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Baalbaki G, Lim V, Gillet AP, Verner MA, Vaillancourt C, Caron-Beaudoin E, Delbes G. Trace elements alone or in mixtures associated with unconventional natural gas exploitation affect rat fetal steroidogenesis and testicular development in vitro. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 357:124393. [PMID: 38901820 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124393] [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: 04/06/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
Biomonitoring studies have shown that pregnant women living in regions of unconventional natural gas (UNG) exploitation have higher levels of trace elements. Whether developmental endocrine disruption can be expected at these exposure levels during pregnancy is unclear. In this study, we aimed to test the impact of five trace elements alone or in mixtures using in vitro cell- and tissue-based assays relevant to endocrine disruption and development. Manganese, aluminum, strontium, barium, and cobalt were tested at concentrations including those representatives of human fetal exposure. Using transactivation assays, none of the tested elements nor their mixture altered the human estrogen receptor 1 or androgen receptor genomic signalling. In the rat fetal testis assay, an organ culture system, cobalt (5 μg/l), barium (500 μg/l) and strontium (500 μg/l) significantly increased testosterone secretion. Cobalt and strontium were associated with hyperplasia and/or hypertrophy of fetal Leydig cells. Mixing the five elements at concentrations where none had an effect individually stimulated testosterone secretion by the rat fetal testis paralleled by the significant increase of 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase protein level in comparison to the vehicle control. The mechanisms involved may be specific to the fetal testis as no effect was observed in the steroidogenic H295R cells. Our data suggest that some trace elements in mixture at concentrations representative of human fetal exposure can impact testis development and function. This study highlights the potential risk posed by UNG operations, especially for the most vulnerable populations, pregnant individuals, and their fetus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghida Baalbaki
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS), Centre Armand Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Laval, QC, Canada
| | - Victoria Lim
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS), Centre Armand Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Laval, QC, Canada
| | - Antoine P Gillet
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS), Centre Armand Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Laval, QC, Canada
| | - Marc-André Verner
- Université de Montréal, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Montreal, QC, Canada; Centre de Recherche en Santé Publique, Université de Montréal et CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Cathy Vaillancourt
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS), Centre Armand Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Laval, QC, Canada; Research Center, CIUSSS du Nord-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Elyse Caron-Beaudoin
- Department of Health and Society, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Geraldine Delbes
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS), Centre Armand Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Laval, QC, Canada.
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Chang H, Ma Z, Qu D, Yan Z, Liang Y, Meng Y, Qu F, Liang H. Fertilizer-driven FO and MD integrated process for shale gas produced water treatment: Draw solution evaluation and PAC enhancement. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 266:122434. [PMID: 39276476 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.122434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2024] [Revised: 09/04/2024] [Accepted: 09/11/2024] [Indexed: 09/17/2024]
Abstract
It is a great challenge for effective treatment of shale gas produced water (SGPW), a typical industrial wastewater with complex composition. Single forward osmosis (FO) or membrane distillation (MD) process has been widely used for desalination of SGPW, with membrane fouling not well addressed. Fertilizer draw solution (DS) with high osmotic pressure is less likely to cause FO fouling and can be used for irrigation. An integrated process using fertilizer-driven FO (FDFO) and MD process was proposed for the first time for SGPW treatment, and characteristics of fertilizer DS and powdered activated carbon (PAC) enhancement were assessed. The DS using KCl and (NH4)2SO4 had high MD fluxes (36.8-38.8 L/(m2·h)) and low permeate conductivity (below 50 μS/cm), increasing the contact angle of the MD membrane by 113 % than that without FO, while the DS using MgCl2 and NH4H2PO4 produced a lower reverse salt flux (0.9-3.2 g/(m2·h)). When diluted DS was treated using PAC, the MD permeate conductivity was further reduced to 35 μS/cm without ammonia, and the membrane hydrophobicity was maintained to 71-83 % of the original. The mechanism of the FDFO-MD integrated process for mitigating MD fouling and improving permeate quality was analyzed, providing guidance for efficient SGPW treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiqing Chang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Deep Earth Science and Engineering, College of Architecture and Environment, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610207, China; State Key Laboratory of Intelligent Construction and Healthy Operation and Maintenance of Deep Underground Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
| | - Zeren Ma
- MOE Key Laboratory of Deep Earth Science and Engineering, College of Architecture and Environment, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610207, China; State Key Laboratory of Intelligent Construction and Healthy Operation and Maintenance of Deep Underground Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
| | - Dan Qu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Beijing Forestry University, 35 Qinghua East Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Zhongsen Yan
- College of Civil Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350108, China
| | - Ying Liang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Deep Earth Science and Engineering, College of Architecture and Environment, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610207, China
| | - Yuchuan Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Hydraulics and Mountain River Engineering, College of Water Resources and Hydropower, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
| | - Fangshu Qu
- Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Heng Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China
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3
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Song Q, Xiao S, Zeng X, Zhang B, Zhu Z, Liang Y, Yu Z. Presence of polycyclic aromatic compounds in river sediment and surrounding soil: Possible impact from shale gas wastewater. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 953:176186. [PMID: 39265685 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.176186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2024] [Revised: 09/07/2024] [Accepted: 09/08/2024] [Indexed: 09/14/2024]
Abstract
Shale gas has been extensively extracted in the Sichuan Basin in China in recent years. To gain insight into the potential impact of shale gas wastewater (SGW) discharge, sediment in a small river receiving treated SGW, as well as cultivated soil and paddy soil irrigated by the river water were collected. The occurrence and distribution of polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs), including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and their alkylated/oxygenated derivatives (APAHs/OPAHs), and thiophenes were investigated, the resultant potential ecological risks were assessed subsequently. The total concentration of PACs varied in the range of 1299.9-9286.4, 2069.4-11,512.3, and 475.7-2927.9 ng/g in sediment, cultivated soil and paddy soil, respectively, with thiophenes followed by APAHs being the abundant components in all the studied samples, demonstrating the potential impact of SGW discharge on sediment and surrounding soil environment. Based on the measured concentrations, potential ecological risks posed by PAHs and APAHs were calculated, and moderate to high ecological risks were observed in partial sampling sites, which mainly caused by 3-4 rings PAHs and APAHs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Song
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environment and Resources, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Shiyu Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environment and Resources, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xiangying Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environment and Resources, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China.
| | - Biao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environment and Resources, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Zhanjun Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environment and Resources, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yi Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environment and Resources, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Zhiqiang Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environment and Resources, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
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4
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Niu Y, Wang Z, Xiong Y, Wang Y, Chai L, Guo C. Exploring the Potential of Microbial Coalbed Methane for Sustainable Energy Development. Molecules 2024; 29:3494. [PMID: 39124898 PMCID: PMC11313768 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29153494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2024] [Revised: 07/21/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
By allowing coal to be converted by microorganisms into products like methane, hydrogen, methanol, ethanol, and other products, current coal deposits can be used effectively, cleanly, and sustainably. The intricacies of in situ microbial coal degradation must be understood in order to develop innovative energy production strategies and economically viable industrial microbial mining. This review covers various forms of conversion (such as the use of MECoM, which converts coal into hydrogen), stresses, and in situ use. There is ongoing discussion regarding the effectiveness of field-scale pilot testing when translated to commercial production. Assessing the applicability and long-term viability of MECoM technology will require addressing these knowledge gaps. Developing suitable nutrition plans and utilizing lab-generated data in the field are examples of this. Also, we recommend directions for future study to maximize methane production from coal. Microbial coal conversion technology needs to be successful in order to be resolved and to be a viable, sustainable energy source.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Niu
- School of Electric Power, Civil Engineering and Architecture, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China; (Z.W.); (Y.X.); (Y.W.); (C.G.)
| | - Zhiqian Wang
- School of Electric Power, Civil Engineering and Architecture, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China; (Z.W.); (Y.X.); (Y.W.); (C.G.)
| | - Yingying Xiong
- School of Electric Power, Civil Engineering and Architecture, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China; (Z.W.); (Y.X.); (Y.W.); (C.G.)
| | - Yuqi Wang
- School of Electric Power, Civil Engineering and Architecture, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China; (Z.W.); (Y.X.); (Y.W.); (C.G.)
| | - Lin Chai
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Green Chemical Reaction Engineering and Technology, Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China;
| | - Congxiu Guo
- School of Electric Power, Civil Engineering and Architecture, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China; (Z.W.); (Y.X.); (Y.W.); (C.G.)
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5
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Caron-Beaudoin É, Akpo H, Doyle-Waters MM, Ronald LA, Friesen M, Takaro T, Leven K, Meyer U, McGregor MJ. The human health effects of unconventional oil and gas (UOG) chemical exposures: a scoping review of the toxicological literature. REVIEWS ON ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 2024; 0:reveh-2024-0076. [PMID: 38985132 DOI: 10.1515/reveh-2024-0076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
Many chemicals associated with unconventional oil and natural gas (UOG) are known toxicants, leading to health concerns about the effects of UOG. Our objective was to conduct a scoping review of the toxicological literature to assess the effects of UOG chemical exposures in models relevant to human health. We searched databases for primary research studies published in English or French between January 2000 and June 2023 on UOG-related toxicology studies. Two reviewers independently screened abstracts and full texts to determine inclusion. Seventeen studies met our study inclusion criteria. Nine studies used solely in vitro models, while six conducted their investigation solely in animal models. Two studies incorporated both types of models. Most studies used real water samples impacted by UOG or lab-made mixtures of UOG chemicals to expose their models. Most in vitro models used human cells in monocultures, while all animal studies were conducted in rodents. All studies detected significant deleterious effects associated with exposure to UOG chemicals or samples, including endocrine disruption, carcinogenicity, behavioral changes and metabolic alterations. Given the plausibility of causal relationships between UOG chemicals and adverse health outcomes highlighted in this review, future risk assessment studies should focus on measuring exposure to UOG chemicals in human populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Élyse Caron-Beaudoin
- Department of Health and Society, 33530 University of Toronto Scarborough , Ontario, Canada
- Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, 33530 University of Toronto Scarborough , Ontario, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Hélène Akpo
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Université de Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Mary M Doyle-Waters
- Centre for Clinical Epidemiology and Evaluation, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Lisa A Ronald
- Centre for Clinical Epidemiology and Evaluation, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, British Columbia, Canada
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Michael Friesen
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Tim Takaro
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, British Columbia, Canada
| | | | - Ulrike Meyer
- Department of Family Practice, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Margaret J McGregor
- Centre for Clinical Epidemiology and Evaluation, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Family Practice, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, British Columbia, Canada
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Bordeleau G, Lavoie D, Rivard C, Pinet N, Barton D, Hinds S, Al T. Saline and hydrocarbon-bearing fluids detected in shallow aquifers of southern New Brunswick, Canada: Natural occurrence, or deep migration along faults and industrial wellbores? THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 933:172999. [PMID: 38714261 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/09/2024]
Abstract
Unconventional hydrocarbon production has sparked public concerns for several years, especially regarding potential potable groundwater contamination by hydrocarbons, brines, and various chemicals related to hydraulic fracturing operations. One possible contamination mechanism is upward migration of deep-seated contaminants over large vertical distances, through preferential pathways such as leaky well casings or permeable geological faults. In New Brunswick (Canada), thermogenic hydrocarbons and brackish water were previously reported in shallow water wells, some of them located close to unconventional gas wells or to major faults, but the exact origin of these fluids remained uncertain. The objective of this paper is to determine whether the presence of these fluids is the result of migration from the deep (>1 km) hydrocarbon bearing units (via natural or anthropogenic migration pathways), or whether they rather originate within the shallow aquifer (<100 m) or from intermediate zone. Tracking fluid origin was achieved by fingerprinting compositional and isotopic values of three indicators: 1) water isotopic signature (including tritium (3H), radiocarbon (14CDIC), δ18OH2O, δ2HH2O), 2) salinity (including Na, Ca, K, SO4, Cl, Br, 87Sr/86Sr), and 3) hydrocarbons (compositional data and δ13CCH4). These various analyses were conducted, when relevant, on samples of different matrices composing the hydrogeological system, namely shallow groundwater (12-90 m depth), shallow bedrock gas (8-131 m), and intermediate zone evaporitic rocks (173-332 m); they were compared with previously published values for deep basin brines and gases (1940-3168 m) from the hydrocarbon bearing Carboniferous Albert Formation. This unique suite of indicators, analytes and matrices allowed drawing the conclusion that thermogenic gas and high salinities present in the sampled wells were naturally occurring and originating from shallow and intermediate-zone bedrock units. Results obtained through this approach did not provide any evidence that hydrocarbon wells in this area have acted as preferential migration pathways for deep-seated fluids towards shallow aquifers.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Bordeleau
- Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS), Québec, QC, Canada.
