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Zhong C, Chen R, He Y, Hou D, Chen F. Interactions between microbial communities and polymers in hydraulic fracturing water cycle: A review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 947:174412. [PMID: 38977097 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2024] [Revised: 06/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
Hydraulic fracturing (HF) has substantially boosted global unconventional hydrocarbon production but has also introduced various environmental and operational challenges. Understanding the interactions between abundant and diverse microbial communities and chemicals, particularly polymers used for proppant delivery, thickening, and friction reduction, in HF water cycles is crucial for addressing these challenges. This review primarily examined the recent studies conducted in China, an emerging area for HF activities, and comparatively examined studies from other regions. In China, polyacrylamide (PAM) and its derivatives products became key components in hydraulic fracturing fluid (HFF) for unconventional hydrocarbon development. The microbial diversity of unconventional HF water cycles in China was higher compared to North America, with frequent detection of taxa such as Shewanella, Marinobacter, and Desulfobacter. While biodegradation, biocorrosion, and biofouling were common issues across regions, the mechanisms underlying these microbe-polymer interactions differed substantially. Notably, in HF sites in the Sichuan Basin, the use of biocides gradually decreased its efficiency to mitigate adverse microbial activities. High-throughput sequencing proved to be a robust tool that could identify key bioindicators and biodegradation pathways, and help select optimal polymers and biocides, leading to more efficient HFF systems. The primary aim of this study is to raise awareness about the interactions between microorganisms and polymers, providing fresh insights that can inform decisions related to enhanced chemical use and biological control measures at HF sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Zhong
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610500, China; Oil & Gas Field Applied Chemistry Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, Sichuan 610500, China
| | - Rong Chen
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610500, China; Oil & Gas Field Applied Chemistry Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, Sichuan 610500, China
| | - Yuhe He
- School of Energy and Environment and State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Deyi Hou
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Fu Chen
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610500, China.
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2
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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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3
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Kashani M, Engle MA, Kent DB, Gregston T, Cozzarelli IM, Mumford AC, Varonka MS, Harris CR, Akob DM. Illegal dumping of oil and gas wastewater alters arid soil microbial communities. Appl Environ Microbiol 2024; 90:e0149023. [PMID: 38294246 PMCID: PMC10880632 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01490-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
The Permian Basin, underlying southeast New Mexico and west Texas, is one of the most productive oil and gas (OG) provinces in the United States. Oil and gas production yields large volumes of wastewater with complex chemistries, and the environmental health risks posed by these OG wastewaters on sensitive desert ecosystems are poorly understood. Starting in November 2017, 39 illegal dumps, as defined by federal and state regulations, of OG wastewater were identified in southeastern New Mexico, releasing ~600,000 L of fluid onto dryland soils. To evaluate the impacts of these releases, we analyzed changes in soil geochemistry and microbial community composition by comparing soils from within OG wastewater dump-affected samples to unaffected zones. We observed significant changes in soil geochemistry for all dump-affected compared with control samples, reflecting the residual salts and hydrocarbons from the OG-wastewater release (e.g., enriched in sodium, chloride, and bromide). Microbial community structure significantly (P < 0.01) differed between dump and control zones, with soils from dump areas having significantly (P < 0.01) lower alpha diversity and differences in phylogenetic composition. Dump-affected soil samples showed an increase in halophilic and halotolerant taxa, including members of the Marinobacteraceae, Halomonadaceae, and Halobacteroidaceae, suggesting that the high salinity of the dumped OG wastewater was exerting a strong selective pressure on microbial community structure. Taxa with high similarity to known hydrocarbon-degrading organisms were also detected in the dump-affected soil samples. Overall, this study demonstrates the potential for OG wastewater exposure to change the geochemistry and microbial community dynamics of arid soils.IMPORTANCEThe long-term environmental health impacts resulting from releases of oil and gas (OG) wastewater, typically brines with varying compositions of ions, hydrocarbons, and other constituents, are understudied. This is especially true for sensitive desert ecosystems, where soil microbes are key primary producers and drivers of nutrient cycling. We found that releases of OG wastewater can lead to shifts in microbial community composition and function toward salt- and hydrocarbon-tolerant taxa that are not typically found in desert soils, thus altering the impacted dryland soil ecosystem. Loss of key microbial taxa, such as those that catalyze organic carbon cycling, increase arid soil fertility, promote plant health, and affect soil moisture retention, could result in cascading effects across the sensitive desert ecosystem. By characterizing environmental changes due to releases of OG wastewater to soils overlying the Permian Basin, we gain further insights into how OG wastewater may alter dryland soil microbial functions and ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitra Kashani
- U.S. Geological Survey, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center, Reston, Virginia, USA
| | - Mark A Engle
- Department of Earth, Environmental and Resource Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, Texas, USA
| | - Douglas B Kent
- U.S. Geological Survey, Earth Systems Processes Division, Menlo Park, California, USA
| | | | - Isabelle M Cozzarelli
- U.S. Geological Survey, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center, Reston, Virginia, USA
| | - Adam C Mumford
- U.S. Geological Survey, Maryland-Delaware-D.C. Water Science Center, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Matthew S Varonka
- U.S. Geological Survey, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center, Reston, Virginia, USA
| | - Cassandra R Harris
- U.S. Geological Survey, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center, Reston, Virginia, USA
| | - Denise M Akob
- U.S. Geological Survey, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center, Reston, Virginia, USA
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Amundson KK, Roux S, Shelton JL, Wilkins MJ. Long-term CRISPR locus dynamics and stable host-virus co-existence in subsurface fractured shales. Curr Biol 2023; 33:3125-3135.e4. [PMID: 37402375 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2023.06.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023]
Abstract
Viruses are the most ubiquitous biological entities on Earth. Even so, elucidating the impact of viruses on microbial communities and associated ecosystem processes often requires identification of unambiguous host-virus linkages-an undeniable challenge in many ecosystems. Subsurface fractured shales present a unique opportunity to first make these strong linkages via spacers in CRISPR-Cas arrays and subsequently reveal complex long-term host-virus dynamics. Here, we sampled two replicated sets of fractured shale wells for nearly 800 days, resulting in 78 metagenomes from temporal sampling of six wells in the Denver-Julesburg Basin (Colorado, USA). At the community level, there was strong evidence for CRISPR-Cas defense systems being used through time and likely in response to viral interactions. Within our host genomes, represented by 202 unique MAGs, we also saw that CRISPR-Cas systems were widely encoded. Together, spacers from host CRISPR loci facilitated 2,110 CRISPR-based viral linkages across 90 host MAGs spanning 25 phyla. We observed less redundancy in host-viral linkages and fewer spacers associated with hosts from the older, more established wells, possibly reflecting enrichment of more beneficial spacers through time. Leveraging temporal patterns of host-virus linkages across differing well ages, we report how host-virus co-existence dynamics develop and converge through time, possibly reflecting selection for viruses that can evade host CRISPR-Cas systems. Together, our findings shed light on the complexities of host-virus interactions as well as long-term dynamics of CRISPR-Cas defense among diverse microbial populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaela K Amundson
- Colorado State University, Department of Soil & Crop Sciences, 301 University Ave., Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA.
