energy industry and of environmental concern, as the risks due to leaks, spills, and migration of these fluids into natural waters are unknown. UOG wastewater is often hypersaline, and contains myriad organic and inorganic substances added for production purposes and derived from the source rock or formation water. In this study, we examined the organic composition and toxicology of water and sediments in a stream adjacent to an underground injection disposal facility that handles UOG wastewaters.
Keywords
fracking, hydraulic fracturing, oil and gas, pollutants, wastewater, water quality