| | - D Lavoie
- Geological Survey of Canada, Natural Resources Canada, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - C Rivard
- Geological Survey of Canada, Natural Resources Canada, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - N Pinet
- Geological Survey of Canada, Natural Resources Canada, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - D Barton
- University of Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - S Hinds
- Natural Resources and Energy Development New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB, Canada
| | - Tom Al
- University of Ottawa, 75 Laurier Ave E, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada
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Stemple B, Gulliver D, Sarkar P, Tinker K, Bibby K. Metagenome-assembled genomes provide insight into the metabolic potential during early production of Hydraulic Fracturing Test Site 2 in the Delaware Basin. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1376536. [PMID: 38933028 PMCID: PMC11199900 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1376536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Demand for natural gas continues to climb in the United States, having reached a record monthly high of 104.9 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) in November 2023. Hydraulic fracturing, a technique used to extract natural gas and oil from deep underground reservoirs, involves injecting large volumes of fluid, proppant, and chemical additives into shale units. This is followed by a "shut-in" period, during which the fracture fluid remains pressurized in the well for several weeks. The microbial processes that occur within the reservoir during this shut-in period are not well understood; yet, these reactions may significantly impact the structural integrity and overall recovery of oil and gas from the well. To shed light on this critical phase, we conducted an analysis of both pre-shut-in material alongside production fluid collected throughout the initial production phase at the Hydraulic Fracturing Test Site 2 (HFTS 2) located in the prolific Wolfcamp formation within the Permian Delaware Basin of west Texas, USA. Specifically, we aimed to assess the microbial ecology and functional potential of the microbial community during this crucial time frame. Prior analysis of 16S rRNA sequencing data through the first 35 days of production revealed a strong selection for a Clostridia species corresponding to a significant decrease in microbial diversity. Here, we performed a metagenomic analysis of produced water sampled on Day 33 of production. This analysis yielded three high-quality metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs), one of which was a Clostridia draft genome closely related to the recently classified Petromonas tenebris. This draft genome likely represents the dominant Clostridia species observed in our 16S rRNA profile. Annotation of the MAGs revealed the presence of genes involved in critical metabolic processes, including thiosulfate reduction, mixed acid fermentation, and biofilm formation. These findings suggest that this microbial community has the potential to contribute to well souring, biocorrosion, and biofouling within the reservoir. Our research provides unique insights into the early stages of production in one of the most prolific unconventional plays in the United States, with important implications for well management and energy recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brooke Stemple
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, United States
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Oak Ridge, TN, United States
| | - Djuna Gulliver
- National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Preom Sarkar
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Oak Ridge, TN, United States
- National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Kara Tinker
- National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Leidos Research Support Team, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Kyle Bibby
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, United States
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Oak Ridge, TN, United States
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Brien JA, Obkirchner GE, Knappett PSK, Miller GR, Burnett D, Bhatia M. Impacts of Groundwater Pumping for Hydraulic Fracturing on Aquifers Overlying the Eagle Ford Shale. GROUND WATER 2024; 62:343-356. [PMID: 37507835 DOI: 10.1111/gwat.13344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Hydraulic fracturing (HF) events consume high volumes of water over a short time. When groundwater is the source, the additional pumping by rig/frack supply wells (RFSWs) may impose costs on owners of other sector wells (OSWs) by lowering the hydraulic head. The Carrizo-Wilcox aquifer in south Texas is the main source of water for HF of the Eagle Ford Shale (EFS) Play. The objectives are to assess the impacts of groundwater pumping for HF supply on: (1) hydraulic heads in OSWs located nearby an RFSW and (2) volumetric fluxes between layers of the regional aquifer system compared to a baseline model without the effect of RFSW pumping. The study area spans the footprint of the EFS Play in Texas and extends from 2011 to 2020. The pumping schedules of 2500 RFSWs were estimated from reported pumped water volumes to supply 22,500 HF events. Median annual drawdowns in OSWs ranged from 0.2 to 6.6 m, whereas 95th percentile annual drawdowns exceeded 20 m. The magnitudes of drawdown increased from 2011 to 2020. Of the four layers that comprise the Carrizo-Wilcox aquifer, the upper Wilcox was the most intensively pumped for HF supply. During the peak HF year of 2014, the net flux to the upper Wilcox was 292 Mm3 compared to the baseline net flux for the same year of 278 Mm3-a relative gain of 14 Mm3. Pumping for HF supply has the potential to negatively impact nearby OSWs by capturing water from adjacent aquifer layers.
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Affiliation(s)
- John A Brien
- Water Management and Hydrologic Sciences Program, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
- Brien Well Drilling, Hearne, TX, 77859, USA
| | - Gabrielle E Obkirchner
- Water Management and Hydrologic Sciences Program, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
- California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Sacramento, CA, 95834, USA
| | | | - Gretchen R Miller
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - David Burnett
- Petroleum Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Mukul Bhatia
- Berg-Hughes Center for Petroleum and Sedimentary Systems, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
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Yamaguchi A, Kurihara Y, Nagata K, Tanaka K, Higaki S, Kobayashi T, Tanida H, Ohara Y, Yokoyama K, Yaita T, Yoshimura T, Okumura M, Takahashi Y. Molecular geochemistry of radium: A key to understanding cation adsorption reaction on clay minerals. J Colloid Interface Sci 2024; 661:317-332. [PMID: 38301469 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2024.01.120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Adsorption reactions of various cations on clay minerals have different effects on their environmental behaviors depending on the molecular-scale adsorption structure. Some cations form outer-sphere complexes via hydration, while others create inner-sphere complexes through dehydration. This preference dictates their environmental impact. However, the factors controlling these complex formations remain unclear. Furthermore, research on the adsorption preferences of radium (Ra) is lacking. Thus, this study conducted the first EXAFS study of Ra2+ adsorbed on clay minerals and showed that Ra2+ forms inner-sphere complexes on vermiculite, which can be surprising because Ra2+ is a divalent cation and prefers to be hydrated. In order to investigate the factors controlling the complex formations, this study conducted systematic EXAFS measurements and DFT calculations for alkali and alkaline earth metal cations. The results showed the importance of the size-matching effect between the adsorbed cation and the cavity of the tetrahedral sheets and that the complex formation can be estimated by the combination of the ionic radius and hydration enthalpy of the adsorbed cation. Furthermore, this study also analyzed environmental core samples. Their results showed the fixation of Ra2+ by clay minerals and the controlling factors can effectively predict cation environmental behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akiko Yamaguchi
- Center for Computational Science and e-Systems, Japan Atomic Energy Agency, Kashiwa-shi, Chiba 277-0871, Japan; Advanced Science Research Center, Japan Atomic Energy Agency, Tokai-mura, Naka-gun, Ibaraki 319-1195, Japan; Materials Sciences Research Center, Japan Atomic Energy Agency, Tokai-mura, Naka-gun, Ibaraki 319-1195, Japan; Department of Earth and Planetary Science, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan.
| | - Yuichi Kurihara
- Department of Earth and Planetary Science, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan; Ningyo-toge Environmental Engineering Center, Japan Atomic Energy Agency, Kagamino-cho, Tomata-gun, Okayama 708-0698, Japan; Department of Nuclear Technology, Nagaoka University of Technology, Nagaoka-shi, Niigata 940-2188, Japan
| | - Kojiro Nagata
- Radioisotope Research Center, Institute for Radiation Sciences Osaka University, Suita-shi, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Kazuya Tanaka
- Advanced Science Research Center, Japan Atomic Energy Agency, Tokai-mura, Naka-gun, Ibaraki 319-1195, Japan; Ningyo-toge Environmental Engineering Center, Japan Atomic Energy Agency, Kagamino-cho, Tomata-gun, Okayama 708-0698, Japan
| | - Shogo Higaki
- Isotope Science Center, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0032, Japan
| | - Tohru Kobayashi
- Materials Sciences Research Center, Japan Atomic Energy Agency, Kouto, Sayo-cho, Sayo-gun, Hyogo 679-5148, Japan
| | - Hajime Tanida
- Materials Sciences Research Center, Japan Atomic Energy Agency, Kouto, Sayo-cho, Sayo-gun, Hyogo 679-5148, Japan
| | - Yoshiyuki Ohara
- Environmental Sales Department, Environment Business Department, Nihon Kaisui Co., LTD., Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0062, Japan
| | - Keiichi Yokoyama
- Materials Sciences Research Center, Japan Atomic Energy Agency, Tokai-mura, Naka-gun, Ibaraki 319-1195, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Yaita
- Materials Sciences Research Center, Japan Atomic Energy Agency, Tokai-mura, Naka-gun, Ibaraki 319-1195, Japan
| | - Takashi Yoshimura
- Radioisotope Research Center, Institute for Radiation Sciences Osaka University, Suita-shi, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Masahiko Okumura
- Center for Computational Science and e-Systems, Japan Atomic Energy Agency, Kashiwa-shi, Chiba 277-0871, Japan
| | - Yoshio Takahashi
- Department of Earth and Planetary Science, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan; Isotope Science Center, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0032, Japan
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10
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Marumure J, Simbanegavi TT, Makuvara Z, Karidzagundi R, Alufasi R, Goredema M, Gufe C, Chaukura N, Halabowski D, Gwenzi W. Emerging organic contaminants in drinking water systems: Human intake, emerging health risks, and future research directions. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 356:141699. [PMID: 38554874 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141699] [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: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Few earlier reviews on emerging organic contaminants (EOCs) in drinking water systems (DWS) focused on their detection, behaviour, removal and fate. Reviews on multiple exposure pathways, human intake estimates, and health risks including toxicokinetics, and toxicodynamics of EOCs in DWS are scarce. This review presents recent advances in human intake and health risks of EOCs in DWS. First, an overview of the evidence showing that DWS harbours a wide range of EOCs is presented. Multiple human exposure to EOCs occurs via ingestion of drinking water and beverages, inhalation and dermal pathways are discussed. A potential novel exposure may occur via the intravenous route in dialysis fluids. Analysis of global data on pharmaceutical pollution in rivers showed that the cumulative concentrations (μg L-1) of pharmaceuticals (mean ± standard error of the mean) were statistically more than two times significantly higher (p = 0.011) in South America (11.68 ± 5.29), Asia (9.97 ± 3.33), Africa (9.48 ± 2.81) and East Europe (8.09 ± 4.35) than in high-income regions (2.58 ± 0.48). Maximum cumulative concentrations of pharmaceuticals (μg L-1) decreased in the order; Asia (70.7) had the highest value followed by South America (68.8), Africa (51.3), East Europe (32.0) and high-income regions (17.1) had the least concentration. The corresponding human intake via ingestion of untreated river water was also significantly higher in low- and middle-income regions than in their high-income counterparts. For each region, the daily intake of pharmaceuticals was highest in infants, followed by children and then adults. A critique of the human health hazards, including toxicokinetics and toxicodynamics of EOCs is presented. Emerging health hazards of EOCs in DWS include; (1) long-term latent and intergenerational effects, (2) the interactive health effects of EOC mixtures, (3) the challenges of multifinality and equifinality, and (4) the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease hypothesis. Finally, research needs on human health hazards of EOCs in DWS are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerikias Marumure
- Department of Physics, Geography and Environmental Science, School of Natural Sciences, Great Zimbabwe University, Masvingo, Zimbabwe; Department of Life and Consumer Sciences, School of Agriculture and Life Sciences, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, University of South Africa, South Africa
| | - Tinoziva T Simbanegavi
- Department of Soil Science and Environment, Faculty of Agriculture, Environment, and Food Systems, University of Zimbabwe, P. O. Box MP 167, Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Zakio Makuvara
- Department of Physics, Geography and Environmental Science, School of Natural Sciences, Great Zimbabwe University, Masvingo, Zimbabwe; Department of Life and Consumer Sciences, School of Agriculture and Life Sciences, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, University of South Africa, South Africa
| | - Rangarirayi Karidzagundi
- Materials Development Unit, Zimbabwe Open University, P.O. Box MP1119 Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Richwell Alufasi
- Biological Sciences Department, Bindura University of Science Education, 741 Chimurenga Road, Off Trojan Road, P. Bag 1020, Bindura, Zimbabwe
| | - Marvelous Goredema
- Biological Sciences Department, Bindura University of Science Education, 741 Chimurenga Road, Off Trojan Road, P. Bag 1020, Bindura, Zimbabwe
| | - Claudious Gufe
- Department of Veterinary Technical Services, Central Veterinary Laboratories, Box CY55, 18A Borrowdale Road, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Nhamo Chaukura
- Department of Physical and Earth Sciences, Sol Plaatje University, Kimberley, 8301, South Africa
| | - Dariusz Halabowski
- University of Lodz, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, Department of Ecology and Vertebrate Zoology, Lodz, Poland
| | - Willis Gwenzi
- Currently: Biosystems and Environmental Engineering Research Group, 380, New Adylin, Westgate, Harare, Zimbabwe; Formerly: Alexander von Humboldt Fellow & Guest/Visiting Professor, Grassland Science and Renewable Plant Resources, Faculty of Organic Agricultural Sciences, Universität Kassel, Steinstraße 19, D-37213, Witzenhausen, Germany; Formerly: Alexander von Humboldt Fellow and Guest Professor, Leibniz-Institut für Agrartechnik und Bioökonomie e.V. (ATB), Max-Eyth-Allee 100, D-14469 Potsdam, Germany.
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11
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Rosenblum JS, Liethen A, Miller-Robbie L. Prioritization and Risk Ranking of Regulated and Unregulated Chemicals in US Drinking Water. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:6878-6889. [PMID: 38564650 PMCID: PMC11044589 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c08745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Drinking water constituents were compared using more than six million measurements (USEPA data) to prioritize and risk-rank regulated and unregulated chemicals and classes of chemicals. Hazard indexes were utilized for hazard- and risk-based chemicals, along with observed (nondetects = 0) and censored (nondetects = method detection limit/2) data methods. Chemicals (n = 139) were risk-ranked based on population exposed, resulting in the highest rankings for inorganic compounds (IOCs) and disinfection byproducts (DBPs), followed by semivolatile organic compounds (SOCs), nonvolatile organic compounds (NVOCs), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) for observed data. The top 50 risk-ranked chemicals included 15 that were unregulated, with at least one chemical from each chemical class (chromium-6 [#1, IOC], chlorate and NDMA [#11 and 12, DBP], 1,4-dioxane [#25, SOC], PFOS, PFOA, PFHxS [#42, 44, and 49, NVOC], and 1,2,3-trichloropropane [#48, VOC]). These results suggest that numerous unregulated chemicals are of higher exposure risk or hazard in US drinking water than many regulated chemicals. These methods could be applied following each Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR) data collection phase and compared to retrospective data that highlight what chemicals potentially pose the highest exposure risk or hazard among US drinking water, which could inform regulators, utilities, and researchers alike.