| | - Simon Roux
- DOE Joint Genome Institute, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Jenna L Shelton
- United States Geological Survey, 12201 Sunrise Valley Dr., Reston, VA 20192, USA
| | - Michael J Wilkins
- Colorado State University, Department of Soil & Crop Sciences, 301 University Ave., Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
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Nixon SL, Plominsky AM, Hernandez-Becerra N, Boothman C, Bartlett DH. Microbial communities in freshwater used for hydraulic fracturing are unable to withstand the high temperatures and pressures characteristic of fractured shales. Access Microbiol 2023; 5:000515.v3. [PMID: 37223063 PMCID: PMC10202394 DOI: 10.1099/acmi.0.000515.v3] [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: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural gas is recovered from shale formations by hydraulic fracturing, a process known to create microbial ecosystems in the deep subsurface. Microbial communities that emerge in fractured shales include organisms known to degrade fracturing fluid additives and contribute to corrosion of well infrastructure. In order to limit these negative microbial processes, it is essential to constrain the source of the responsible micro-organisms. Previous studies have identified a number of potential sources, including fracturing fluids and drilling muds, yet these sources remain largely untested. Here, we apply high-pressure experimental approaches to assess whether the microbial community in synthetic fracturing fluid made from freshwater reservoir water can withstand the temperature and pressure conditions of hydraulic fracturing and the fractured shale environment. Using cell enumerations, DNA extraction and culturing, we show that the community can withstand high pressure or high temperature alone, but the combination of both is fatal. These results suggest that initial freshwater-based fracturing fluids are an unlikely source of micro-organisms in fractured shales. These findings indicate that potentially problematic lineages, such as sulfidogenic strains of Halanaerobium that have been found to dominate fractured shale microbial communities, likely derive from other input sources into the downwell environment, such as drilling muds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie L. Nixon
- Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Alvaro M. Plominsky
- Marine Biology Research Division, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | | | - Christopher Boothman
- Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Douglas H. Bartlett
- Marine Biology Research Division, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
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6
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Cliffe L, Hernandez-Becerra N, Boothman C, Eden B, Lloyd JR, Nixon SL. Guar Gum Stimulates Biogenic Sulfide Production in Microbial Communities Derived from UK Fractured Shale Production Fluids. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0364022. [PMID: 36453927 PMCID: PMC9769687 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03640-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Shale gas production fluids offer a window into the engineered deep biosphere. Here, for the first time, we report on the geochemistry and microbiology of production fluids from a UK shale gas well in the Bowland shale formation. The composition of input fluids used to fracture this well were comparatively lean, consisting only of water, sand, and polyacrylamide. This formation therefore represents an interesting comparison to previously explored fractured shales in which more additives were used in the input fluids. Here, we combine cultivation and molecular ecology techniques to explore the microbial community composition of hydraulic fracturing production fluids, with a focus on the potential for common viscosity modifiers to stimulate microbial growth and biogenic sulfide production. Production fluids from a Bowland Shale exploratory well were used as inocula in substrate utilization experiments to test the potential for polyacrylamide and guar gum to stimulate microbial metabolism. We identified a consortium of thiosulfate-reducing bacteria capable of utilizing guar gum (but not polyacrylamide), resulting in the production of corrosive and toxic hydrogen sulfide. Results from this study indicate polyacrylamide is less likely than guar gum to stimulate biogenic sulfide production during shale gas extraction and may guide planning of future hydraulic fracturing operations. IMPORTANCE Shale gas exploitation relies on hydraulic fracturing, which often involves a range of chemical additives in the injection fluid. However, relatively little is known about how these additives influence fractured shale microbial communities. This work offers a first look into the microbial community composition of shale gas production fluids obtained from an exploratory well in the Bowland Shale, United Kingdom. It also seeks to establish the impact of two commonly used viscosity modifiers, polyacrylamide and guar gum, on microbial community dynamics and the potential for microbial sulfide production. Not only does this work offer fascinating insights into the engineered deep biosphere, it could also help guide future hydraulic fracturing operations that seek to minimize the risk of biogenic sulfide production, which could reduce efficiency and increase environmental impacts of shale gas extraction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Cliffe
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Natali Hernandez-Becerra
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher Boothman
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Bob Eden
- Rawwater Engineering Company Limited, Culcheth, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan R. Lloyd
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Sophie L. Nixon
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
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Tinker K, Lipus D, Gardiner J, Stuckman M, Gulliver D. The Microbial Community and Functional Potential in the Midland Basin Reveal a Community Dominated by Both Thiosulfate and Sulfate-Reducing Microorganisms. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0004922. [PMID: 35695567 PMCID: PMC9430316 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00049-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The Permian Basin is the highest producing oil and gas reservoir in the United States. Hydrocarbon resources in this region are often accessed by unconventional extraction methods, including horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing. Despite the importance of the Permian Basin, there is no publicly available microbiological data from this region. We completed an analysis of Permian produced water samples to understand the dynamics present in hydraulically fractured wells in this region. We analyzed produced water samples taken from 10 wells in the Permian region of the Midland Basin using geochemical measurements, 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and metagenomic sequencing. Compared to other regions, we found that Permian Basin produced water was characterized by higher sulfate and lower total dissolved solids (TDS) concentrations, with a median of 1,110 mg/L and 107,000 mg/L. Additionally, geochemical measurements revealed the presence of frac hits, or interwell communication events where an established well is affected by the pumping of fracturing fluid into a new well. The occurrence of frac hits was supported by correlations between the microbiome and the geochemical parameters. Our 16S rRNA gene sequencing identified a produced water microbiome characterized by anaerobic, halophilic, and sulfur reducing taxa. Interestingly, sulfate and thiosulfate reducing taxa including Halanaerobium, Orenia, Marinobacter, and Desulfohalobium were the most prevalent microbiota in most wells. We further investigated the metabolic potential of microorganisms in the Permian Basin with metagenomic sequencing. We recovered 15 metagenome assembled genomes (MAGs) from seven different samples representing 6 unique well sites. These MAGs corroborated the high presence of sulfate and thiosulfate reducing genes across all wells, especially from key taxa including Halanaerobium and Orenia. The observed microbiome composition and metabolic capabilities in conjunction with the high sulfate concentrations demonstrate a high potential for hydrogen sulfide production in the Permian Basin. Additionally, evidence of frac hits suggests the possibility for the exchange of microbial cells and/or genetic information between wells. This exchange would increase the likelihood of hydrogen sulfide production and has implications for the oil and gas industry. IMPORTANCE The Permian Basin is the largest producing oil and gas region in the United States and plays a critical role supplying national energy needs. Previous work in other basins has demonstrated that the geochemistry and microbiology of hydrocarbon regions can have a major impact on well infrastructure and production. Despite that, little work has been done to understand the complex dynamics present in the Permian Basin. This study characterizes and analyzes 10 unique wells and one groundwater sample in the Permian Basin using geochemical and microbial techniques. Across all wells we found a high number of classic and thiosulfate reducers, suggesting that hydrogen sulfide production may be especially prevalent in the Permian Basin. Additionally, our analysis revealed a biogeochemical signal impacted by the presence of frac hits, or interwell communication events where an established well is affected by the pumping of fracturing fluid into a new well. This information can be utilized by the oil and gas industry to improve oil recovery efforts and minimize commercial and environmental costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kara Tinker
- National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- NETL Support Contractor, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Daniel Lipus
- National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Oakridge Institute for Science and Education, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, USA
- GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences, Section Geomicrobiology, Potsdam, Germany
| | - James Gardiner
- National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- NETL Support Contractor, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Mengling Stuckman
- National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- NETL Support Contractor, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Djuna Gulliver
- National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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Akob DM, Mumford AC, Fraser A, Harris CR, Orem WH, Varonka MS, Cozzarelli IM. Oil and Gas Wastewater Components Alter Streambed Microbial Community Structure and Function. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:752947. [PMID: 34938277 PMCID: PMC8686200 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.752947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The widespread application of directional drilling and hydraulic fracturing technologies expanded oil and gas (OG) development to previously inaccessible resources. A single OG well can generate millions of liters of wastewater, which is a mixture of brine produced from the fractured formations and injected hydraulic fracturing fluids (HFFs). With thousands of wells completed each year, safe management of OG wastewaters has become a major challenge to the industry and regulators. OG wastewaters are commonly disposed of by underground injection, and previous research showed that surface activities at an Underground Injection Control (UIC) facility in West Virginia affected stream biogeochemistry and sediment microbial communities immediately downstream from the facility. Because microbially driven processes can control the fate and transport of organic and inorganic components of OG wastewater, we designed a series of aerobic microcosm experiments to assess the influence of high total dissolved solids (TDS) and two common HFF additives-the biocide 2,2-dibromo-3-nitrilopropionamide (DBNPA) and ethylene glycol (an anti-scaling additive)-on microbial community structure and function. Microcosms were constructed with sediment collected upstream (background) or downstream (impacted) from the UIC facility in West Virginia. Exposure to elevated TDS resulted in a significant decrease in aerobic respiration, and microbial community analysis following incubation indicated that elevated TDS could be linked to the majority of change in community structure. Over the course of the incubation, the sediment layer in the microcosms became anoxic, and addition of DBNPA was observed to inhibit iron reduction. In general, disruptions to microbial community structure and function were more pronounced in upstream and background sediment microcosms than in impacted sediment microcosms. These results suggest that the microbial community in impacted sediments had adapted following exposure to OG wastewater releases from the site. Our findings demonstrate the potential for releases from an OG wastewater disposal facility to alter microbial communities and biogeochemical processes. We anticipate that these studies will aid in the development of useful models for the potential impact of UIC disposal facilities on adjoining surface water and shallow groundwater.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise M. Akob