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Affiliation(s)
- James S. Rosenblum
- Civil and Environmental Engineering
Department, Colorado School of Mines Golden, Colorado 80401, United States
| | - Alexander Liethen
- Civil and Environmental Engineering
Department, Colorado School of Mines Golden, Colorado 80401, United States
| | - Leslie Miller-Robbie
- Civil and Environmental Engineering
Department, Colorado School of Mines Golden, Colorado 80401, United States
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12
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Farid MU, Kharraz JA, Sun J, Boey MW, Riaz MA, Wong PW, Jia M, Zhang X, Deka BJ, Khanzada NK, Guo J, An AK. Advancements in Nanoenabled Membrane Distillation for a Sustainable Water-Energy-Environment Nexus. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2307950. [PMID: 37772325 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202307950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
The emergence of nano innovations in membrane distillation (MD) has garnered increasing scientific interest. This enables the exploration of state-of-the-art nano-enabled MD membranes with desirable properties, which significantly improve the efficiency and reliability of the MD process and open up opportunities for achieving a sustainable water-energy-environment (WEE) nexus. This comprehensive review provides broad coverage and in-depth analysis of recent innovations in nano-enabled MD membranes, focusing on their role in achieving desirable properties, such as strong liquid-repellence, high resistance to scaling, fouling, and wetting, as well as efficient self-heating and self-cleaning functionalities. The recent developments in nano-enhanced photothermal-catalytic applications for water-energy co-generation within a single MD system are also discussed. Furthermore, the bottlenecks are identified that impede the scale-up of nanoenhanced MD membranes and a future roadmap is proposed for their sustainable commercialiation. This holistic overview is expected to inspire future research and development efforts to fully harness the potential of nano-enabled MD membranes to achieve sustainable integration of water, energy, and the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Usman Farid
- School of Energy and Environment, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Jehad A Kharraz
- School of Energy and Environment, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
- Center for Membranes and Advanced Water Technology (CMAT), Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, 127788, United Arab Emirates
| | - Jiawei Sun
- School of Energy and Environment, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Min-Wei Boey
- School of Energy and Environment, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Muhammad Adil Riaz
- School of Energy and Environment, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Pak Wai Wong
- School of Energy and Environment, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Mingyi Jia
- School of Energy and Environment, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Xinning Zhang
- School of Energy and Environment, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Bhaskar Jyoti Deka
- Department of Hydrology, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Haridwar, Uttarakhand, 247667, India
- Centre for Nanotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Haridwar, Uttarakhand, 247667, India
| | - Noman Khalid Khanzada
- School of Energy and Environment, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
- NYUAD Water Research Center, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, 129188, United Arab Emirates
| | - Jiaxin Guo
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China
| | - Alicia Kyoungjin An
- School of Energy and Environment, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
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13
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Zhang H, Han X, Wang G, Zhou L, Huang D, Chen X, Zhang F. Hydrogeochemical and isotopic evidences of the underlying produced water intrusion into shallow groundwater in an oil production area, Northwest China. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 916:170242. [PMID: 38278275 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
The extensive use of fossil fuels (e.g., oil) poses a hidden danger to groundwater quality. However, inorganic pollution has received limited attention compared to organic pollution. In this study, the potential contaminant sources to shallow groundwater were investigated using hydrochemical (e.g., major and trace elements) and isotopic (δ2H and δ18O) methods at an oil field, northwest China, with emphasis on the identification of produced water (PW; oil production-related water) intrusion. The results showed that the groundwater samples can be chemically and isotopically classified into two groups: Group A (severely polluted) and B (slightly or non- polluted). The hydrochemical characteristics of Group A were similar to that of PW, with a comparable Na+/Cl- ratio and elevated levels of Na+, Ca2+, Cl-, Br-, Sr, Ba, Li, B and total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs; volatile and semi-volatile) concentration, but lower HCO3- and SO42- contents, and depleted δ2H and δ18O, which was not suitable for drinking. Groundwater salinity sources involve mineral dissolution (silicate, carbonate and evaporite), cation exchange and anaerobic microbial degradation, as well as deep PW intrusion (especially in Group A). The Cl mixing model showed that PW contributed 13.63-27.78 % to Group A, supported by the results of the isotope mixing model based on δ2H and δ18O (24.43-33.29 %). An overall pollution conceptual model involves three modes: fracturing, surface infiltration, and groundwater lateral runoff. This study validates the effectiveness of Na, Cl, Br, Sr, Ba, Li and B as favorable tracers for monitoring PW intrusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology & MOE Key Laboratory of Groundwater Circulation and Environmental Evolution, China University of Geosciences, Beijing 100083, China; School of Water Resources and Environment, China University of Geosciences, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Xu Han
- Geology Institute of China Chemical Geology and Mine Bureau, Beijing 100028, China
| | - Guangcai Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology & MOE Key Laboratory of Groundwater Circulation and Environmental Evolution, China University of Geosciences, Beijing 100083, China; School of Water Resources and Environment, China University of Geosciences, Beijing 100083, China.
| | - Ling Zhou
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Urban Hydrological Cycle and Sponge City Technology, College of Water Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Dandan Huang
- School of Water Resources & Environment Engineering, East China University of Technology, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330013, China
| | - Xianglong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology & MOE Key Laboratory of Groundwater Circulation and Environmental Evolution, China University of Geosciences, Beijing 100083, China; School of Water Resources and Environment, China University of Geosciences, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Fan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology & MOE Key Laboratory of Groundwater Circulation and Environmental Evolution, China University of Geosciences, Beijing 100083, China; School of Water Resources and Environment, China University of Geosciences, Beijing 100083, China
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14
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Dong Y, Gao J, Liu Y, Tao L, Wu J, Zhu P, Huang H, Zheng H, Huang T. Salinization of groundwater in shale gas extraction area in the Sichuan Basin, China: Implications for water protection in shale regions with well-developed faults. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 915:170065. [PMID: 38232857 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
The expanding growth of shale gas development has sparked global concern over water-related environmental issues. However, research on groundwater contamination in shale gas areas in China remains limited, impeding environmentally friendly industry practices. To address this gap, we investigated the Wufeng-Longmaxi shale region in the Sichuan Basin, encompassing both operational and prospective shale gas extraction sites, to assess the effects of shale gas operations on shallow groundwater quality. We found there was no significant correlation between groundwater quality and the minimum distance from the shale gas well pads, and some groundwater samples located far from shale gas well pads, rather than those close to pads, were salinized. These findings suggest minimal impacts from shale gas drilling and hydraulic fracturing. The salinized groundwater samples are characterized by high salinity levels and ion concentrations, and are located near fault zones. The primary source of shallow groundwater salinization was derived from the Triassic formation brines confirmed through the assessment of the sensitivity and conservative mixing models. Faults in the study area were identified as pathways for the upward migration of Triassic brines, evidenced by the proximity of salinized samples to fault zones. However, further investigation is required to ascertain whether shale gas extraction activities have induced the migration of formation brines. The occurrence and reactivation of faults, induced by microseismic activities, may pose an increased risk of groundwater contamination in tectonically complex fault zones during shale gas extraction. Therefore, it is imperative to enhance extraction strategies and technologies, particularly in shale regions with well-developed faults, such as optimizing well placement regulation, controlling hydraulic fracturing scale, and strengthening environmental monitoring. By shedding light on potential environmental ramifications of shale gas extraction, especially in fault-rich regions, our study informs water protection strategies and the sustainable advancement of the shale gas industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixin Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Oil and Gas Reservoir Geology and Exploitation, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu 610059, China
| | - Jinliang Gao
- PetroChina Research Institute of Petroleum Exploration and Development, Beijing 100083, China.
| | - Yueyang Liu
- CNPC Economics &Technology Research Institute, Beijing 100724, China
| | - Lizhu Tao
- College of Mathematics, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Junfeng Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Oil and Gas Reservoir Geology and Exploitation, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu 610059, China; College of River and Ocean Engineering, Chongqing Jiaotong University, Chongqing 400074, China
| | - Peng Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Oil and Gas Reservoir Geology and Exploitation, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu 610059, China
| | - Hanyu Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Oil and Gas Reservoir Geology and Exploitation, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu 610059, China
| | - Haofu Zheng
- College of River and Ocean Engineering, Chongqing Jiaotong University, Chongqing 400074, China
| | - Tianming Huang
- Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100029, China
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15
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Yan X, Liu Y, Hou Z, Yuan L, Yang J, Dong W. Cleaning Oil-Based Drilling Cuttings with Synthetic Gemini Surfactants. ACS OMEGA 2024; 9:10488-10497. [PMID: 38463275 PMCID: PMC10918673 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c08618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
The chemical cleaning method is the simplest approach for degreasing oil-based drilling cuttings (ODCs), with the effectiveness of the treatment relying mainly on the selection of the surfactant and the cleaning conditions. However, achieving the standard treatment of ODCs directly using conventional surfactants proves challenging. In light of this, this study introduces a synthesized and purified Gemini surfactant named DCY-1. The structure of DCY-1 was confirmed through Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analyses. The characterization in this article encompasses the use of an interface tension meter, nanoparticle size analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and infrared oil measurement. The critical micelle concentration (CMC) of DCY-1 was determined to be 3.37 × 10-3 mol/L, with a corresponding γcmc value of 37.97 mN/m. In comparison to conventional surfactants, DCY-1 exhibited a larger micelle size of 4.52 nm, approximately 24.52% larger than that of SDS. Moreover, the residual oil rate of 3.96% achieved by DCY-1 was the lowest among the chemical cleaning experimental results. Through a single-factor experiment, the optimal cleaning ability of DCY-1 for ODCs was determined as follows: a surfactant concentration of 3 mmol/L, a temperature of 60 °C, an ODC/liquid mass ratio of 1:4, a cleaning duration of 40 min, and a stirring speed of 1000 rad/min. Under these optimal conditions and after merely two cleaning procedures, the residual oil content of ODCs was reduced to 1.64%, accompanied by a smooth and loose surface structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Yan
- College
of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest
Petroleum University, Chengdu 610500, Sichuan, P. R. China
| | - Yucheng Liu
- College
of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest
Petroleum University, Chengdu 610500, Sichuan, P. R. China
- Research
Institute of Industrial Hazardous Waste Disposal and Resource Utilization, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu 610500, Sichuan, P. R. China
| | - Zhengmeng Hou
- Institute
of Subsurface Energy Systems, Clausthal
University of Technology, Clausthal-Zellerfeld 38678, Germany
| | - Lina Yuan
- China
Railway Eryuan Engineering Group Co, Ltd., Chengdu 610500, Sichuan, P. R. China
| | - Jun Yang
- College
of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest
Petroleum University, Chengdu 610500, Sichuan, P. R. China
| | - Wenxin Dong
- Industrial
Technology Research Institute, Chongqing
University, Chongqing 400044, P. R. China
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16
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Kuang X, Liu J, Scanlon BR, Jiao JJ, Jasechko S, Lancia M, Biskaborn BK, Wada Y, Li H, Zeng Z, Guo Z, Yao Y, Gleeson T, Nicot JP, Luo X, Zou Y, Zheng C. The changing nature of groundwater in the global water cycle. Science 2024; 383:eadf0630. [PMID: 38422130 DOI: 10.1126/science.adf0630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
In recent decades, climate change and other anthropogenic activities have substantially affected groundwater systems worldwide. These impacts include changes in groundwater recharge, discharge, flow, storage, and distribution. Climate-induced shifts are evident in altered recharge rates, greater groundwater contribution to streamflow in glacierized catchments, and enhanced groundwater flow in permafrost areas. Direct anthropogenic changes include groundwater withdrawal and injection, regional flow regime modification, water table and storage alterations, and redistribution of embedded groundwater in foods globally. Notably, groundwater extraction contributes to sea level rise, increasing the risk of groundwater inundation in coastal areas. The role of groundwater in the global water cycle is becoming more dynamic and complex. Quantifying these changes is essential to ensure sustainable supply of fresh groundwater resources for people and ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingxing Kuang
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Integrated Surface Water-Groundwater Pollution Control, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil and Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Junguo Liu
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Integrated Surface Water-Groundwater Pollution Control, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil and Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
- Henan Provincial Key Lab of Hydrosphere and Watershed Water Security, North China University of Water Resources and Electric Power, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Bridget R Scanlon
- Bureau of Economic Geology, Jackson School of Geosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78758, USA
| | - Jiu Jimmy Jiao
- Department of Earth Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, China
| | - Scott Jasechko
- Bren School of Environmental Science and Management, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Michele Lancia
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Integrated Surface Water-Groundwater Pollution Control, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil and Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Boris K Biskaborn
- Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, 14473 Potsdam Germany
| | - Yoshihide Wada
- Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hailong Li
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Integrated Surface Water-Groundwater Pollution Control, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil and Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhenzhong Zeng
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Integrated Surface Water-Groundwater Pollution Control, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil and Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhilin Guo
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Integrated Surface Water-Groundwater Pollution Control, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil and Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yingying Yao
- Department of Earth and Environmental Science, School of Human Settlements and Civil Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Tom Gleeson
- Department of Civil Engineering and School of Earth and Ocean Sciences, University of Victoria, 3800 Finnerty Road, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada
| | - Jean-Philippe Nicot
- Bureau of Economic Geology, Jackson School of Geosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78758, USA
| | - Xin Luo
- Department of Earth Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yiguang Zou
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Integrated Surface Water-Groundwater Pollution Control, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil and Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chunmiao Zheng
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Integrated Surface Water-Groundwater Pollution Control, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil and Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
- Eastern Institute for Advanced Study, Eastern Institute of Technology, Ningbo, China
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17
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Willems DJ, Kumar A, Nguyen TV, Beale DJ, Nugegoda D. Environmentally relevant concentrations of chemically complex shale gas wastewater led to reduced fitness of water fleas (Daphnia carinata): Multiple lines of evidence approach. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 463:132839. [PMID: 37926015 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132839] [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: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Shale gas hydraulic fracturing generates flowback waters that pose a threat to aquatic organisms if released into the environment. In order to prevent adverse effects on aquatic ecosystems, multiple lines of evidence are needed to guide better decisions and management actions. This study employed a multi-disciplinary approach, combining direct toxicity assessment (DTA) on the water flea Daphnia carinata and LC-MS metabolomics analysis to determine the impact of a major ion salinity control (SC) and a cumulative flowback shale gas wastewater (SGW) from a well in the Beetaloo Sub-basin, Northern Territory, Australia. The exposures included a culture water control, simply further referred to as 'control', SC at 1% and 2% (v/v) and SGW at 0.125, 0.25, 0.5, 1% and 2% (v/v). The results showed that reproduction was significantly increased at SGW 0.5%, and significantly decreased when exposed to SC 2%. SGW 2% was found to be acutely toxic for the D. carinata (< 48-h). Second generation (F1) of D. carinata exposed to 0.125-1% SGW generally saw reduced activity in four oxidative biomarkers: glutathione S-transferase, lipid peroxidation, reactive oxygen species, and superoxide dismutase. At the metabolomics level, we observed significant changes in 103 metabolites in Daphnia exposed to both SGW and elevated salinity, in comparison to the control group. These changes indicate a range of metabolic disturbances induced by SGW and salinity, such as lipid metabolism, amino acid metabolism, nucleotide synthesis, energy production, and the biosynthesis of crucial molecules like hormones and pigments. These multiple lines of evidence approach not only highlights the complexities of SGW's impact on aquatic ecosystems but also underscores the importance of informed decision-making and management practices to safeguard the environment and its inhabitants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Willems
- Ecotoxicology Research Group, School of Science, Bundoora West Campus, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia; Environment Business Unit, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Urrbrae 5064, South Australia, Australia.