- United States Geological Survey, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center, Reston, VA, United States
| | - Adam C. Mumford
- United States Geological Survey, Water Mission Area, Reston, VA, United States
| | - Andrea Fraser
- United States Geological Survey, Water Mission Area, Reston, VA, United States
| | - Cassandra R. Harris
- United States Geological Survey, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center, Reston, VA, United States
| | - William H. Orem
- United States Geological Survey, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center, Reston, VA, United States
| | - Matthew S. Varonka
- United States Geological Survey, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center, Reston, VA, United States
| | - Isabelle M. Cozzarelli
- United States Geological Survey, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center, Reston, VA, United States
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Mu HM, Wan YY, Wu BC, Tian Y, Dong HL, Xian CG, Li Y. A rapid change in microbial communities of the shale gas drilling fluid from 3548 m depth to the above-ground storage tank. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 784:147009. [PMID: 33901962 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.147009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2020] [Revised: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Despite the growing body of studies on the various fracturing phrases, the research on the differences between subterranean and surface microorganisms at shale gas drilling sites is still limited. Generally, shale gas development and the production process are divided into drilling and fracturing. The distribution of microbial communities in the latter has been paid some attention, but a deficit remains in terms of our understanding of the microbial community in the former, especially for the phase of drilling flowback and drilling flowback surface. In this study, four drilling flowback fluids (DFFs) (H230-flowback drilling cuttings, H23G-flowback drilling mud, H240-flowback drilling sediment, and H21F-flowback drilling water) from the outlet of subterranean pipeline to the inlet of storage tank were successively collected from H2 shale gas field during its initial drilling in Sichuan, China. Natural mountain water (H10W) used as the injection water of H2 was also sampled. Illumina MiSeq 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed a total of 8 phyla, 17 classes, 36 orders, 62 families, and 98 genera that were recovered from these samples with uneven distribution. The majority of the obtained sequences belonged to the phyla Proteobacteria (75.36%), Bacteroidetes (10.75%), and Firmicutes (5.64%), with significant differences found in DFFs and injection water. The richness of microorganisms gradually increased with the increasing flowback flowing distance (H230 < H23G < H240 < H21F < H10W), which was employed to reveal a rapid change in microbiota that was evident in samples along the flow path aboveground from a depth of 3548 m. The findings of this study could expand our understanding of the ecological role of microorganisms during the shale gas drilling phase. Furthermore, the study highlights the temporal-spatial trajectory of microbial communities from subterranean environments to the surface in a short period of 30 days.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Mei Mu
- State Key Laboratory of Petroleum Resources and Prospecting, Beijing Key Laboratory of Petroleum Pollution and Control, Research Centre for Geomicrobial Resources and Application, Institute of Unconventional Oil and Gas Science and Technology, College of Geosciences, China University of Petroleum, Beijing 102249, China
| | - Yun Yang Wan
- State Key Laboratory of Petroleum Resources and Prospecting, Beijing Key Laboratory of Petroleum Pollution and Control, Research Centre for Geomicrobial Resources and Application, Institute of Unconventional Oil and Gas Science and Technology, College of Geosciences, China University of Petroleum, Beijing 102249, China.
| | - Bai Chun Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Petroleum Pollution Control, CNPC Research Institute of Safety and Environmental Technology, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Yan Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Petroleum Resources and Prospecting, Beijing Key Laboratory of Petroleum Pollution and Control, Research Centre for Geomicrobial Resources and Application, Institute of Unconventional Oil and Gas Science and Technology, College of Geosciences, China University of Petroleum, Beijing 102249, China
| | - Hai Liang Dong
- Department of Geology and Environmental Earth Science, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056, USA
| | - Cheng Gang Xian
- State Key Laboratory of Petroleum Resources and Prospecting, Beijing Key Laboratory of Petroleum Pollution and Control, Research Centre for Geomicrobial Resources and Application, Institute of Unconventional Oil and Gas Science and Technology, College of Geosciences, China University of Petroleum, Beijing 102249, China
| | - Yang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Petroleum Resources and Prospecting, Beijing Key Laboratory of Petroleum Pollution and Control, Research Centre for Geomicrobial Resources and Application, Institute of Unconventional Oil and Gas Science and Technology, College of Geosciences, China University of Petroleum, Beijing 102249, China; China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation, Beijing 100728, China.
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10
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Zhong C, Zolfaghari A, Hou D, Goss GG, Lanoil BD, Gehman J, Tsang DCW, He Y, Alessi DS. Comparison of the Hydraulic Fracturing Water Cycle in China and North America: A Critical Review. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:7167-7185. [PMID: 33970611 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c06119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
There is considerable debate about the sustainability of the hydraulic fracturing (HF) water cycle in North America. Recently, this debate has expanded to China, where HF activities continue to grow. Here, we provide a critical review of the HF water cycle in China, including water withdrawal practices and flowback and produced water (FPW) management and their environmental impacts, with a comprehensive comparison to the U.S. and Canada (North America). Water stress in arid regions, as well as water management challenges, FPW contamination of aquatic and soil systems, and induced seismicity are all impacts of the HF water cycle in China, the U.S., and Canada. In light of experience gained in North America, standardized practices for analyzing and reporting FPW chemistry and microbiology in China are needed to inform its efficient and safe treatment, discharge and reuse, and identification of potential contaminants. Additionally, conducting ecotoxicological studies is an essential next step to fully reveal the impacts of accidental FPW releases into aquatic and soil ecosystems in China. From a policy perspective, the development of China's unconventional resources lags behind North America's in terms of overall regulation, especially with regard to water withdrawal, FPW management, and routine monitoring. Our study suggests that common environmental risks exist within the world's two largest HF regions, and practices used in North America may help prevent or mitigate adverse effects in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Zhong
- Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Ashkan Zolfaghari
- Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Deyi Hou
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Greg G Goss
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Brian D Lanoil
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Joel Gehman
- Department of Strategy, Entrepreneurship and Management, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Daniel C W Tsang
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yuhe He
- School of Energy and Environment and State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Daniel S Alessi
- Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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11
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Tang P, Li J, Li T, Tian L, Sun Y, Xie W, He Q, Chang H, Tiraferri A, Liu B. Efficient integrated module of gravity driven membrane filtration, solar aeration and GAC adsorption for pretreatment of shale gas wastewater. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 405:124166. [PMID: 33087288 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.124166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Low-cost and efficient treatment processes are urgently needed to manage highly decentralized shale gas wastewater, which seriously threatens the environment if not properly treated. We propose a simple integrated pretreatment process for on-site treatment, whereby gravity driven membrane filtration is combined with granular activated carbon (GAC) adsorption and solar aeration. The rationale of exploitment of sustainable solar energy is that most shale gas production areas are decentralized and located in desert/rural areas characterized by relatively scarce transportation and power facilities but also by abundant sunshine. In this study, GAC and aeration significantly increased the stable flux (170%) and improved effluent quality. Specifically, the dissolved organic carbon removal rate of the integrated system was 44.9%. The high stable flux was attributed to a reduction of extracellular polymeric substances accumulated on the membrane, as well as to the more porous and heterogeneous biofilm formed by eukaryotes with stronger active predation behavior. The prevailing strains, Gammaproteobacteria (35.5%) and Alphaproteobacteria (56.5%), played an important active role in organic carbon removal. The integrated system has great potential as pretreatment for shale gas wastewater due to its low energy consumption, low operational costs, high productivity, and effluent quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Tang
- Key Laboratory of Deep Earth Science and Engineering (Ministry of Education), College of Architecture and Environment, Institute of New Energy and Low-Carbon Technology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610207, PR China; Yibin Institute of Industrial Technology, Sichuan University Yibin Park, Yibin 644000, PR China
| | - Jialin Li
- Key Laboratory of Deep Earth Science and Engineering (Ministry of Education), College of Architecture and Environment, Institute of New Energy and Low-Carbon Technology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610207, PR China; Yibin Institute of Industrial Technology, Sichuan University Yibin Park, Yibin 644000, PR China
| | - Tong Li
- Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Institute of Environmental Research at Greater Bay, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Lun Tian
- Key Laboratory of Deep Earth Science and Engineering (Ministry of Education), College of Architecture and Environment, Institute of New Energy and Low-Carbon Technology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610207, PR China; Yibin Institute of Industrial Technology, Sichuan University Yibin Park, Yibin 644000, PR China
| | - Yu Sun
- Key Laboratory of Deep Earth Science and Engineering (Ministry of Education), College of Architecture and Environment, Institute of New Energy and Low-Carbon Technology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610207, PR China; Yibin Institute of Industrial Technology, Sichuan University Yibin Park, Yibin 644000, PR China
| | - Wancen Xie
- Key Laboratory of Deep Earth Science and Engineering (Ministry of Education), College of Architecture and Environment, Institute of New Energy and Low-Carbon Technology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610207, PR China; Yibin Institute of Industrial Technology, Sichuan University Yibin Park, Yibin 644000, PR China
| | - Qiping He
- Chuanqing Drilling Engineering Company Limited, Chinese National Petroleum Corporation, Chengdu 610081, PR China
| | - Haiqing Chang
- Key Laboratory of Deep Earth Science and Engineering (Ministry of Education), College of Architecture and Environment, Institute of New Energy and Low-Carbon Technology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610207, PR China; Yibin Institute of Industrial Technology, Sichuan University Yibin Park, Yibin 644000, PR China
| | - Alberto Tiraferri
- Department of Environment, Land and Infrastructure Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Turin, Italy
| | - Baicang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Deep Earth Science and Engineering (Ministry of Education), College of Architecture and Environment, Institute of New Energy and Low-Carbon Technology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610207, PR China; Yibin Institute of Industrial Technology, Sichuan University Yibin Park, Yibin 644000, PR China.