| | - Anupama Kumar
- Environment Business Unit, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Urrbrae 5064, South Australia, Australia
| | - Thao V Nguyen
- Environment Business Unit, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Ecosciences Precinct, Dutton Park 4102, Queensland, Australia; NTT Institute of High Technology, Nguyen Tat Thanh University, 300A Nguyen Tat Thanh, District 4, Ho Chi Minh 700000, VietNam
| | - David J Beale
- Environment Business Unit, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Ecosciences Precinct, Dutton Park 4102, Queensland, Australia
| | - Dayanthi Nugegoda
- Ecotoxicology Research Group, School of Science, Bundoora West Campus, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
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18
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Underhill V, Allison G, Huntzinger H, Mason C, Noreck A, Suyama E, Vera L, Wylie S. Increases in trade secret designations in hydraulic fracturing fluids and their potential implications for environmental health and water quality. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 351:119611. [PMID: 38056330 PMCID: PMC10872473 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.119611] [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: 09/17/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
Hydraulic fracturing is an increasingly common method of oil and gas extraction across the United States. Many of the chemicals used in hydraulic fracturing processes have been proven detrimental to human and environmental health. While disclosure frameworks have advanced significantly in the last 20 years, the practice of withholding chemical identities as "trade secrets" or "proprietary claims" continues to represent a major absence in the data available on hydraulic fracturing. Here, we analyze rates of trade secret claims using FracFocus, a nationwide database of hydraulic fracturing data, from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2022. We use the open-source tool Open-FF, which collates FracFocus data, makes it accessible for systematic analysis, and performs several quality-control measures. We found that the use by mass of chemicals designated as trade secrets has increased over the study time period, from 728 million pounds in 2014 to 2.96 billion pounds in 2022 (or a 43.7% average yearly increase). A total of 10.4 billion pounds of chemicals were withheld as trade secrets in this time period. The water volume used (and therefore total mass of fracturing fluid) per fracturing job has shown a large increase from 2014 to 2022, which partly explains the increase in mass of chemicals withheld as trade secrets over this time period, even as total fracturing jobs and individual counts of proprietary records have decreased. Our analysis also shows increasing rates of claiming proppants (which can include small grains of sand, ceramic, or other mineral substances used to prop open fractures) as proprietary. However, the mean and median masses of non-proppant constituents designated as trade secrets have also increased over the study period. We also find that the total proportion of all disclosures including proprietary designations has increased by 1.1% per year, from 79.3% in 2014 to 87.5% in 2022. In addition, most disclosures designate more than one chemical record as proprietary: trade secret withholding is most likely to apply to 10-25% of all records in an individual disclosure. We also show the top ten reported purposes that most commonly include proprietary designations, after removing vague or multiple entries, the first three of which are corrosion inhibitors, friction reducers, and surfactants. Finally, we report the top ten operators and suppliers using and supplying proprietary chemicals, ranked by mass used or supplied, over our study period. These results suggest the importance of revisiting the role of proprietary designations within state and federal disclosure mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivian Underhill
- Social Science Environmental Health Research Institute, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Gary Allison
- Department of Geography, The Ohio State University, 281 W Lane Ave, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Holden Huntzinger
- University of Michigan School of Information, 105 S State St, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Cole Mason
- Center for Environmental Studies, Williams College, 880 Main St, Williamstown, MA 01267, USA
| | - Abigail Noreck
- College of Science, Northeastern University, 115 Richards Hall, 360 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Emi Suyama
- Bouvé College of Health Science, Northeastern University, Behrakis Health Sciences Center, 360 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Lourdes Vera
- Department of Sociology, University at Buffalo, 430 Park Hall, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA; Department of Environment and Sustainability, University at Buffalo, 430 Park Hall, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA
| | - Sara Wylie
- Department of Sociology and Anthropology and Social Science Environmental Health Research Institute, Northeastern University, 1135 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02120, USA
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19
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Morais TA, Fleming NA, Attalage D, Mayer B, Mayer KU, Ryan MC. Field investigation of the transport and attenuation of fugitive methane in shallow groundwater around an oil and gas well with gas migration. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 908:168246. [PMID: 37918755 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
'Fugitive' or 'stray' gas migration from deeper formations due to well bore integrity failure has prompted concern regarding environmental impacts. Unintended methane (CH4) migration can increase greenhouse gas emissions and affect groundwater quality in the critical zone. Although the CH4 transport in shallow aquifers has been investigated at experimental injection sites, no intensive groundwater studies have been published around an oil and gas well that has been leaking for a significant period of time. In this field study, groundwater samples were collected from sixteen groundwater monitoring wells (1.25 m below ground surface) installed around a suspended oil and gas well with decadal scale gas migration (estimated ~0.2 m3/day). Stray CH4 distribution and preferential pathways in the shallow groundwater zone were evaluated though high-resolution profiling of equivalent concentrations of hydrocarbon gases (C1-C6; >85 % CH4 at the study site) and bulk formation electrical conductivity to 6.0 m below ground surface. The highest dissolved CH4 concentration (0.074 mmol/L or 1.18 mg/L) in groundwater (1.25 m bgs) was observed immediately downgradient (1.25 m) of the oil and gas well head. Similarly, high-resolution profiling data also revealed the occurrence of relatively high CH4 concentrations in shallow groundwater along the groundwater flow direction and below fine-grained layers up to 10 m distance from the well head. Microbial DNA analysis from groundwater showed significant community shifts, with the highest relative abundance and diversity of methanotrophs observed in the vicinity of the oil and gas well. This study supports findings from experimental injection and laboratory studies, which also found that significant CH4 transport i) dominantly occurs in the groundwater flow direction, and ii) laterally as free phase below fine-grained layers. The occurrence of CH4 concentrations below saturation after more than two decades of gas migration suggests limited impacts have occurred in the shallow subsurface investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiago A Morais
- Department of Department of Earth, Energy and Environment, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
| | - Neil A Fleming
- Department of Department of Earth, Energy and Environment, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Dinu Attalage
- Department of Department of Earth, Energy and Environment, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Bernhard Mayer
- Department of Department of Earth, Energy and Environment, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - K U Mayer
- Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Science, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - M Cathryn Ryan
- Department of Department of Earth, Energy and Environment, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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20
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Hu S, Wang X, Wang E. Experimental study of true triaxial high pressure subcritical water impact fracturing. Sci Rep 2024; 14:1150. [PMID: 38212461 PMCID: PMC10784540 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-51189-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
A new fluid alternative to slick water for fracturing shale gas can reduce the waste of water resources and improve the extraction efficiency, enabling volumetric fracturing. For the new fracturing technique, the experiments of different release pressures under pre-injection and for pre-injection were conducted using a self-designed true triaxial experimental system, and the pressure pulse curves were plotted to analyze the fracturing principle. The experimental results showed that: (1) the pressure rise curve in the reactor can be divided into five stages: initial reaction, linear pressure rise, rate slowdown, instantaneous pressure release, and residual pressure stages; (2) Pre-filling fracturing requires a smaller expansion ratio, weaker pressure degradation, resulting in better fracturing effect; (3) The increase in the initial fracture length leads to an increase in the pressure required to extend the fracture, and high-pressure subcritical water impact fracturing achieved fracture extension at a lower fluid pressure; (4) The fractal dimension has a strong linear relationship with fracture complexity, which is a new option when evaluating the fracturing effect. Volumetric fracturing allows for the creation of more tiny trenches that increase reservoir permeability, leading to better recovery of the reservoir's energy resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaobin Hu
- Tunnel and Underground Engineering Institute, College of Civil and Transportation Engineering, HoHai University, Nanjing, 210098, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Xiaofei Wang
- School of Safety Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou, 221116, Jiangsu, China
| | - Enyuan Wang
- School of Safety Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou, 221116, Jiangsu, China.
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21
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Gao J, Zou C, Zhang X, Guo W, Yu R, Ni Y, Liu D, Kang L, Liu Y, Kondash A, Vengosh A. The water footprint of hydraulic fracturing for shale gas extraction in China. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 907:168135. [PMID: 37890628 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
The rapid expansion of shale gas extraction worldwide has raised significant concerns about its impact on water resources. China is expected to undergo a shale revolution following the U.S. Most of the information on water footprint of shale gas exploration and hydraulic fracturing has been focused on the U.S. Here, we addressed this knowledge gap by establishing a comprehensive database of shale gas extraction in China, utilizing operational data from over 90 % of shale gas wells across the country. We present systematic analysis of water usage and flowback and produced water (FP water) production from all the major shale gas fields in China. Between 2012 and 2022, a total of 2740 shale gas wells were hydraulically fractured in China, primarily located in Sichuan and Chongqing Province. About 113 million m3 water was used for hydraulic fracturing, resulting in a cumulative shale gas production of 116 billion m3. As of 2022, the annual water use for hydraulic fracturing exceeded 20 million m3, and the annual FP water production reached 8.56 million m3. Notably, 80 % ~ 90 % of the FP water has been reused for hydraulic fracturing since 2020, accounting for 29 % to 35 % of the annual water usage for hydraulic fracturing. Water use per well in China varies primarily between 21,730 m3 to 61,070 m3 per well, and water use per horizontal length ranges primarily between 20 m3/m and 35 m3/m. The average ultimate FP water production per well in China was estimated to be 22,460 m3. The water use intensity (WUI) for shale gas extraction in China mainly ranges from 7 to 25.4 L/GJ, which is significantly higher than that of the U.S. This disparity is largely due to the lower Estimated Ultimate Recovery (EUR) of shale gas wells in China. Despite the considerable water consumption during the hydraulic fracturing process, shale gas has a relatively low water footprint compared to other conventional energy resources in China. The Produced water intensity (PWI) for shale gas extraction in China ranges from 3.9 to 7.3 L/GJ, which is consistent with the previously reported PWI values for shale gas extraction in the U.S. This study predicts water usage and FP production spanning the period 2023 to 2050 under two scenarios to assess the potential impact of shale gas extraction on water resources in the Longmaxi shale region in Sichuan Basin. The first scenario assumed a constant drilling rate, while the second assumed a yearly 10 % increase in drilling rate. With an assumed FP water reuse rate of 85 % for hydraulic fracturing, the estimated annual freshwater consumption for the two scenarios is 10.4 million m3 and 163 million m3, respectively. This accounts for only 0.28‱ and 4.4‱ of the total annual surface water resources in Sichuan and Chongqing Province. Our findings suggest that freshwater usage for hydraulic fracturing in humid Southern China is small relative to available surface water resources. However, prospective large-scale shale gas extraction in other arid and semi-arid regions may enhance the regional water scarcity. It is necessary to develop new hydraulic fracturing technologies that can use saline groundwater or other types of marginal water, and explore alternative management and treatment strategies for FP water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinliang Gao
- PetroChina Research Institute of Petroleum Exploration and Development, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Caineng Zou
- PetroChina Research Institute of Petroleum Exploration and Development, Beijing 100083, China.
| | - Xiaowei Zhang
- PetroChina Research Institute of Petroleum Exploration and Development, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Wei Guo
- PetroChina Research Institute of Petroleum Exploration and Development, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Rongze Yu
- PetroChina Research Institute of Petroleum Exploration and Development, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Yunyan Ni
- State Key Laboratory of Petroleum Resources and Prospecting, China University of Petroleum, Beijing 102249, China
| | - Dan Liu
- PetroChina Research Institute of Petroleum Exploration and Development, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Lixia Kang
- PetroChina Research Institute of Petroleum Exploration and Development, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Yuyang Liu
- PetroChina Research Institute of Petroleum Exploration and Development, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Andrew Kondash
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, United States
| | - Avner Vengosh
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, United States.