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12
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Jawaharraj K, Shrestha N, Chilkoor G, Vemuri B, Gadhamshetty V. Electricity from methanol using indigenous methylotrophs from hydraulic fracturing flowback water. Bioelectrochemistry 2020; 135:107549. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2020.107549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2019] [Revised: 05/02/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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13
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Bacterial community analysis of biofilm on API 5LX carbon steel in an oil reservoir environment. Bioprocess Biosyst Eng 2020; 44:355-368. [PMID: 32959147 DOI: 10.1007/s00449-020-02447-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to characterize the biofilm microbial community that causes corrosion of API 5LX carbon steel. API 5LX carbon steel coupons were incubated with raw produced water collected from two oil reservoir stations or filter-sterilized produced water. Biofilm 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing revealed that the bacterial community present in the biofilm was dominated by Proteobacteria, including Marinobacter hydrocarbonoclaustics and Marinobacter alkaliphilus. Electrochemical analysis such as impedance and polarization results indicated that Proteobacteria biofilm accelerated corrosion by ~ twofold (2.1 ± 0.61 mm/years) or ~ fourfold (~ 3.7 ± 0.42 mm/years) when compared to the control treatment (0.95 ± 0.1 mm/years). Scanning electron and atomic force microscopy revealed the presence of a thick biofilm and pitting corrosion. X-ray diffraction revealed higher amounts of the corrosion products Fe2O3, γ-FeOOH, and α-FeOOH, and confirmed that the microbial biofilm strongly oxidized the iron and contributed to the acceleration of corrosion of carbon metal API 5LX.
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14
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Tinker K, Gardiner J, Lipus D, Sarkar P, Stuckman M, Gulliver D. Geochemistry and Microbiology Predict Environmental Niches With Conditions Favoring Potential Microbial Activity in the Bakken Shale. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:1781. [PMID: 32849400 PMCID: PMC7406717 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.01781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The Bakken Shale and underlying Three Forks Formation is an important oil and gas reservoir in the United States. The hydrocarbon resources in this region are accessible using unconventional oil and gas extraction methods, including horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing. However, the geochemistry and microbiology of this region are not well understood, although they are known to have major implications for productivity and water management. In this study, we analyzed the produced water from 14 unconventional wells in the Bakken Shale using geochemical measurements, quantitative PCR (qPCR), and 16S rRNA gene sequencing with the overall goal of understanding the complex dynamics present in hydraulically fractured wells. Bakken Shale produced waters from this study exhibit high measurements of total dissolved solids (TDS). These conditions inhibit microbial growth, such that all samples had low microbial loads except for one sample (well 11), which had lower TDS concentrations and higher 16S rRNA gene copies. Our produced water samples had elevated chloride concentrations typical of other Bakken waters. However, they also contained a sulfate concentration trend that suggested higher occurrence of sulfate reduction, especially in wells 11 and 18. The unique geochemistry and microbial loads recorded for wells 11 and 18 suggest that the heterogeneous nature of the producing formation can provide environmental niches with conditions conducive for microbial growth. This was supported by strong correlations between the produced water microbial community and the associated geochemical parameters including sodium, chloride, and sulfate concentrations. The produced water microbial community was dominated by 19 bacterial families, all of which have previously been associated with hydrocarbon-reservoirs. These families include Halanaerobiaceae, Pseudomonadaceae, and Desulfohalobiaceae which are often associated with thiosulfate reduction, biofilm production, and sulfate reduction, respectively. Notably, well 11 was dominated by sulfate reducers. Our findings expand the current understanding of microbial life in the Bakken region and provide new insights into how the unique produced water conditions shape microbial communities. Finally, our analysis suggests that produced water chemistry is tightly linked with microbiota in the Bakken Shale and shows that additional research efforts that incorporate coupled microbial and geochemical datasets are necessary to understand this ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kara Tinker
- National Energy Technology Laboratory, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.,Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Oak Ridge, TN, United States
| | - James Gardiner
- National Energy Technology Laboratory, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.,Leidos Research Support Team, National Energy Technology Laboratory, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Daniel Lipus
- National Energy Technology Laboratory, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.,Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Oak Ridge, TN, United States.,Section of Geomicrobiology, GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Preom Sarkar
- National Energy Technology Laboratory, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.,Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Oak Ridge, TN, United States
| | - Mengling Stuckman
- National Energy Technology Laboratory, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.,Leidos Research Support Team, National Energy Technology Laboratory, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Djuna Gulliver
- National Energy Technology Laboratory, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
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15
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Wang B, Xiong M, Wang P, Shi B. Chemical characterization in hydraulic fracturing flowback and produced water (HF-FPW) of shale gas in Sichuan of China. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 27:26532-26542. [PMID: 32372354 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-08670-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2019] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Large amounts of fracturing flowback and wastewater with complex compositions are produced during hydraulic fracturing. Characterization of hydraulic fracturing flowback and produced water (HF-FPW) is an important initial step in efforts to determine a suitable treatment method for this type of wastewater. In the present study, fracturing flowback and produced water samples were obtained from well CN-F and well CN-E in the prophase and anaphase stages of the Changning shale gas mining area. Chemical characterization of inorganic and organic substances was then conducted. Metal contents were determined by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES), and all inorganic anions involved were determined by ion chromatography. The organic pollutant components were analyzed in detail by combining Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometer (GC-MS). Results showed that samples contained salt (TDS = 30,000-50,000 mg/L), metals (e.g., 650 ± 50 mg/L calcium), and total organic carbon (TOC = 32-178 mg/L). The organic substances detected in all samples could be divided into six categories, alkanes, aromatics, halogenated hydrocarbons, alcohols, esters, and ketones. C6-C21 straight-chain alkanes and C7-C13 naphthenes had the highest amount of organic matter, reaching more than 48%. The organic matter contained fracturing fluid additives, such as surfactants (e.g., ethylene glycol), and nitrotrichloromethane, which is a chlorinated product of some additives. These results provide information on the chemical composition of HF-FPW in Sichuan, China, as well as a basis for subsequent processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Wang
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu, 610500, Sichuan, China.
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Prevention on Oil and Gas Fields and Environmental Safety, Chengdu, 610500, China.
| | - Mingyang Xiong
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu, 610500, Sichuan, China
| | - Peijie Wang
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu, 610500, Sichuan, China
| | - Bin Shi
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu, 610500, Sichuan, China
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16
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Salgar-Chaparro SJ, Lepkova K, Pojtanabuntoeng T, Darwin A, Machuca LL. Nutrient Level Determines Biofilm Characteristics and Subsequent Impact on Microbial Corrosion and Biocide Effectiveness. Appl Environ Microbiol 2020; 86:e02885-19. [PMID: 31980429 PMCID: PMC7082584 DOI: 10.1128/aem.02885-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 01/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The impact that nutrient level has on biofilm characteristics, biocide effectiveness, and the associated risk of microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) was assessed using multispecies biofilms from two different oilfield consortia. A range of microbiological, microscopy, and corrosion methods demonstrated that the continuous flow of nutrients for the microbial growth resulted in higher activity, thickness, and robustness of the biofilms formed on carbon steel, which induced greater localized corrosion compared to biofilms formed under batch, nutrient-depleted conditions. Despite of the differences in biofilm characteristics, biofilms displayed comparable susceptibilities to glutaraldehyde biocide, with similar log10 reductions and percent reductions of microorganisms under both nutrient conditions. Nevertheless, nutrient replenishment impacted the effectiveness of the biocide in controlling microbial populations; a higher concentration of cells survived the biocide treatment in biofilms formed under a continuous flow of nutrients. Complementary DNA-/RNA-based amplicon sequencing and bioinformatics analysis were used to discriminate the active within the total populations in biofilms established at the different nutrient conditions and allowed the identification of the microbial species that remained active despite nutrient depletion and biocide treatment. Detection of persistent active microorganisms after exposure to glutaraldehyde, regardless of biofilm structure, suggested the presence of microorganisms less susceptible to this biocide and highlighted the importance of monitoring active microbial species for the early detection of biocide resistance in oil production facilities.IMPORTANCE Microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) is a complex process that generates economic losses to the industry every year. Corrosion must be managed to prevent a loss of containment of produced fluids to the external environment. MIC management includes the identification of assets with higher MIC risk, which could be influenced by nutrient levels in the system. Assessing biofilms under different nutrient conditions is essential for understanding the impact of flow regime on microbial communities and the subsequent impact on microbial corrosion and on the effectiveness of biocide treatment. This investigation simulates closely oil production systems, which contain piping sections exposed to continuous flow and sections that remain stagnant for long periods. Therefore, the results reported here are useful for MIC management and prevention. Moreover, the complementary methodological approach applied in this investigation highlighted the importance of implementing RNA-based methods for better identification of active microorganisms that survive stress conditions in oil systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia J Salgar-Chaparro
- Curtin Corrosion Centre, WA School of Mines: Minerals, Energy, and Chemical Engineering, Curtin University, Bentley, WA, Australia
| | - Katerina Lepkova
- Curtin Corrosion Centre, WA School of Mines: Minerals, Energy, and Chemical Engineering, Curtin University, Bentley, WA, Australia
| | - Thunyaluk Pojtanabuntoeng
- Curtin Corrosion Centre, WA School of Mines: Minerals, Energy, and Chemical Engineering, Curtin University, Bentley, WA, Australia
| | | | - Laura L Machuca
- Curtin Corrosion Centre, WA School of Mines: Minerals, Energy, and Chemical Engineering, Curtin University, Bentley, WA, Australia
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17
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Cliffe L, Nixon SL, Daly RA, Eden B, Taylor KG, Boothman C, Wilkins MJ, Wrighton KC, Lloyd JR. Identification of Persistent Sulfidogenic Bacteria in Shale Gas Produced Waters. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:286. [PMID: 32153553 PMCID: PMC7046593 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.00286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2019] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Produced waters from hydraulically fractured shale formations give insight into the microbial ecology and biogeochemical conditions down-well. This study explores the potential for sulfide production by persistent microorganisms recovered from produced water samples collected from the Marcellus shale formation. Hydrogen sulfide is highly toxic and corrosive, and can lead to the formation of “sour gas” which is costly to refine. Furthermore, microbial colonization of hydraulically fractured shale could result in formation plugging and a reduction in well productivity. It is vital to assess the potential for sulfide production in persistent microbial taxa, especially when considering the trend of reusing produced waters as input fluids, potentially enriching for problematic microorganisms. Using most probable number (MPN) counts and 16S rRNA gene sequencing, multiple viable strains of bacteria were identified from stored produced waters, mostly belonging to the Genus Halanaerobium, that were capable of growth via fermentation, and produced sulfide when supplied with thiosulfate. No sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) were detected through culturing, despite the detection of relatively low numbers of sulfate-reducing lineages by high-throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing. These results demonstrate that sulfidogenic produced water populations remain viable for years post production and, if left unchecked, have the potential to lead to natural gas souring during shale gas extraction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Cliffe
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Sophie L Nixon
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Rebecca A Daly
- Department of Soil and Crop Sciences, College of Agricultural Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Bob Eden
- Rawwater Engineering Company Limited, Culcheth, United Kingdom
| | - Kevin G Taylor
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher Boothman
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Michael J Wilkins
- Department of Soil and Crop Sciences, College of Agricultural Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Kelly C Wrighton
- Department of Soil and Crop Sciences, College of Agricultural Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Jonathan R Lloyd
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
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18
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Shale gas development has limited effects on stream biology and geochemistry in a gradient-based, multiparameter study in Pennsylvania. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:3670-3677. [PMID: 32015108 PMCID: PMC7035526 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1911458117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
This investigation provides a comprehensive evaluation of the geochemical and biological effects of shale gas development on 25 small watersheds over the course of 2 y. Sampling headwater streams seasonally over two consecutive years yielded no statistically significant relationships between the intensity, presence, or absence of shale gas development and any signal in a comprehensive set of chemical constituents (including those recognized as oil and gas geochemical tracers) or any changes in microbial or benthic macroinvertebrate community composition. This work provides a framework for investigations of anthropogenic effects stemming from natural resource development, and highlights the importance of conducting studies which control for regional and temporal variability. The number of horizontally drilled shale oil and gas wells in the United States has increased from nearly 28,000 in 2007 to nearly 127,000 in 2017, and research has suggested the potential for the development of shale resources to affect nearby stream ecosystems. However, the ability to generalize current studies is limited by the small geographic scope as well as limited breadth and integration of measured chemical and biological indicators parameters. This study tested the hypothesis that a quantifiable, significant relationship exists between the density of oil and gas (OG) development, increasing stream water concentrations of known geochemical tracers of OG extraction, and the composition of benthic macroinvertebrate and microbial communities. Twenty-five headwater streams that drain lands across a gradient of shale gas development intensity were sampled. Our strategy included comprehensive measurements across multiple seasons of sampling to account for temporal variability of geochemical parameters, including known shale OG geochemical tracers, and microbial and benthic macroinvertebrate communities. No significant relationships were found between the intensity of OG development, shale OG geochemical tracers, or benthic macroinvertebrate or microbial community composition, whereas significant seasonal differences in stream chemistry were observed. These results highlight the importance of considering spatial and temporal variability in stream chemistry and biota and not only the presence of anthropogenic activities in a watershed. This comprehensive, integrated study of geochemical and biological variability of headwater streams in watersheds undergoing OG development provides a robust framework for examining the effects of energy development at a regional scale.
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19
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Wang H, Lu L, Chen X, Bian Y, Ren ZJ. Geochemical and microbial characterizations of flowback and produced water in three shale oil and gas plays in the central and western United States. WATER RESEARCH 2019; 164:114942. [PMID: 31401327 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2019.114942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2019] [Revised: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 07/31/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Limited understanding of wastewater streams produced from shale oil and gas wells impedes best practices of wastewater treatment and reuse. This study provides a comprehensive and comparative analysis of flowback and produced water from three major and newly developed shale plays (the Bakken shale, North Dakota; the Barnett shale, Texas; and the Denver-Julesburg (DJ) basin, Colorado) in central and western United States. Geochemical features that included more than 10 water quality parameters, dissolved organic matter, as well as microbial community structures were characterized and compared. Results showed that wastewater from Bakken and Barnett shales has extremely high salinity (∼295 g/L total dissolved solids (TDS)) and low organic concentration (80-252 mg/L dissolved organic carbon (DOC)). In contrast, DJ basin showed an opposite trend with low TDS (∼30 g/L) and high organic content (644 mg/L DOC). Excitation-emission matrix (EEM) fluorescence spectra demonstrated that more humic acid and fluvic acid-like organics with higher aromaticity existed in Bakken wastewater than that in Barnett and DJ basin. Microbial communities of Bakken samples were dominated by Fe (III)-reducing bacteria Geobacter, lactic acid bacteria Lactococcus and Enterococcus, and Bradyrhizobium, while DJ basin water showed higher abundance of Rhodococcus, Thermovirga, and sulfate reducing bacteria Thermotoga and Petrotoga. All these bacteria are capable of hydrocarbon degradation. Hydrogenotrophic methanogens dominated the archaeal communities in all samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Wang
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08544, United States; Department of Civil, Environmental, and Architectural Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80309, United States.
| | - Lu Lu
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08544, United States.
| | - Xi Chen
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08544, United States.
| | - Yanhong Bian
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08544, United States.
| | - Zhiyong Jason Ren
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08544, United States; Department of Civil, Environmental, and Architectural Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80309, United States.