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22
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Liu G, Han C, Yang H, Xiu J, Li X, Hao Z, Wei B, Lv N. Main Control Factors of Fracture Propagation in Reservoir: A Review. ACS OMEGA 2024; 9:117-136. [PMID: 38222556 PMCID: PMC10785079 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c08547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
The fracture distribution and internal control factors after the fracturing of unconventional oil and gas reservoirs determine the reservoir reforming effect to a large extent. Based on the research of global scholars on the influencing factors of fracture propagation, comprehensive theoretical model, and numerical simulation, this Review systematically discusses the influence of internal geological factors and external engineering factors of unconventional oil and gas reservoir on fracture propagation behavior and summarizes the current problems and development trends in fracture research. The results show the following: (1) The fracture propagation is a comprehensive process constrained by lithology and mineral composition, water saturation, nonhomogeneity, natural weak surface, and ground stress. (2) External engineering factors have a meaningful control effect on fracture propagation; the type and temperature of fracturing fluids can also change the mechanical properties of different rocks, thus affecting the fracture propagation pattern. (3) The existing fracture propagation models have certain limitations, and their computational reliability still needs to be further verified. (4) Numerical simulation can break through the limitations of physical simulation, but different simulation methods have different shortcomings and applicability. In the future, we should focus on: (1) finding parameters to quantitatively characterize heterogeneity at the 3D level, which is an important direction to study the effect of heterogeneity on fracture propagation; (2) introducing computerized methods to establish a geological model that considers multiple factors and combining it with numerical simulation software to study fracture propagation; (3) considering the characteristics of fluid-liquid-solid phase comprehensively, establishing a suitable THL coupling equation; (4) how the interaction mode of fracturing fracture is combined with the natural fracture geometry, and how the fracture is affected by fracturing engineering parameters such as fluid injection rate and viscosity of fracturing fluid; and (5) geology-engineering dynamic integration, which is an important direction to be carried out in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geng Liu
- College
of Geology and Mining Engineering, Xinjiang
University, Urumqi 830047, China
| | - Changcheng Han
- College
of Geology and Mining Engineering, Xinjiang
University, Urumqi 830047, China
| | - Huijie Yang
- Research
Institute of Exploration and Development, Qinghai Oilfield, Jiuquan 735000, China
| | - Jinlei Xiu
- Exploration
and Development Research, Institute of Shengli
Oilfield, Sinopec, Dongying, Shandong 257022, China
| | - Xin Li
- College
of Geology and Mining Engineering, Xinjiang
University, Urumqi 830047, China
| | - Zhiwei Hao
- Exploration
and Development Research, Institute of Shengli
Oilfield, Sinopec, Dongying, Shandong 257022, China
| | - Bo Wei
- No.156
Geological Exploration Team, Xinjiang Uygur
Autonomous Region Coalfield Geology Bureau, Urumqi 830047, China
| | - Ning Lv
- National
305 Project Office, Science and Technology
Department of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Urumqi 830047, China
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23
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Ma L, Hurtado A, Eguilior S, Llamas Borrajo JF. Acute and chronic risk assessment of BTEX in the return water of hydraulic fracturing operations in Marcellus Shale. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 906:167638. [PMID: 37813252 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167638] [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: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
Environmental pollution caused by human activities is a pressing issue in developed countries. In this context, it is vital to establish methodologies for the early and reliable estimation of the health risks posed by potential pollutants. Flowback and produced water (return water) from shale gas operations can contain toxic compounds, of which BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes) are of concern due to their toxicity and frequent presence above regulatory limits. The return water generated by these operations is stored in ponds or tanks before reaching its final destination. Over time, the composition of this water changes, and leaks or inadequate contact can harm the environment and human health. Here we developed a risk assessment framework to evaluate the temporal evolution of chronic and acute BTEX exposure risks caused by accidental return water leakage. We applied the approach to a hydraulic fracturing operation in the Marcellus Shale Formation. Starting with a time series of BTEX concentrations in the return water, our method deploys transport models to assess risk to health. Our approach compares exposure levels with regulatory limits for inhalation, ingestion, and dermal contact. By identifying the risk levels, exposure pathways, and control parameters in the case study for a range of periods after leakage, our study supports the implementation of appropriate risk mitigation strategies. In addition, by examining risk variation under arid, semi-arid, and humid climate scenarios, the study reveals the impact of climate change on soil characteristics and BTEX transport. The development and application of this methodology is an important step in addressing concerns regarding shale gas operations. The approach proposed paves the way for sustainable practices that prioritise the protection of human health and the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lanting Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Petroleum Pollution Control, Xi'an Shiyou University, Xi'an, China; Shaanxi Province Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control and Reservoir Protection Technology of Oilfields, Xi'an Shiyou University, Xi'an, China
| | - Antonio Hurtado
- Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas, Avda. Complutense 40, Edif. 20, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Sonsoles Eguilior
- Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas, Avda. Complutense 40, Edif. 20, 28040 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Juan F Llamas Borrajo
- Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingenieros de Minas y Energía, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Calle de Ríos Rosas 21, 28003 Madrid, Spain
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24
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Whittington AA, Keimowitz AR, Tanski JM. Crystal structures of three uranyl-acetate-bipyridine complexes crystallized from hydraulic fracking fluid. Acta Crystallogr C Struct Chem 2024; 80:1-8. [PMID: 38054474 DOI: 10.1107/s2053229623010288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hydraulic fracking exposes shale plays to acidic hydraulic fracking fluid (HFF), releasing toxic uranium (U) along with the desired oil and gas. With no existing methods to ensure U remains sequestered in the shale, this study sought to add organic ligands to HFF to explore potential U retention in shale plays. To test this possibility, incubations were set up in which uranyl acetate and one organic bipyridine ligand (either 2,2'-, 2,3'-, 2,4'-, or 4,4'-bipyridine) were added to pristine HFF as the crystallization medium. After several months and complete evaporation of all volatiles, bulk yellow crystalline material was obtained from the incubations, three of which yielded crystals suitable for single-crystal analysis, resulting in two novel structures and a high-quality structure of a previously described compound. The UO2VI acetate complexes bis(acetato-κ2O,O')(2,2'-bipyridine-κ2N,N')dioxidouranium(VI), [U(C2H3O2)2O2(C10H8N2)2] or [2,2'-bipyridine]UVIO2(CH3CO2)2, (I), and bis(acetato-κ2O,O')(2,4'-bipyridine-κN1')dioxidouranium(VI), [U(C2H3O2)2O2(C10H8N2)2] or [2,4'-bipyridine]2UVIO2(CH3CO2)2, (III), contain eight-coordinate UVI in a pseudo-hexagonal bipyramidal coordination geometry and are molecular, packing via weak C-H...O/N interactions, whereas catena-poly[bis(2,3'-bipyridinium) [di-μ-acetato-μ3-hydroxido-μ-hydroxido-di-μ3-oxido-hexaoxidotriuranium(VI)]-2,3'-bipyridine-water (1/1/1)], (C10H9N2)2[U3(C2H3O2)2O8(OH)2]·C10H8N2·H2O or {[2,3'-bipyridinium]2[2,3'-bipyridine][(UVIO2)3(O)2(OH)2(CH3CO2)2·H2O]}n, (II), forms an ionic one-dimensional polymer with seven-coordinate pentagonal bipyramidal UVI centers and hydrogen-bonding interactions within each chain. The formation of these crystals could indicate the potential for bipyridine to bind with U in shale during fracking, which will be explored in a future study via ICP-MS (inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry) analyses of U concentration in HFF/bipyridine/shale incubations. The variation seen here between the molecular structures may indicate variance in the ability of bipyridine isomers to form complexes with U, which could impact their ability to retain U within shale in the context of fracking.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Joseph M Tanski
- Department of Chemistry, Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, NY 12604, USA
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25
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Lei W, Liu X, Ding Y, Xiong J, Liang L. The investigation on shale mechanical characteristics and brittleness evaluation. Sci Rep 2023; 13:22936. [PMID: 38129638 PMCID: PMC10739981 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-49934-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Rock mechanical property is significant for shale gas development and exploitation. Shale compressive strength, tensile strength, elastic deformation and so on, are necessary parameters for drilling, completion and fracturing work in shale formation. Among all these shale mechanical parameters, brittleness is a tricky and significant rock property, which has been widely used to hydraulic fracturing design. Currently, although so many works have been conducted to investigate shale brittleness, there is no precise definition of brittleness. In particular, there is no consensus on which method is the most reliable for shale brittleness evaluation. It is vital to figure out how to evaluate shale brittleness in a reliable method. Thus, this paper presents an experimental study on shale mechanical properties, analyzing mechanical features in stress strain curve, relation between mineral content and strength, mechanical parameters at varying confined stress. Based on shale mechanical characteristics and its brittle exhibition, stress strain curve from triaxial compression test is divided into 3 stages, namely, elastic stage, plastic stage and post peak stage. In combined with brittle characteristics in 3 stages of axial and radial stress-strain curves, a new brittleness index has been established for assessing shale brittleness. In order to prove the applicability of new brittleness index, its result is compared with shale failure sample after triaxial test and existing brittleness indexes based on mineral content, elastic deformation, energy, stress and strain, showing a good consistency and proving its practicability. Based on this brittleness index, influence factors of shale brittleness have been discussed. It is shown that elastic module is the most important factor of shale brittleness. Bedding plane makes shale brittleness have strong anisotropy. Brittleness is not only relied on its structure and mineral (like bedding plane, silicate and clay mineral content), but is also highly affected by external stress. Large confined pressure is able to impair shale brittleness. Outcome in this study can offer theoretical guidance for shale exploitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Lei
- Petroleum Engineering Technology Research Institute, SINOPEC Southwest Oil & Gas Company, Deyang, 618000, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiangjun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oil and Gas Reservoir Geology and Exploitation, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu, 610500, Sichuan, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yi Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Oil and Gas Reservoir Geology and Exploitation, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu, 610500, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian Xiong
- State Key Laboratory of Oil and Gas Reservoir Geology and Exploitation, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu, 610500, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Lixi Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Oil and Gas Reservoir Geology and Exploitation, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu, 610500, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
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26
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Wang X, Xiong Y, Yuan B, Wu Y, Hu W, Wang X, Liu W. Performances and mechanisms of the peroxymonosulfate/ferrate(VI) oxidation process in real shale gas flowback water treatment. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 348:119355. [PMID: 37857222 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.119355] [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: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Shale gas flowback water (SGFW), which is an inevitable waste product generated after hydraulic fracturing during development, poses a severe threat to the environment and human health. Managing high-salinity wastewater with complex physicochemical compositions is critical for ensuring environmental sustainability of shale gas development. Desalination processes have been recommended to treat SGFW to adhere to the discharge limits. However, organic fouling has become a significant concern in the steady operation of desalination processes, and the effective removal of organic compounds is challenging. This study aimed to develop an effective oxidation method to mitigate membrane fouling in real SGFW treatment process. It adopted the peroxymonosulfate (PMS)/ferrate (Fe(VI)) process, involving both free and non-free radical pathways that can alleviate the negative effects of high-salinity environments on oxidation. The operating parameters were optimized and removal effects were examined, while the synergistic oxidation mechanism and organic conversion of the PMS/Fe(VI) process were also analyzed. The results showed that the PMS/Fe(VI) process exhibited a synergistic effect compared with the PMS and Fe(VI) processes alone, with a total organic carbon (TOC) removal efficiency of 46.8% under optimal reaction conditions in real SGFW. In the Fe(VI)/PMS process, active species such as Fe(V)/Fe(IV), ·OH, and SO4-· were jointly involved in the oxidation of organic matter. Additionally, 99.5% of the total suspended solids and 95.2% of Ba2+ in the SGFW were removed owing to the formation of a coagulant (Fe3+) and SO42- during the reaction. Finally, an ultrafiltration membrane fouling experiment proved that oxidation processes can increase the membrane-specific flux and alleviate fouling resistance. This study can serve as a reference for the design of real SGFW treatment processes and is significant for the environmental management of shale gas development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuemei Wang
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu, 610500, China
| | - Ying Xiong
- Research Institute of Natural Gas Technology, PetroChina Southwest Oil & Gasfield Company, Chengdu, 610095, China
| | - Bo Yuan
- CNPC Research Institute of Safety and Environmental Technology, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - You Wu
- Sichuan Zaojing Baicui Environmental Protection Technology Co., Ltd., Chengdu, 610095, China
| | - Wanjin Hu
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu, 610500, China
| | - Xin Wang
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu, 610500, China
| | - Wenshi Liu
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu, 610500, China.
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McMahon PB, Landon MK, Stephens MJ, Taylor KA, Gillespie JM, Davis TA, Shimabukuro DH. Fluid migration pathways to groundwater in mature oil fields: Exploring the roles of water injection/production and oil-well integrity in California, USA. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 900:166400. [PMID: 37597555 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023]
Abstract
Mature oil fields potentially contain multiple fluid migration pathways toward protected groundwater (total dissolved solids, TDS, in nonexempted aquifer <10,000 mg/L) because of their extensive development histories. Time-series data for water use, fluid pressures, oil-well construction, and geochemistry from the South Belridge and Lost Hills mature oil fields in California are used to explore the roles of injection/production of oil-field water and well-integrity issues in fluid migration. Injection/production of oil-field water modified hydraulic gradients in both oil fields, resulting in chemical transport from deeper groundwater and hydrocarbon-reservoir systems to aquifers in the oil fields. Those aquifers are used for water supply outside the oil-field boundaries. Oil wells drilled before 1976 can be fluid migration pathways because a relatively large percentage of them have >10 m of uncemented annulus that straddles oil-well casing damage and/or the base of groundwater with TDS <10,000 mg/L. The risk of groundwater-quality degradation is higher when wells with those risk factors occur in areas with upward hydraulic gradients created by positive net injection, groundwater withdrawals, or combinations of these variables. The complex changes in hydrologic conditions and groundwater chemistry likely would not have been discovered in the absence of years to decades of monitoring data for groundwater elevations and chemistry, and installation of monitoring wells in areas with overlapping risk factors. Important monitoring concepts based on results from this and other studies include monitoring hydrocarbon-reservoir and groundwater systems at multiple spatiotemporal scales and maintaining transparency and accessibility of data and analyses. This analysis focuses on two California oil fields, but the methods used and processes affecting fluid migration could be relevant in other oil fields where substantial injection/production of oil-field water occurs and oil-well integrity is of concern.
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Kaushal SS, Likens GE, Mayer PM, Shatkay RR, Shelton SA, Grant SB, Utz RM, Yaculak AM, Maas CM, Reimer JE, Bhide SV, Malin JT, Rippy MA. The Anthropogenic Salt Cycle. NATURE REVIEWS. EARTH & ENVIRONMENT 2023; 4:770-784. [PMID: 38515734 PMCID: PMC10953805 DOI: 10.1038/s43017-023-00485-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Increasing salt production and use is shifting the natural balances of salt ions across Earth systems, causing interrelated effects across biophysical systems collectively known as freshwater salinization syndrome. In this Review, we conceptualize the natural salt cycle and synthesize increasing global trends of salt production and riverine salt concentrations and fluxes. The natural salt cycle is primarily driven by relatively slow geologic and hydrologic processes that bring different salts to the surface of the Earth. Anthropogenic activities have accelerated the processes, timescales and magnitudes of salt fluxes and altered their directionality, creating an anthropogenic salt cycle. Global salt production has increased rapidly over the past century for different salts, with approximately 300 Mt of NaCl produced per year. A salt budget for the USA suggests that salt fluxes in rivers can be within similar orders of magnitude as anthropogenic salt fluxes, and there can be substantial accumulation of salt in watersheds. Excess salt propagates along the anthropogenic salt cycle, causing freshwater salinization syndrome to extend beyond freshwater supplies and affect food and energy production, air quality, human health and infrastructure. There is a need to identify environmental limits and thresholds for salt ions and reduce salinization before planetary boundaries are exceeded, causing serious or irreversible damage across Earth systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sujay S Kaushal
- Department of Geology & Earth System Science Interdisciplinary Center, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Gene E Likens
- Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, Millbrook, NY, USA
- University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Paul M Mayer
- US Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Pacific Ecological Systems Division, OR, USA
| | - Ruth R Shatkay
- Department of Geology & Earth System Science Interdisciplinary Center, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Sydney A Shelton
- Department of Geology & Earth System Science Interdisciplinary Center, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Stanley B Grant
- Occoquan Watershed Monitoring Laboratory, The Charles E. Via Jr Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Virginia Tech, Manassas, VA, USA
- Center for Coastal Studies, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | | | - Alexis M Yaculak
- Department of Geology & Earth System Science Interdisciplinary Center, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Carly M Maas
- Department of Geology & Earth System Science Interdisciplinary Center, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Jenna E Reimer
- Department of Geology & Earth System Science Interdisciplinary Center, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Shantanu V Bhide
- Occoquan Watershed Monitoring Laboratory, The Charles E. Via Jr Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Virginia Tech, Manassas, VA, USA
| | - Joseph T Malin
- Department of Geology & Earth System Science Interdisciplinary Center, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Megan A Rippy
- Occoquan Watershed Monitoring Laboratory, The Charles E. Via Jr Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Virginia Tech, Manassas, VA, USA
- Center for Coastal Studies, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
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Stewart CB, Lowes HM, Mehler WT, Snihur KN, Flynn SL, Alessi DS, Blewett TA. Spatial and temporal variation in toxicity and inorganic composition of hydraulic fracturing flowback and produced water. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 460:132490. [PMID: 37703728 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132490] [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: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
Hydraulic fracturing for oil and gas extraction produces large volumes of wastewater, termed flowback and produced water (FPW), that are highly saline and contain a variety of organic and inorganic contaminants. In the present study, FPW samples from ten hydraulically fractured wells, across two geologic formations were collected at various timepoints. Samples were analyzed to determine spatial and temporal variation in their inorganic composition. Results indicate that FPW composition varied both between formations and within a single formation, with large compositional changes occurring over short distances. Temporally, all wells showed a time-dependent increase in inorganic elements, with total dissolved solids increasing by up to 200,000 mg/L over time, primarily due to elements associated with salinity (Cl, Na, Ca, Mg, K). Toxicological analysis of a subset of the FPW samples showed median lethal concentrations (LC50) of FPW to the aquatic invertebrate Daphnia magna were highly variable, with the LC50 values ranging from 1.16% to 13.7% FPW. Acute toxicity of FPW significantly correlated with salinity, indicating salinity is a primary driver of FPW toxicity, however organic components also contributed to toxicity. This study provides insight into spatiotemporal variability of FPW composition and illustrates the difficulty in predicting aquatic risk associated with FPW.
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Affiliation(s)
- Connor B Stewart
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
| | - Hannah M Lowes
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - W Tyler Mehler
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Katherine N Snihur
- Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Shannon L Flynn
- Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel S Alessi
- Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Tamzin A Blewett
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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Yang JL, Song YY, Zhang X, Zhang ZQ, Cheng GG, Liu Y, Lv GJ, Ding JN. Research progress of bionic fog collection surfaces based on special structures from natural organisms. RSC Adv 2023; 13:27839-27864. [PMID: 37731827 PMCID: PMC10508262 DOI: 10.1039/d3ra04253g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
With the increasing shortage of water resources, people are seeking more innovative ways to collect fog to meet the growing need for production and the demand for livelihood. It has been proven that fog collection is efficient for collecting water in dry but foggy areas. As a hot research topic in recent years, bionic surfaces with fog collection functions have attracted widespread attention in practical applications and basic research. By studying natural organisms and bionic surfaces, more avenues are provided for the development of fog collection devices. Firstly, starting from biological prototypes, this article explored the structural characteristics and fog collection mechanisms of natural organisms such as spider silk, desert beetles, cactus, Nepenthes and other animals and plants (Sarracenia, shorebird and wheat awn), revealing the fog collection mechanism of the natural organisms based on microstructures. Secondly, based on the theory of interfacial tension, we would delve into the fog collection function's theoretical basis and wetting model, expounding the fog collection mechanism from a theoretical perspective. Thirdly, a detailed introduction was given to prepare bionic surfaces and recently explore fog collection devices. For bionic surfaces of a single biological prototype, the fog collection efficiency is about 2000-4000 mg cm-2 h-1. For bionic surfaces of multiple biological prototypes, the fog collection efficiency reaches 7000 mg cm-2 h-1. Finally, a critical analysis was conducted on the current challenges and future developments, aiming to promote the next generation of fog collection devices from a scientific perspective from research to practical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Lei Yang
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Jiangsu University Zhenjiang 212013 Jiangsu P. R. China
| | - Yun-Yun Song
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Jiangsu University Zhenjiang 212013 Jiangsu P. R. China
| | - Xu Zhang
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Jiangsu University Zhenjiang 212013 Jiangsu P. R. China
| | - Zhong-Qiang Zhang
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Jiangsu University Zhenjiang 212013 Jiangsu P. R. China
| | - Guang-Gui Cheng
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Jiangsu University Zhenjiang 212013 Jiangsu P. R. China
| | - Yan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Bionic Engineering (Ministry of Education), Jilin University Changchun 130022 P. R. China
| | - Guo-Jun Lv
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology Zhenjiang 212003 P. R. China
| | - Jian-Ning Ding
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Jiangsu University Zhenjiang 212013 Jiangsu P. R. China
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Yangzhou University Yangzhou 225127 Jiangsu P. R. China
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31
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Abraham DG, Liberatore HK, Aziz MT, Burnett DB, Cizmas LH, Richardson SD. Impacts of hydraulic fracturing wastewater from oil and gas industries on drinking water: Quantification of 69 disinfection by-products and calculated toxicity. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 882:163344. [PMID: 37030373 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Oil and gas production generates large amounts of brine wastewater called "produced water" with various geogenic and synthetic contaminants. These brines are generally used in hydraulic fracturing operations to stimulate production. They are characterized by elevated halide levels, particularly geogenic bromide and iodide. Such salt concentrations in produced water may be as high as thousands of mg/L of bromide and tens of mg/L of iodide. Large volumes of produced water are stored, transported, reused in production operations, and ultimately disposed of by deep well injection into saline aquifers. Improper disposal may potentially contaminate shallow freshwater aquifers and impact drinking water sources. Because conventional produced water treatment typically does not remove halides, produced water contamination of groundwater aquifers may cause the formation of brominated and iodinated disinfection by-products (I-DBPs) at municipal water treatment plants. These compounds are of interest because of their higher toxicity relative to their chlorinated counterparts. This study reports a comprehensive analysis of 69 regulated and priority unregulated DBPs in simulated drinking waters fortified with 1 % (v/v) oil and gas wastewater. Impacted waters produced 1.3×-5× higher levels of total DBPs compared to river water after chlorination and chloramination. Individual DBP levels ranged from (<0.1-122 μg/L). Overall, chlorinated waters formed highest levels, including trihalomethanes that would exceed the U.S. EPA regulatory limit of 80 μg/L. Chloraminated waters had more I-DBP formation and highest levels of haloacetamides (23 μg/L) in impacted water. Calculated cytotoxicity and genotoxicity were higher for impacted waters treated with chlorine and chloramine than corresponding treated river waters. Chloraminated impacted waters had the highest calculated cytotoxicity, likely due to higher levels of more toxic I-DBPs and haloacetamides. These findings demonstrate that oil and gas wastewater if discharged to surface waters could adversely impact downstream drinking water supplies and potentially affect public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dallas G Abraham
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, United States
| | - Hannah K Liberatore
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, United States
| | - Md Tareq Aziz
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, United States
| | - David B Burnett
- Department of Petroleum Engineering, (Ret.) Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, United States
| | - Leslie H Cizmas
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, United States
| | - Susan D Richardson
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, United States.
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32
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Lin YT, Liu S, Bhat B, Kuan KY, Zhou W, Cobos IJ, Kwon JSI, Akbulut MES. pH- and temperature-responsive supramolecular assemblies with highly adjustable viscoelasticity: a multi-stimuli binary system. SOFT MATTER 2023. [PMID: 37449660 DOI: 10.1039/d3sm00549f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Stimuli-responsive materials are increasingly needed for the development of smart electronic, mechanical, and biological devices and systems relying on switchable, tunable, and adaptable properties. Herein, we report a novel pH- and temperature-responsive binary supramolecular assembly involving a long-chain hydroxyamino amide (HAA) and an inorganic hydrotrope, boric acid, with highly tunable viscous and viscoelastic properties. The system under investigation demonstrates a high degree of control over its viscosity, with the capacity to achieve over four orders of magnitude of control through the concomitant manipulation of pH and temperature. In addition, the transformation from non-Maxwellian to Maxwellian fluid behavior could also be induced by changing the pH and temperature. Switchable rheological properties were ascribed to the morphological transformation between spherical vesicles, aggregated/fused spherical vesicles, and bicontinuous gyroid structures revealed by cryo-TEM studies. The observed transitions are attributed to the modulation of the head group spacing between HAA molecules under different pH conditions. Specifically, acidic conditions induce electrostatic repulsion between the protonated amino head groups, leading to an increased spacing. Conversely, under basic conditions, the HAA head group spacing is reduced due to the intercalation of tetrahydroxyborate, facilitated by hydrogen bonding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Ting Lin
- Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA.
| | - Shuhao Liu
- Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA.
| | - Bhargavi Bhat
- Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA.
| | - Kai-Yuan Kuan
- Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Wentao Zhou
- Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA.
| | - Ignacio Jose Cobos
- Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA.
| | - Joseph Sang-Il Kwon
- Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA.
- Texas A&M Energy Institute, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Mustafa E S Akbulut
- Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA.
- Texas A&M Energy Institute, College Station, TX 77843, USA
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
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33
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Santarossa A, Ortellado L, Sack A, Gómez LR, Pöschel T. A device for studying fluid-induced cracks under mixed-mode loading conditions using x-ray tomography. THE REVIEW OF SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS 2023; 94:073902. [PMID: 37466406 DOI: 10.1063/5.0145709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
We introduce an innovative instrument designed to investigate fluid-induced fractures under mixed loading conditions, including uniaxial tension and shear stress, in gels and similar soft materials. Equipped with sensors for measuring force, torque, and fluid pressure, the device is tailored for compatibility with x-ray tomography scanners, enabling non-invasive 3D analysis of crack geometries. To showcase its capabilities, we conducted a study examining crack-front segmentation in a hydrogel subjected to air pressure and a combination of tension and shear stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angel Santarossa
- Institute for Multiscale Simulations, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Cauerstraße 3, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Laureano Ortellado
- Department of Physics, Universidad Nacional del Sur-IFISUR-CONICET, Av. Alem 1253, Bahía Blanca, Argentina
| | - Achim Sack
- Institute for Multiscale Simulations, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Cauerstraße 3, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Leopoldo R Gómez
- Department of Physics, Universidad Nacional del Sur-IFISUR-CONICET, Av. Alem 1253, Bahía Blanca, Argentina
| | - Thorsten Pöschel
- Institute for Multiscale Simulations, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Cauerstraße 3, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
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Zheng G, He Y. Dynamic response of microbial communities to thermally remediated oil-bearing drilling waste in wheat soil. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 329:138618. [PMID: 37028720 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.138618] [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: 01/08/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The primary objective of our study was to mix thermally remediated oil-bearing drilling waste (TRODW) with farmland soil during wheat planting and explore the response of microbial phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) communities as well as the feasibility of returning TRODW to farmland. Based on environmental protection requirements and the dynamic response of wheat soil, this paper not only provides a method combining multiple models for mutual verification but also provides valuable and exploratory information for the remediation and reuse of oily solid waste. Our research found that salt damage mainly originated from sodium ions and chloride ions that inhibited the development of microbial PLFA communities in the treated soils at the initial stage. When salt damage declined, TRODW improved the levels of phosphorus, potassium, hydrolysable nitrogen and soil moisture, increasing the soil health status and promoting the development of microbial PLFA communities even when the addition ratio reached 10%. Moreover, the influences of petroleum hydrocarbons and heavy metal ions on microbial PLFA community development were not significant. Therefore, when salt damage is controlled effectively and the oil content in TRODW is no more than 3‰, it is potentially feasible to return TRODW to farmland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guofang Zheng
- Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, PR China.
| | - Yong He
- Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, PR China.
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Chen X, Yang Y, Lu Z, Chen K, Li Y, Huang X, Wang X. Oil-based drilling cuttings pyrolysis residues at a typical shale gas drilling field in Chongqing: pollution characteristics and environmental risk assessment. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2023; 45:2949-2962. [PMID: 36123509 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-022-01388-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
With the rapid development of unconventional natural gas such as shale gas, many oil-based drilling cuttings and their pyrolysis residues are produced, which are defined as hazardous wastes. In this paper, the pollution status of petroleum hydrocarbons and the leaching toxicity of eight heavy metals (Pb, Cr, Zn, Mn, Cu, Cd, Ni, and Hg) in the pyrolysis residues were studied. The ecological risk and human health risk were evaluated in the scenario where pyrolytic residues were used for paving as building materials. The results showed that the content of petroleum hydrocarbons in the pyrolysis residues was 7643.16 ± 169.67 mg/kg. Zn in the pyrolysis residues was extremely polluted, Pb was moderately polluted, Cr, Cu, As were slightly polluted, and the leaching toxicity was far below the standard value. In the ecological risk assessment, the comprehensive potential ecological risk of multiple heavy metals in the pyrolysis residues was low. On the other hand, the pyrolysis residues had no non-carcinogenic risk to adults under the condition of paving, but there was an obvious non-carcinogenic risk to children, and the carcinogenic risk of adults and children was within an acceptable range. In addition, aiming at reducing the health risk of the population, suggestions were put forward to reduce the exposure risk of the population and the content of heavy metals in the pyrolysis residue, which provided a scientific reference for the standardized management of the pyrolysis residue of oil-based drilling cuttings and the research on the corresponding treatment process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangle Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Coal Mine Disaster Dynamics and Control, Chongqing University, 83 Shabei Street, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 400044, CN, China
- College of Environment and Ecology, Chongqing University, 83 Shabei Street, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 400044, CN, China
| | - Yinghuan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Coal Mine Disaster Dynamics and Control, Chongqing University, 83 Shabei Street, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 400044, CN, China
- College of Environment and Ecology, Chongqing University, 83 Shabei Street, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 400044, CN, China
| | - Zhaohui Lu
- Key Laboratory of Shale Gas Exploration, Ministry of Natural Resources, Chongqing Institute of Geology and Mineral Resources, 111 Lanxin Dadao, Yubei District, Chongqing, 401120, CN, China
| | - Kejin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Coal Mine Disaster Dynamics and Control, Chongqing University, 83 Shabei Street, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 400044, CN, China
- College of Environment and Ecology, Chongqing University, 83 Shabei Street, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 400044, CN, China
| | - Yuting Li
- State Key Laboratory of Coal Mine Disaster Dynamics and Control, Chongqing University, 83 Shabei Street, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 400044, CN, China
- College of Environment and Ecology, Chongqing University, 83 Shabei Street, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 400044, CN, China
| | - Xin Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Coal Mine Disaster Dynamics and Control, Chongqing University, 83 Shabei Street, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 400044, CN, China
- College of Environment and Ecology, Chongqing University, 83 Shabei Street, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 400044, CN, China
| | - Xiang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Coal Mine Disaster Dynamics and Control, Chongqing University, 83 Shabei Street, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 400044, CN, China.
- College of Environment and Ecology, Chongqing University, 83 Shabei Street, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 400044, CN, China.