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20
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Evans MV, Getzinger G, Luek JL, Hanson AJ, McLaughlin MC, Blotevogel J, Welch SA, Nicora CD, Purvine SO, Xu C, Cole DR, Darrah TH, Hoyt DW, Metz TO, Lee Ferguson P, Lipton MS, Wilkins MJ, Mouser PJ. In situ transformation of ethoxylate and glycol surfactants by shale-colonizing microorganisms during hydraulic fracturing. THE ISME JOURNAL 2019; 13:2690-2700. [PMID: 31243331 PMCID: PMC6794257 DOI: 10.1038/s41396-019-0466-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2019] [Revised: 05/09/2019] [Accepted: 05/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
In the last decade, extensive application of hydraulic fracturing technologies to unconventional low-permeability hydrocarbon-rich formations has significantly increased natural-gas production in the United States and abroad. The injection of surface-sourced fluids to generate fractures in the deep subsurface introduces microbial cells and substrates to low-permeability rock. A subset of injected organic additives has been investigated for their ability to support biological growth in shale microbial community members; however, to date, little is known on how complex xenobiotic organic compounds undergo biotransformations in this deep rock ecosystem. Here, high-resolution chemical, metagenomic, and proteomic analyses reveal that widely-used surfactants are degraded by the shale-associated taxa Halanaerobium, both in situ and under laboratory conditions. These halotolerant bacteria exhibit surfactant substrate specificities, preferring polymeric propoxylated glycols (PPGs) and longer alkyl polyethoxylates (AEOs) over polyethylene glycols (PEGs) and shorter AEOs. Enzymatic transformation occurs through repeated terminal-end polyglycol chain shortening during co-metabolic growth through the methylglyoxal bypass. This work provides the first evidence that shale microorganisms can transform xenobiotic surfactants in fracture fluid formulations, potentially affecting the efficiency of hydrocarbon recovery, and demonstrating an important association between injected substrates and microbial growth in an engineered subsurface ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan V Evans
- Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geodetic Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Gordon Getzinger
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
| | - Jenna L Luek
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH, 03824, USA
| | - Andrea J Hanson
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Colorado State University, Ft. Collins, CO, 80523, USA
| | - Molly C McLaughlin
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Colorado State University, Ft. Collins, CO, 80523, USA
| | - Jens Blotevogel
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Colorado State University, Ft. Collins, CO, 80523, USA
| | - Susan A Welch
- School of Earth Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Carrie D Nicora
- Earth & Biological Sciences Directorate, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA, 99352, USA
| | - Samuel O Purvine
- Earth & Biological Sciences Directorate, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA, 99352, USA
| | - Chengdong Xu
- Earth & Biological Sciences Directorate, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA, 99352, USA
| | - David R Cole
- School of Earth Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Thomas H Darrah
- School of Earth Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - David W Hoyt
- Earth & Biological Sciences Directorate, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA, 99352, USA
| | - Thomas O Metz
- Earth & Biological Sciences Directorate, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA, 99352, USA
| | - P Lee Ferguson
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
| | - Mary S Lipton
- Earth & Biological Sciences Directorate, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA, 99352, USA
| | - Michael J Wilkins
- Department of Soil and Crop Sciences, Colorado State University, Ft. Collins, CO, 80523, USA
| | - Paula J Mouser
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH, 03824, USA.
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21
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Campa MF, Wolfe AK, Techtmann SM, Harik AM, Hazen TC. Unconventional Oil and Gas Energy Systems: An Unidentified Hotspot of Antimicrobial Resistance? Front Microbiol 2019; 10:2392. [PMID: 31681244 PMCID: PMC6813720 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.02392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2019] [Accepted: 10/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Biocides used in unconventional oil and gas (UOG) practices, such as hydraulic fracturing, control microbial growth. Unwanted microbial growth can cause gas souring, pipeline clogging, and microbial-induced corrosion of equipment and transportation pipes. However, optimizing biocide use has not been a priority. Moreover, biocide efficacy has been questioned because microbial surveys show an active microbial community in hydraulic fracturing produced and flowback water. Hydraulic fracturing produced and flowback water increases risks to surface aquifers and rivers/lakes near the UOG operations compared with conventional oil and gas operations. While some biocides and biocide degradation products have been highlighted as chemicals of concern because of their toxicity to humans and the environment, the selective antimicrobial pressure they cause has not been considered seriously. This perspective article aims to promote research to determine if antimicrobial pressure in these systems is cause for concern. UOG practices could potentially create antimicrobial resistance hotspots under-appreciated in the literature, practice, and regulation arena, hotspots that should not be ignored. The article is distinctive in discussing antimicrobial resistance risks associated with UOG biocides from a biological risk, not a chemical toxicology, perspective. We outline potential risks and highlight important knowledge gaps that need to be addressed to properly incorporate antimicrobial resistance emergence and selection into UOG environmental and health risk assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Fernanda Campa
- Bredesen Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Graduate Education, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Knoxville, TN, United States.,Biosciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN, United States.,Institute for a Secure and Sustainable Environment, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, United States
| | - Amy K Wolfe
- Environmental Science Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN, United States
| | - Stephen M Techtmann
- Department of Biological Sciences, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI, United States
| | - Ann-Marie Harik
- Departments of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Earth and Planetary Sciences, Microbiology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Knoxville, TN, United States
| | - Terry C Hazen
- Bredesen Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Graduate Education, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Knoxville, TN, United States.,Biosciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN, United States.,Institute for a Secure and Sustainable Environment, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, United States.,Departments of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Earth and Planetary Sciences, Microbiology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Knoxville, TN, United States
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22
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Surface Water Microbial Community Response to the Biocide 2,2-Dibromo-3-Nitrilopropionamide, Used in Unconventional Oil and Gas Extraction. Appl Environ Microbiol 2019; 85:AEM.01336-19. [PMID: 31444200 PMCID: PMC6803298 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01336-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2019] [Accepted: 08/15/2019] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Unconventional oil and gas activity can affect pH, total organic carbon, and microbial communities in surface water, altering their ability to respond to new environmental and/or anthropogenic perturbations. These findings demonstrate that 2,2-dibromo-3-nitrilopropionamide (DBNPA), a common hydraulic fracturing (HF) biocide, affects microbial communities differently as a consequence of past HF exposure, persisting longer in HF-impacted (HF+) waters. These findings also demonstrate that DBNPA has low efficacy in environmental microbial communities regardless of HF impact. These findings are of interest, as understanding microbial responses is key for formulating remediation strategies in unconventional oil and gas (UOG)-impacted environments. Moreover, some DBNPA degradation by-products are even more toxic and recalcitrant than DBNPA itself, and this work identifies novel brominated degradation by-products formed. Production of unconventional oil and gas continues to rise, but the effects of high-density hydraulic fracturing (HF) activity near aquatic ecosystems are not fully understood. A commonly used biocide in HF, 2,2-dibromo-3-nitrilopropionamide (DBNPA), was studied in microcosms of HF-impacted (HF+) versus HF-unimpacted (HF−) surface water streams to (i) compare the microbial community response, (ii) investigate DBNPA degradation products based on past HF exposure, and (iii) compare the microbial community response differences and similarities between the HF biocides DBNPA and glutaraldehyde. The microbial community responded to DBNPA differently in HF-impacted versus HF-unimpacted microcosms in terms of the number of 16S rRNA gene copies quantified, alpha and beta diversity, and differential abundance analyses of microbial community composition through time. The differences in microbial community changes affected degradation dynamics. HF-impacted microbial communities were more sensitive to DBNPA, causing the biocide and by-products of the degradation to persist for longer than in HF-unimpacted microcosms. A total of 17 DBNPA by-products were detected, many of them not widely known as DBNPA by-products. Many of the brominated by-products detected that are believed to be uncharacterized may pose environmental and health impacts. Similar taxa were able to tolerate glutaraldehyde and DBNPA; however, DBNPA was not as effective for microbial control, as indicated by a smaller overall decrease of 16S rRNA gene copies/ml after exposure to the biocide, and a more diverse set of taxa was able to tolerate it. These findings suggest that past HF activity in streams can affect the microbial community response to environmental perturbation such as that caused by the biocide DBNPA. IMPORTANCE Unconventional oil and gas activity can affect pH, total organic carbon, and microbial communities in surface water, altering their ability to respond to new environmental and/or anthropogenic perturbations. These findings demonstrate that 2,2-dibromo-3-nitrilopropionamide (DBNPA), a common hydraulic fracturing (HF) biocide, affects microbial communities differently as a consequence of past HF exposure, persisting longer in HF-impacted (HF+) waters. These findings also demonstrate that DBNPA has low efficacy in environmental microbial communities regardless of HF impact. These findings are of interest, as understanding microbial responses is key for formulating remediation strategies in unconventional oil and gas (UOG)-impacted environments. Moreover, some DBNPA degradation by-products are even more toxic and recalcitrant than DBNPA itself, and this work identifies novel brominated degradation by-products formed.
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23
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Chang H, Liu B, Wang H, Zhang SY, Chen S, Tiraferri A, Tang YQ. Evaluating the performance of gravity-driven membrane filtration as desalination pretreatment of shale gas flowback and produced water. J Memb Sci 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.memsci.2019.117187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
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24
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Cantlay T, Eastham JL, Rutter J, Bain DJ, Dickson BC, Basu P, Stolz JF. Determining conventional and unconventional oil and gas well brines in natural samples I: Anion analysis with ion chromatography. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART A, TOXIC/HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING 2019; 55:1-10. [PMID: 31533535 DOI: 10.1080/10934529.2019.1666560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2019] [Revised: 08/28/2019] [Accepted: 08/29/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Unconventional natural gas extraction by hydraulic fracturing requires millions of gallons of water and generates flowback water, produced water and recycled fluids of varying chemical composition. Ion chromatography (IC) is a relatively low cost and efficient means to determine the anionic composition, however, the wide range in anionic content of these fluids poses a challenge to analytical methods developed for "natural" waters. We report here that the combination of UV and conductivity detectors increased detection sensitivity (e.g., 10-50 ppb) and expanded the number of anions detectable in a single sample run. Samples from four unconventional shale gas wells, two impoundments, nine conventional oil wells, two freshwater streams and mine drainage samples were analyzed in this study. All produced water samples and impoundment samples had high chloride (17,500-103,000 mg L-1, 93,900 to 134,000 mg L-1, 27,700 and 30,700 mg L-1), bromide (178-996 mg L-1, 183-439 mg L-1, 230 and 260 mg L-1) and conductivity (38,500-160,000 μS/cm3, 95,300 to 183,000 μS/cm3, 61,500 and 103,000 μS/cm3), respectively, relative to mine drainage and freshwater stream samples. Molar ratio analysis using Cl-/Br- to Cl- and SO42-/Cl- to Br- revealed significant differences between the samples, providing a simple means for distinguishing water impacted by different sources of contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetiana Cantlay
- Department of Biological Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - J Lucas Eastham
- Department of Biological Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Center for Environmental Research and Education, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jennifer Rutter
- Center for Environmental Research and Education, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Daniel J Bain
- Department of Geology and Environmental Science, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Partha Basu
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - John F Stolz
- Department of Biological Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Center for Environmental Research and Education, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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25
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Morono Y, Wishart JR, Ito M, Ijiri A, Hoshino T, Torres M, Verba C, Terada T, Inagaki F, Colwell FS. Microbial Metabolism and Community Dynamics in Hydraulic Fracturing Fluids Recovered From Deep Hydrocarbon-Rich Shale. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:376. [PMID: 30915042 PMCID: PMC6422894 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.00376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2018] [Accepted: 02/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Hydraulic fracturing is a prominent method of natural gas production that uses injected, high-pressure fluids to fracture low permeability, hydrocarbon rich strata such as shale. Upon completion of a well, the fluid returns to the surface (produced water) and contains natural gas, subsurface constituents, and microorganisms (Barbot et al., 2013; Daly et al., 2016). While the microbial community of the produced fluids has been studied in multiple gas wells, the activity of these microorganisms and their relation to biogeochemical activity is not well understood. In this experiment, we supplemented produced fluid with 13C-labeled carbon sources (glucose, acetate, bicarbonate, methanol, or methane), and 15N-labeled ammonium chloride in order to isotopically trace microbial activity over multiple day in anoxic incubations. Nanoscale secondary ion mass spectrometry (NanoSIMS) was used to generate isotopic images of 13C and 15N incorporation in individual cells, while isotope ratio monitoring–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (IRM–GC–MS) was used to measure 13CO2, and 13CH4 as metabolic byproducts. Glucose, acetate, and methanol were all assimilated by microorganisms under anoxic conditions. 13CO2 production was only observed with glucose as a substrate indicating that catabolic activity was limited to this condition. The microbial communities observed at 0, 19, and 32 days of incubation did not vary between different carbon sources, were low in diversity, and composed primarily of the class Clostridia. The primary genera detected in the incubations, Halanaerobium and Fusibacter, are known to be adapted to harsh physical and chemical conditions consistent with those that occur in the hydrofracturing environment. This study provides evidence that microorganisms in produced fluid are revivable in laboratory incubations and retained the ability to metabolize added carbon and nitrogen substrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Morono
- Kochi Institute for Core Sample Research, Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology, Kochi, Japan.,Research and Development Center for Submarine Resources, Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology, Yokosuka, Japan
| | - Jessie R Wishart
- National Energy Technology Laboratory, United States Department of Energy, Albany, OR, United States
| | - Motoo Ito
- Kochi Institute for Core Sample Research, Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology, Kochi, Japan.,Research and Development Center for Submarine Resources, Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology, Yokosuka, Japan
| | - Akira Ijiri
- Kochi Institute for Core Sample Research, Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology, Kochi, Japan.,Research and Development Center for Submarine Resources, Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology, Yokosuka, Japan
| | - Tatsuhiko Hoshino
- Kochi Institute for Core Sample Research, Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology, Kochi, Japan.,Research and Development Center for Submarine Resources, Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology, Yokosuka, Japan
| | - Marta Torres
- College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
| | - Circe Verba
- National Energy Technology Laboratory, United States Department of Energy, Albany, OR, United States
| | | | - Fumio Inagaki
- Kochi Institute for Core Sample Research, Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology, Kochi, Japan.,Research and Development Center for Submarine Resources, Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology, Yokosuka, Japan.,Research and Development Center for Ocean Drilling Science, Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Frederick S Colwell
- College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
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26
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27
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Hull NM, Rosenblum JS, Robertson CE, Harris JK, Linden KG. Succession of toxicity and microbiota in hydraulic fracturing flowback and produced water in the Denver-Julesburg Basin. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 644:183-192. [PMID: 29981518 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.06.067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2018] [Revised: 06/05/2018] [Accepted: 06/06/2018] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Hydraulic fracturing flowback and produced water (FPW) samples were analyzed for toxicity and microbiome characterization over 220 days for a horizontally drilled well in the Denver-Julesberg (DJ) Basin in Colorado. Cytotoxicity, mutagenicity, and estrogenicity of FPW were measured via the BioLuminescence Inhibition Assay (BLIA), Ames II mutagenicity assay (AMES), and Yeast Estrogen Screen (YES). Raw FPW stimulated bacteria in BLIA, but were cytotoxic to yeast in YES. Filtered FPW stimulated cell growth in both BLIA and YES. Concentrating 25× by solid phase extraction (SPE) revealed significant toxicity throughout well production by BLIA, toxicity during the first 55 days of flowback by YES, and mutagenicity by AMES. The selective pressures of fracturing conditions (including toxicity) affected bacterial and archaeal communities, which were characterized by 16S rRNA gene V4V5 region sequencing. Conditions selected for thermophilic, anaerobic, halophilic bacteria and methanogenic archaea from the groundwater used for fracturing fluid, and from the native shale community. Trends in toxicity echoed the microbial community, which indicated distinct stages of early flowback water, a transition stage, and produced water. Biota in another sampled DJ Basin horizontal well resembled similarly aged samples from this well. However, microbial signatures were unique compared to samples from DJ Basin vertical wells, and wells from other basins. These data can inform treatability, reuse, and management decisions specific to the DJ Basin to minimize adverse environmental health and well production outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie M Hull
- University of Colorado Boulder, Department of Civil, Environmental, and Architectural Engineering, Boulder, CO 80303, USA.
| | - James S Rosenblum
- University of Colorado Boulder, Department of Civil, Environmental, and Architectural Engineering, Boulder, CO 80303, USA.
| | - Charles E Robertson
- University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Campus, Division of Infectious Disease, Aurora, CO 80405, USA.
| | - J Kirk Harris
- University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Campus, Department of Pediatrics, Aurora, CO 80405, USA.
| | - Karl G Linden
- University of Colorado Boulder, Department of Civil, Environmental, and Architectural Engineering, Boulder, CO 80303, USA.
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28
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Liden T, Santos IC, Hildenbrand ZL, Schug KA. Treatment modalities for the reuse of produced waste from oil and gas development. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 643:107-118. [PMID: 29936154 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.05.386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2018] [Revised: 05/30/2018] [Accepted: 05/31/2018] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Unconventional oil and gas development is achieved through a series of sub-processes, which utilize large amounts of water, proppant, and chemical additives to retrieve sequestered hydrocarbons from low permeability petroliferous strata. As a result, a large amount of wastewater is produced, which is traditionally disposed of via subsurface injection into non-productive stratum throughout the country. However, this method of waste management has been linked to the induction of seismic events in a number of regions across North America, calling into question the environmental stewardship and sustainability of subsurface waste disposal. Advancements in water treatment technologies have improved the efficacy and financial viability of produced water recycling for beneficial reuse in the oil and gas sector. This review will cover the various treatment options that are currently being utilized in shale energy basins to remove organic, inorganic, and biological constituents, as well as some emerging technologies that are designed to remove pertinent contaminants that would otherwise preclude the reuse of produced water for production well stimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany Liden
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Arlington, 700 Planetarium Place, Arlington, TX 76019, USA
| | - Inês C Santos
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Arlington, 700 Planetarium Place, Arlington, TX 76019, USA; Affiliate of Collaborative Laboratories for Environmental Analysis and Remediation, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76019, USA
| | - Zacariah L Hildenbrand
- Affiliate of Collaborative Laboratories for Environmental Analysis and Remediation, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76019, USA; Inform Environmental, LLC, 6060 N. Central Expressway, Suite 500, Dallas, TX 75206, USA.
| | - Kevin A Schug
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Arlington, 700 Planetarium Place, Arlington, TX 76019, USA; Affiliate of Collaborative Laboratories for Environmental Analysis and Remediation, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76019, USA.