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36
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Zhang H, Han X, Wang G, Mao H, Chen X, Zhou L, Huang D, Zhang F, Yan X. Spatial distribution and driving factors of groundwater chemistry and pollution in an oil production region in the Northwest China. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 875:162635. [PMID: 36889386 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Concerns have been raised on the deterioration of groundwater quality associated with anthropogenic impacts such as oil extraction and overuse of fertilizers. However, it is still difficult to identify groundwater chemistry/pollution and driving forces in regional scale since both natural and anthropogenic factors are spatially complex. This study, combining self-organizing map (SOM, combined with K-means algorithm) and principal component analysis (PCA), attempted to characterize the spatial variability and driving factors of shallow groundwater hydrochemistry in Yan'an area of Northwest China where diverse land use types (e.g., various oil production sites and agriculture lands) coexist. Based on the major and trace elements (e.g., Ba, Sr, Br, Li) and total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH), groundwater samples were classified into four clusters with obvious geographical and hydrochemical characteristics by using SOM - K-means clustering: heavily oil-contaminated groundwater (Cluster 1), slightly oil-contaminated groundwater (Cluster 2), least-polluted groundwater (Cluster 3) and NO3- contaminated groundwater (Cluster 4). Noteworthily, Cluster 1, located in a river valley with long-term oil exploitation, had the highest levels of TPH and potentially toxic elements (Ba, Sr). Multivariate analysis combined with ion ratios analysis were used to determine the causes of these clusters. The results revealed that the hydrochemical compositions in Cluster 1 were mainly caused by the oil-related produced water intrusion into the upper aquifer. The elevated NO3- concentrations in Cluster 4 were induced by agricultural activities. Water-rock interactions (e.g., carbonate as well as silicate dissolution and precipitation) also shaped the chemical constituents of groundwater in clusters 2, 3, and 4. In addition, SO42--related processes (redox, precipitation of sulfate minerals) also affected groundwater chemical compositions in Cluster 1. This work provides the insight into the driving factors of groundwater chemistry and pollution which could contribute to groundwater sustainable management and protection in this area and other oil extraction areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology & MOE Key Laboratory of Groundwater Circulation and Environmental Evolution, China University of Geosciences, Beijing 100083, PR China; School of Water Resources and Environment, China University of Geosciences, Beijing 100083, PR China
| | - Xu Han
- Geology Institute of China Chemical Geology and Mine Bureau, Beijing 100028, China
| | - Guangcai Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology & MOE Key Laboratory of Groundwater Circulation and Environmental Evolution, China University of Geosciences, Beijing 100083, PR China; School of Water Resources and Environment, China University of Geosciences, Beijing 100083, PR China.
| | - Hairu Mao
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology & MOE Key Laboratory of Groundwater Circulation and Environmental Evolution, China University of Geosciences, Beijing 100083, PR China; School of Water Resources and Environment, China University of Geosciences, Beijing 100083, PR China
| | - Xianglong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology & MOE Key Laboratory of Groundwater Circulation and Environmental Evolution, China University of Geosciences, Beijing 100083, PR China; School of Water Resources and Environment, China University of Geosciences, Beijing 100083, PR China
| | - Ling Zhou
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Urban Hydrological Cycle and Sponge City Technology, College of Water Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, PR China
| | - Dandan Huang
- School of Water Resources & Environment Engineering, East China University of Technology, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330013, PR China
| | - Fan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology & MOE Key Laboratory of Groundwater Circulation and Environmental Evolution, China University of Geosciences, Beijing 100083, PR China; School of Water Resources and Environment, China University of Geosciences, Beijing 100083, PR China
| | - Xin Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology & MOE Key Laboratory of Groundwater Circulation and Environmental Evolution, China University of Geosciences, Beijing 100083, PR China; School of Water Resources and Environment, China University of Geosciences, Beijing 100083, PR China
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Caron-Beaudoin É, Subramanian A, Daley C, Lakshmanan S, Whitworth KW. Estimation of exposure to particulate matter in pregnant individuals living in an area of unconventional oil and gas operations: Findings from the EXPERIVA study. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART A 2023; 86:383-396. [PMID: 37154018 DOI: 10.1080/15287394.2023.2208594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Northeastern British Columbia (Canada) is an area of oil and gas exploitation, which may result in release of fine (PM2.5) and inhalable (PM10) particulate matter. The aims of this study were to: 1) apply extrapolation methods to estimate exposure to PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations among EXPERIVA (Exposures in the Peace River Valley study) participants using air quality data archives; and 2) conduct exploratory analyses to investigate correlation between PM exposure and metrics of oil and gas wells density, proximity, and activity. Gestational exposure to PM2.5 and PM10 of the EXPERIVA participants (n = 85) was estimated by averaging the concentrations measured at the closest or three closest air monitoring stations during the pregnancy period. Drilling metrics were calculated based upon the density and proximity of conventional and unconventional oil and gas wells to each participant's residence. Phase-specific metrics were determined for unconventional wells. The correlations (ρ) between exposure to PM2.5 and PM10 and metrics of well density/proximity were determined using Spearman's rank correlation test. Estimated PM ambient air concentrations ranged between 4.73 to 12.13 µg/m3 for PM2.5 and 7.14 to 26.61 µg/m3 for PM10. Conventional wells metrics were more strongly correlated with PM10 estimations (ρ between 0.28 and 0.79). Unconventional wells metrics for all phases were positively correlated with PM2.5 estimations (ρ between 0.23 and 0.55). These results provide evidence of a correlation between density and proximity of oil and gas wells and estimated PM exposure in the EXPERIVA participants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Élyse Caron-Beaudoin
- Department of Health and Society, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Centre for Clinical Epidemiology and Evaluation, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Amrita Subramanian
- Department of Health and Society, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Coreen Daley
- Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Siddharthan Lakshmanan
- Department of Health and Society, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kristina W Whitworth
- Department of Medicine, Section of Epidemiology and Population Sciences, Center for Precision Environmental Health, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
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Ji X, Tiraferri A, Zhang X, Liu P, Gan Z, Crittenden JC, Ma J, Liu B. Dissolved organic matter in complex shale gas wastewater analyzed with ESI FT-ICR MS: Typical characteristics and potential of biological treatment. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 447:130823. [PMID: 36696774 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.130823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Knowledge on the composition and characteristics of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in complex shale gas wastewater (SGW) is critical to evaluate environmental risks and to determine effective management strategies. Herein, five SGW samples from four key shale gas blocks in the Sichuan Basin, China, were comprehensively characterized. Specifically, FT-ICR MS was employed to provide insights into the sources, composition, and characteristics of SGW DOM. Organic matter was characterized by low average molecular weight, high saturation degree, and low aromaticity. Notably, the absence of correlations between molecular-level parameters and spectral indexes might be attributed to the high complexity and variability of SGW. The unique distribution depicted in van Krevelen diagrams suggested various sources of DOM in SGW, such as microbially derived organics in shales and biochemical transformations. Moreover, linear alkyl benzene sulfonates, as well as associated biodegraded metabolites and coproducts, were identified in SGW, implying the distinct anthropogenic imprints and abundant microbial activities. Furthermore, high DOC removal rates (31.42-79.23 %) were achieved by biological treatment, fully supporting the inherently labile nature of SGW and the feasibility of biodegradation for SGW management. Therefore, we conclude that DOM in SGW is a complex but mostly labile mixture reflecting both autochthonous and anthropogenic sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuanyu Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Hydraulics and Mountain River Engineering, College of Architecture and Environment, Institute of New Energy and Low-Carbon Technology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610207, PR China; Yibin Institute of Industrial Technology, Sichuan University Yibin Park, Section 2, Lingang Ave., Cuiping District, Yibin, Sichuan 644000, PR China
| | - Alberto Tiraferri
- Department of Environment, Land and Infrastructure Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Turin, Italy
| | - Xiaofei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Petroleum Pollution Control, CNPC Research Institute of Safety and Environmental Technology Co., Ltd, Beijing 102206, PR China
| | - Peng Liu
- Wuxi Research Institute of Petroleum Geology, Petroleum Exploration and Production Research Institute, SINOPEC, Wuxi 214000, PR China
| | - Zhiwei Gan
- State Key Laboratory of Hydraulics and Mountain River Engineering, College of Architecture and Environment, Institute of New Energy and Low-Carbon Technology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610207, PR China
| | - John C Crittenden
- Brook Byers Institute for Sustainable Systems, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Jun Ma
- School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, PR China
| | - Baicang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Hydraulics and Mountain River Engineering, College of Architecture and Environment, Institute of New Energy and Low-Carbon Technology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610207, PR China; Yibin Institute of Industrial Technology, Sichuan University Yibin Park, Section 2, Lingang Ave., Cuiping District, Yibin, Sichuan 644000, PR China.
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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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Zhong C, Hou D, Liu B, Zhu S, Wei T, Gehman J, Alessi DS, Qian PY. Water footprint of shale gas development in China in the carbon neutral era. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 331:117238. [PMID: 36681031 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.117238] [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: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The production of shale gas in China has repercussions for the global energy landscape and carbon neutrality. However, limited and threatened water resources may hinder the expansion of shale-derived natural gas, one of China's most promising development prospects. Coupling historical trends with policy guidance, we project that baseline water stress will intensify in two-thirds of China's provinces in the next decade. By 2035, annual water use for shale gas hydraulic fracturing activities is likely to increase to 16-35 million m3, with 13.8-23.7 million m3 of wastewater produced annually to extract 38-48 billion m3 of gas from ∼4800 shale gas wells. Analysis suggests that this projection is based on previously underestimated geological constraints (e.g., deep continental facies) in shale gas development in China. Nevertheless, forecasts suggest that the water footprint of shale development will become impossible to ignore, particularly in drought-stricken areas, indicating the potential risk of competition for water among shale development, domestic use, food production, and ecological protection. Meanwhile, the annual wastewater management market will increase to $0.2 billion by 2035. Our study suggests a critical need to direct attention to the (shale) energy-water nexus and develop multi-pronged policies to facilitate China's transition to carbon neutrality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Zhong
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, China; Department of Ocean Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, China.
| | - Deyi Hou
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Baicang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Deep Earth Science and Engineering (Ministry of Education), Institute for Disaster Management and Reconstruction, College of Architecture and Environment, Institute of New Energy and Low-Carbon Technology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Songbai Zhu
- Kela Oil and Gas Development Department of Tarim Oilfield Branch of CNPC, Korla, Xinjiang, 841000, China
| | - Tong Wei
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, China; Department of Ocean Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, China
| | - Joel Gehman
- Department of Strategic Management and Public Policy, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Daniel S Alessi
- Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Pei-Yuan Qian
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, China; Department of Ocean Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, China.
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Hernandez-Becerra N, Cliffe L, Xiu W, Boothman C, Lloyd JR, Nixon SL. New microbiological insights from the Bowland shale highlight heterogeneity of the hydraulically fractured shale microbiome. ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOME 2023; 18:14. [PMID: 36855215 PMCID: PMC9972762 DOI: 10.1186/s40793-023-00465-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hydraulically fractured shales offer a window into the deep biosphere, where hydraulic fracturing creates new microbial ecosystems kilometers beneath the surface of the Earth. Studying the microbial communities from flowback fluids that are assumed to inhabit these environments provides insights into their ecophysiology, and in particular their ability to survive in these extreme environments as well as their influence on site operation e.g. via problematic biofouling processes and/or biocorrosion. Over the past decade, research on fractured shale microbiology has focused on wells in North America, with a few additional reported studies conducted in China. To extend the knowledge in this area, we characterized the geochemistry and microbial ecology of two exploratory shale gas wells in the Bowland Shale, UK. We then employed a meta-analysis approach to compare geochemical and 16S rRNA gene sequencing data from our study site with previously published research from geographically distinct formations spanning China, Canada and the USA. RESULTS Our findings revealed that fluids recovered from exploratory wells in the Bowland are characterized by moderate salinity and high microbial diversity. The microbial community was dominated by lineages known to degrade hydrocarbons, including members of Shewanellaceae, Marinobacteraceae, Halomonadaceae and Pseudomonadaceae. Moreover, UK fractured shale communities lacked the usually dominant Halanaerobium lineages. From our meta-analysis, we infer that chloride concentrations play a dominant role in controlling microbial community composition. Spatio-temporal trends were also apparent, with different shale formations giving rise to communities of distinct diversity and composition. CONCLUSIONS These findings highlight an unexpected level of compositional heterogeneity across fractured shale formations, which is not only relevant to inform management practices but also provides insight into the ability of diverse microbial consortia to tolerate the extreme conditions characteristic of the engineered deep subsurface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natali Hernandez-Becerra
- Williamson Research Centre for Molecular Environmental Science, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Lisa Cliffe
- Williamson Research Centre for Molecular Environmental Science, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Wei Xiu
- Williamson Research Centre for Molecular Environmental Science, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), Beijing, China
| | - Christopher Boothman
- Williamson Research Centre for Molecular Environmental Science, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Jonathan R Lloyd
- Williamson Research Centre for Molecular Environmental Science, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Sophie L Nixon
- Williamson Research Centre for Molecular Environmental Science, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
- Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
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Shi H, He X, Zhou C, Wang L, Xiao Y. Hydrochemistry, Sources and Management of Fracturing Flowback Fluid in Tight Sandstone Gasfield in Sulige Gasfield (China). ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2023; 84:284-298. [PMID: 36737498 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-023-00983-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Hydraulic fracturing technologies have been frequently utilized in the oil and gas industry as exploration and development efforts have progressed, resulting in a significant increase in the extraction of natural gas and petroleum from low-permeability reservoirs. However, hydraulic fracturing requires a large amount of freshwater, and the process results in the production of large volumes of flowback water along with natural gas. In this study, three tight sandstone gas wells were fractured in the Sulige gasfield (China), and a total of 103 flowback fluid samples were collected. The hydrochemical characteristics, water quality and sources of hydrochemical components in the flowback fluid were discussed. The results show that the flowback fluid is characterized by high salinity (Total dissolved solids (TDS) up to 38,268 mg/L, Cl- up to 24,000 mg/L), high concentrations of metal ions (e.g., Fe, Sr2+, Ba2+) and high chemical oxygen demand (COD). The flowback fluid is a complex mixture of fracturing fluid and formation water, and its composition is impacted by water-rock interactions that occur during hydraulic fracturing. The major contaminants include COD, Fe, Ba2+, Cl-, Mn and pH, which constitute a high risk of environmental pollution. Meanwhile, chemical elements such as K, Ba and Sr are unusually enriched in the flowback fluid, which has an excellent potential for recycle of chemical elements. The Sulige gasfield's flowback fluid recovery methods and treatment scenarios were discussed, taking into consideration the pollution and resource characteristics of the flowback fluid. Options for dealing with the flowback fluid include deep well reinjection, reuse for making up fracturing fluid, recycling of chemical elements and diverse reuse of flowback water. This research offers guidance for managing the fracturing flowback fluid in unconventional oil and gas fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Shi
- Oil and Gas Technology Research Institute of Changqing Oilfield Company, PetroChina, Xi'an, 710018, Shaanxi, China
| | - 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.
- Key Laboratory of Eco-Hydrology and Water Security in Arid and Semi-Arid Regions of the Ministry of Water Resources, Chang'an University, No. 126 Yanta Road, Xi'an, 710054, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Changjing Zhou
- Oil and Gas Technology Research Institute of Changqing Oilfield Company, PetroChina, Xi'an, 710018, Shaanxi, China
| | - Lili Wang
- 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
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43
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Adsorption behavior and mechanism analysis of siloxane thickener for CO2 fracturing fluid on shallow shale soil. J Mol Liq 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molliq.2023.121394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
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Luo M, Yang H, Wang K, Song F, He Y, Zhang Y, Zhong C. Coupling iron-carbon micro-electrolysis with persulfate advanced oxidation for hydraulic fracturing return fluid treatment. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 313:137415. [PMID: 36464016 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.137415] [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: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Improving the sustainability of the hydraulic fracturing water cycle of unconventional oil and gas development needs an advanced water treatment that can efferently treat flowback and produced water (FPW). In this study, we developed a robust two-stage process that combines flocculation, and iron-carbon micro-electrolysis plus sodium persulfate (ICEPS) advanced oxidation to treat field-based FPW from the Sulige tight gas field, China. Influencing factors and optimal conditions of the flocculation-ICEPS process were investigated. The flocculation-ICEPS system at optimal conditions sufficiently removed the total organic contents (95.71%), suspended solids (92.4%), and chroma (97.5%), but the reaction stoichiometric efficiency (RSE) value was generally less than 5%. The particles and chroma were effectively removed by flocculation, and the organic contents was mainly removed by the ICEPS system. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis was performed to track the changes in FPW chemical compositions through the oxidation of the ICEPS process. Multiple analyses demonstrated that PS was involved in the activation of Fe oxides and hydroxides accreted on the surface of the ICE system for FPW treatment, which led to increasing organics removal rate of the ICEPS system compared to the conventional ICE system. Our study suggests that the flocculation-ICEPS system is a promising FPW treatment process, which provides technical and mechanistic foundations for further field application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mina Luo
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu, China.
| | - Hanchao Yang
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu, China
| | - Kuntai Wang
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu, China
| | - Fang Song
- Chengdu Xiyouhuawei Science & Technology Co., Ltd. Chengdu, 610500, China
| | - Yuhe He
- School of Energy and Environment, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yunhui Zhang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Yangtze River Water Environment, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Cheng Zhong
- Department of Ocean Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China.
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Willems DJ, Kumar A, Nugegoda D. Mixture Toxicity of Three Unconventional Gas Fracking Chemicals, Barium, O-Cresol, and Sodium Chloride, to the Freshwater Shrimp Paratya australiensis. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2023; 42:481-494. [PMID: 36511521 PMCID: PMC10107621 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The 96-h acute toxicity of barium (Ba2+ ), o-cresol, and sodium chloride (NaCl) to Paratya australiensis was assessed in single, binary, and ternary combinations in addition to three biochemical assays: glutathione S-transferase, acetylcholinesterase, and sodium-potassium adenosine triphosphatase. The 96-h lethal concentrations that expressed 50% mortality (LC50) in the single-toxicant exposures were Ba2+ = 23.4 mg/L, o-cresol = 12.2 mg/L, and NaCl = 4198 mg/L. Mortality from o-cresol exposure occurred between 11 and 22 mg/L, whereas Ba2+ was more gradual across 10-105 mg/L, and most of the NaCl mortality occurred between 2050 and 4100 mg/L. Toxic units were used to assess the binary and ternary interactions of the toxicants. A more than additive effect was observed for most combinations in the binary chemical exposures, with the ternary combinations yielding highly synergistic interactions. Greater synergism was observed with the 96-h LC50 of o-cresol in combination with the three concentrations of NaCl (1025, 2050, and 3075 mg/L) compared with Ba2+ , with toxic units of 0.38, 0.48, and 0.10 (o-cresol) and 0.71, 0.67, and 0.50 (Ba2+ ). No notable enzyme activity trends were observed in the enzyme biomarker responses from both individual and mixture exposures. Although acute single-species toxicity tests tend to underestimate the effects of Ba2+ , o-cresol, and NaCl on populations, communities, and ecosystems in seminatural (e.g., mesocosms) and natural systems, there are currently no published acute toxicity data available for P. australiensis and the three toxicants used in the present study. The present study shows that chemicals with different toxicity mechanisms can potentially lead to more synergistic responses. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;42:481-494. © 2022 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J. Willems
- Ecotoxicology Research Group, School of Science, Bundoora West CampusRoyal Melbourne Institute of Technology UniversityBundooraVictoriaAustralia
- Environment Business UnitCommonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research OrganisationUrrbraeSouth AustraliaAustralia
| | - Anupama Kumar
- Environment Business UnitCommonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research OrganisationUrrbraeSouth AustraliaAustralia
| | - Dayanthi Nugegoda
- Ecotoxicology Research Group, School of Science, Bundoora West CampusRoyal Melbourne Institute of Technology UniversityBundooraVictoriaAustralia
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Wilde SE, Hopkins JR, Lewis AC, Dunmore RE, Allen G, Pitt JR, Ward RS, Purvis RM. The air quality impacts of pre-operational hydraulic fracturing activities. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 858:159702. [PMID: 36309263 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.159702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Hydraulic fracturing (fracking) is a short phase in unconventional oil and natural gas (O&G) development. Before fracking there is a lengthy period of preparation, which can represent a significant proportion of the well lifecycle. Extensive infrastructure is delivered onto site, leading to increased volumes of heavy traffic, energy generation and construction work on site. Termed the "pre-operational" period, this is rarely investigated as air quality evaluations typically focus on the extraction phase. In this work we quantify the change in air pollution during pre-operational activities at a shale gas exploration site near Kirby Misperton, North Yorkshire, England. Baseline air quality measurements were made two years prior to any shale gas activity and were used as a training dataset for random forest (RF) machine learning models. The models allowed for a comparison between observed air quality during the pre-operational phase and a counterfactual business as usual (BAU) prediction. During the pre-operational phase a significant deviation from the BAU scenario was observed. This was characterised by significant enhancements in NOx and a concurrent reduction in O3, caused by extensive additional vehicle movements and the presence of combustion sources such as generators on the well pad. During the pre-operational period NOx increased by 274 % and O3 decreased by 29 % when compared to BAU model values. There was also an increase in primary emissions of NO2 during the pre-operational phase which may have implications for the attainment of ambient air quality standards in the local surroundings. Unconventional O&G development remains under discussion as a potential option for improving the security of supply of domestic energy, tensioned however against significant environmental impacts. Here we demonstrate that the preparative work needed to begin fracking elevates air pollution in its own right, a further potential disbenefit that should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shona E Wilde
- Wolfson Atmospheric Chemistry Laboratories, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK.
| | - James R Hopkins
- National Centre for Atmospheric Science, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Alastair C Lewis
- National Centre for Atmospheric Science, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Rachel E Dunmore
- Wolfson Atmospheric Chemistry Laboratories, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Grant Allen
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Manchetser, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Joseph R Pitt
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Manchetser, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Robert S Ward
- British Geological Survey, Environmental Science Centre, Nicker Hill, Keyworth, Nottingham NG12 5GG, UK
| | - Ruth M Purvis
- National Centre for Atmospheric Science, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK
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47
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Vengosh A, Weinthal E. The water consumption reductions from home solar installation in the United States. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 854:158738. [PMID: 36108854 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2022] [Revised: 08/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Installation of rooftop photovoltaic (PV) solar is expected to change the electricity landscape in the U.S. through reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating global warming, as well as eliminating environmental impacts from fossil fuels utilization. Given the high-water intensity of fossil fuels, nuclear, and hydropower, the transition to solar and wind energy has important implications for also reducing the water footprint of energy production. This study evaluates the reductions in the water footprint from the electricity sector at the statewide and household scales in the contiguous U.S., as well as the expected virtual water footprint of individual homes upon switching to rooftop PV solar. Through integration of the water consumption intensity of the different energy sources that contribute to the current grid electricity, the annual residential electricity consumption, and the number of households, we have established a baseline for the variations of current statewide and household water consumption in the contiguous 48 states. The average nationwide water consumption of the residential sector from the current grid electricity is estimated as 9.84 × 109 m3, while the household grid water consumption varies from 8 to 225 m3 y-1 (a nationwide average of 66 m3y-1). We estimate the household water consumption upon installing roof solar PV (3-60 m3 y-1, a nationwide average of 4.7 m3 y-1) and the expected annual reduction in water consumption (210 %-1600 %) at the household level across the U.S. The current electricity production from rooftop solar PV in the U.S. is currently about 1.5 % of the total residential electricity consumption, which infers an overall annual saving of 374 × 106 m3 based on the average national grid water consumption in the U.S. The transition to rooftop PV solar infers not only reductions in greenhouse gas emissions coupled with a major reduction in the overall water footprint, but also a transfer of the water footprint and associated environmental implications to countries overseas where most PV panels are manufactured.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avner Vengosh
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, United States of America.
| | - Erika Weinthal
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, United States of America
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Claustre L, Bouchard M, Gasparyan L, Bosson-Rieutort D, Owens-Beek N, Caron-Beaudoin É, Verner MA. Assessing gestational exposure to trace elements in an area of unconventional oil and gas activity: comparison with reference populations and evaluation of variability. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2023; 33:94-101. [PMID: 36564511 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-022-00508-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Located in Northeastern British Columbia, the Montney formation is an important area of unconventional oil and gas exploitation, which can release contaminants like trace elements. Gestational exposure to these contaminants may lead to deleterious developmental effects. OBJECTIVES Our study aimed to (1) assess gestational exposure to trace elements in women living in this region through repeated urinary measurements; (2) compare urinary concentrations to those from North American reference populations; (3) compare urinary concentrations between Indigenous and non-Indigenous participants; and (4) evaluate inter- and intra-individual variability in urinary levels. METHODS Eighty-five pregnant women participating in the Exposures in the Peace River Valley (EXPERIVA) study provided daily spot urine samples over 7 consecutive days. Samples were analyzed for 20 trace elements using inductively-coupled mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Descriptive statistics were calculated, and inter- and intra-individual variability in urinary levels was evaluated through intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) calculation for each trace element. RESULTS When compared with those from North American reference populations, median urinary levels were higher in our population for barium (~2 times), cobalt (~3 times) and strontium (~2 times). The 95th percentile of reference populations was exceeded at least 1 time by a substantial percentage of participants during the sampling week for barium (58%), cobalt (73%), copper (29%), manganese (28%), selenium (38%), strontium (60%) and vanadium (100%). We observed higher urinary manganese concentrations in self-identified Indigenous participants (median: 0.19 µg/g creatinine) compared to non-Indigenous participants (median: 0.15 µg/g of creatinine). ICCs varied from 0.288 to 0.722, indicating poor to moderate reliability depending on the trace element. SIGNIFICANCE Our results suggest that pregnant women living in this region may be more exposed to certain trace elements (barium, cobalt, copper, manganese, selenium, strontium, and vanadium), and that one urine spot sample could be insufficient to adequately characterize participants' exposure to certain trace elements. IMPACT STATEMENT Unconventional oil and gas (UOG) is an important industry in the Peace River Valley region (Northeastern British Columbia, Canada). Information on the impacts of this industry is limited, but recent literature emphasizes the risk of environmental contamination. The results presented in this paper highlight that pregnant women living near UOG wells in Northeastern British Columbia may be more exposed to some trace elements known to be related to this industry compared to reference populations. Furthermore, our results based on repeated urinary measurements show that one urine sample may be insufficient to adequately reflect long-term exposure to certain trace elements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucie Claustre
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Centre de recherche en santé publique, Université de Montréal and CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Michèle Bouchard
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Centre de recherche en santé publique, Université de Montréal and CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Lilit Gasparyan
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Centre de recherche en santé publique, Université de Montréal and CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Delphine Bosson-Rieutort
- Centre de recherche en santé publique, Université de Montréal and CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Deartment of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, School of Public Health, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Élyse Caron-Beaudoin
- Department of Health and Society, Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Evaluation, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Marc-André Verner
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada.
- Centre de recherche en santé publique, Université de Montréal and CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada.
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Morais TA, Ryan MC. In-Well Degassing of Monitoring Wells Completed in Gas-Charged Aquifers. GROUND WATER 2023; 61:86-99. [PMID: 36054598 PMCID: PMC10087888 DOI: 10.1111/gwat.13238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Total dissolved gas pressure (PTDG ) measurements are useful to measure accurate in situ dissolved gas concentrations in groundwater, but challenged by in-well degassing. Although in-well degassing has been widely observed, its cause(s) are not clear. We investigated the mechanism(s) by which gas-charged groundwater in a recently pumped well becomes degassed. Vertical PTDG and dissolved gas concentration profiles were monitored in the standing water column (SWC) of a groundwater well screened in a gas-charged aquifer for 7 days before and 15 days after pumping. Prior to pumping, PTDG values remained relatively constant and below calculated bubbling pressure (PBUB ) at all depths. In contrast, significant increases in PTDG were observed at all depths after pumping was initiated, as fresh groundwater with elevated in situ PTDG values was pumped through the well screen. After pumping ceased, PTDG values decreased to below PBUB at all depths over the 15-day post-pumping period, indicating well degassing was active over this time frame. Vertical profiles of estimated dissolved gas concentrations before and after pumping provided insight into the mechanism(s) by which in-well degassing occurred in the SWC. During both monitoring periods, downward mixing of dominant atmospheric and/or tracer gases, and upwards mixing of dominant groundwater gases were observed in the SWC. The key mechanisms responsible for in-well degassing were (i) bubble exsolution when PTDG exceeded PBUB as gas-charged well water moves upwards in the SWC during recovery (i.e., hydraulic gradient driven convection), (ii) microadvection caused by the upward migration of bubbles under buoyancy, and (iii) long-term, thermally driven vertical convection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiago A. Morais
- Department of GeoscienceUniversity of CalgaryCalgaryAlbertaCanada
| | - M. Cathryn Ryan
- Department of GeoscienceUniversity of CalgaryCalgaryAlbertaCanada
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Dynamics Simulation of the Effect of Cosolvent on the Solubility and Tackifying Behavior of PDMS Tackifier in Supercritical CO2 Fracturing Fluid. Colloids Surf A Physicochem Eng Asp 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfa.2023.130985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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