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29
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Evans MV, Panescu J, Hanson AJ, Welch SA, Sheets JM, Nastasi N, Daly RA, Cole DR, Darrah TH, Wilkins MJ, Wrighton KC, Mouser PJ. Members of Marinobacter and Arcobacter Influence System Biogeochemistry During Early Production of Hydraulically Fractured Natural Gas Wells in the Appalachian Basin. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:2646. [PMID: 30498478 PMCID: PMC6249378 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.02646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2018] [Accepted: 10/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Hydraulic fracturing is the prevailing method for enhancing recovery of hydrocarbon resources from unconventional shale formations, yet little is understood regarding the microbial impact on biogeochemical cycling in natural-gas wells. Although the metabolisms of certain fermentative bacteria and methanogenic archaea that dominate in later produced fluids have been well studied, few details have been reported on microorganisms prevelant during the early flowback period, when oxygen and other surface-derived oxyanions and nutrients become depleted. Here, we report the isolation, genomic and phenotypic characterization of Marinobacter and Arcobacter bacterial species from natural-gas wells in the Utica-Point Pleasant and Marcellus Formations coupled to supporting geochemical and metagenomic analyses of produced fluid samples. These unconventional hydrocarbon system-derived Marinobacter sp. are capable of utilizing a diversity of organic carbon sources including aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons, amino acids, and carboxylic acids. Marinobacter and Arcobacter can metabolize organic nitrogen sources and have the capacity for denitrification and dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonia (DNRA) respectively; with DNRA and ammonification processes partially explaining high concentrations of ammonia measured in produced fluids. Arcobacter is capable of chemosynthetic sulfur oxidation, which could fuel metabolic processes for other heterotrophic, fermentative, or sulfate-reducing community members. Our analysis revealed mechanisms for growth of these taxa across a broad range of salinities (up to 15% salt), which explains their enrichment during early natural-gas production. These results demonstrate the prevalence of Marinobacter and Arcobacter during a key maturation phase of hydraulically fractured natural-gas wells, and highlight the significant role these genera play in biogeochemical cycling for this economically important energy system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan V Evans
- Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geodetic Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Jenny Panescu
- Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geodetic Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Andrea J Hanson
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Susan A Welch
- School of Earth Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Julia M Sheets
- School of Earth Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Nicholas Nastasi
- Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geodetic Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Rebecca A Daly
- Department of Microbiology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - David R Cole
- School of Earth Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Thomas H Darrah
- School of Earth Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Michael J Wilkins
- School of Earth Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States.,Department of Microbiology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Kelly C Wrighton
- Department of Microbiology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Paula J Mouser
- Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geodetic Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States.,Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH, United States
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30
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Chen See JR, Ulrich N, Nwanosike H, McLimans CJ, Tokarev V, Wright JR, Campa MF, Grant CJ, Hazen TC, Niles JM, Ressler D, Lamendella R. Bacterial Biomarkers of Marcellus Shale Activity in Pennsylvania. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:1697. [PMID: 30116227 PMCID: PMC6083035 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.01697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2018] [Accepted: 07/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Unconventional oil and gas (UOG) extraction, also known as hydraulic fracturing, is becoming more prevalent with the increasing use and demand for natural gas; however, the full extent of its environmental impacts is still unknown. Here we measured physicochemical properties and bacterial community composition of sediment samples taken from twenty-eight streams within the Marcellus shale formation in northeastern Pennsylvania differentially impacted by hydraulic fracturing activities. Fourteen of the streams were classified as UOG+, and thirteen were classified as UOG- based on the presence of UOG extraction in their respective watersheds. One stream was located in a watershed that previously had UOG extraction activities but was recently abandoned. We utilized high-throughput sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene to infer differences in sediment aquatic bacterial community structure between UOG+ and UOG- streams, as well as correlate bacterial community structure to physicochemical water parameters. Although overall alpha and beta diversity differences were not observed, there were a plethora of significantly enriched operational taxonomic units (OTUs) within UOG+ and UOG- samples. Our biomarker analysis revealed many of the bacterial taxa enriched in UOG+ streams can live in saline conditions, such as Rubrobacteraceae. In addition, several bacterial taxa capable of hydrocarbon degradation were also enriched in UOG+ samples, including Oceanospirillaceae. Methanotrophic taxa, such as Methylococcales, were significantly enriched as well. Several taxa that were identified as enriched in these samples were enriched in samples taken from different streams in 2014; moreover, partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) revealed clustering between streams from the different studies based on the presence of hydraulic fracturing along the second axis. This study revealed significant differences between bacterial assemblages within stream sediments of UOG+ and UOG- streams and identified several potential biomarkers for evaluating and monitoring the response of autochthonous bacterial communities to potential hydraulic fracturing impacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy R Chen See
- Department of Biology, Juniata College, Huntingdon, PA, United States
| | - Nikea Ulrich
- Department of Biology, Juniata College, Huntingdon, PA, United States
| | | | | | - Vasily Tokarev
- Department of Biology, Juniata College, Huntingdon, PA, United States
| | - Justin R Wright
- Department of Biology, Juniata College, Huntingdon, PA, United States
| | - Maria F Campa
- The Bredesen Center, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Knoxville, TN, United States
| | | | - Terry C Hazen
- The Bredesen Center, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Knoxville, TN, United States.,Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Knoxville, TN, United States.,Biosciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN, United States
| | - Jonathan M Niles
- Freshwater Research Initiative, Susquehanna University, Selinsgrove, PA, United States
| | - Daniel Ressler
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Susquehanna University, Selinsgrove, PA, United States
| | - Regina Lamendella
- Department of Biology, Juniata College, Huntingdon, PA, United States
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31
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Campa MF, Techtmann SM, Gibson CM, Zhu X, Patterson M, Garcia de Matos Amaral A, Ulrich N, Campagna SR, Grant CJ, Lamendella R, Hazen TC. Impacts of Glutaraldehyde on Microbial Community Structure and Degradation Potential in Streams Impacted by Hydraulic Fracturing. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2018; 52:5989-5999. [PMID: 29683652 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.8b00239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The environmental impacts of hydraulic fracturing, particularly those of surface spills in aquatic ecosystems, are not fully understood. The goals of this study were to (1) understand the effect of previous exposure to hydraulic fracturing fluids on aquatic microbial community structure and (2) examine the impacts exposure has on biodegradation potential of the biocide glutaraldehyde. Microcosms were constructed from hydraulic fracturing-impacted and nonhydraulic fracturing-impacted streamwater within the Marcellus shale region in Pennsylvania. Microcosms were amended with glutaraldehyde and incubated aerobically for 56 days. Microbial community adaptation to glutaraldehyde was monitored using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and quantification by qPCR. Abiotic and biotic glutaraldehyde degradation was measured using ultra-performance liquid chromatography--high resolution mass spectrometry and total organic carbon. It was found that nonhydraulic fracturing-impacted microcosms biodegraded glutaraldehyde faster than the hydraulic fracturing-impacted microcosms, showing a decrease in degradation potential after exposure to hydraulic fracturing activity. Hydraulic fracturing-impacted microcosms showed higher richness after glutaraldehyde exposure compared to unimpacted streams, indicating an increased tolerance to glutaraldehyde in hydraulic fracturing impacted streams. Beta diversity and differential abundance analysis of sequence count data showed different bacterial enrichment for hydraulic fracturing-impacted and nonhydraulic fracturing-impacted microcosms after glutaraldehyde addition. These findings demonstrated a lasting effect on microbial community structure and glutaraldehyde degradation potential in streams impacted by hydraulic fracturing operations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Fernanda Campa
- Bredesen Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Graduate Education , University of Tennessee , Knoxville , Tennessee 37996 , United States
- Biosciences Division , Oak Ridge National Laboratory , Oak Ridge , Tennessee 37830 , United States
| | - Stephen M Techtmann
- Department of Biological Sciences , Michigan Technological University , Houghton , Michigan 49931 , United States
| | - Caleb M Gibson
- Department of Chemistry , University of Tennessee , Knoxville , Tennessee 37996 , United States
| | - Xiaojuan Zhu
- Office of Information Technology , University of Tennessee , Knoxville , Tennessee 37996 , United States
| | - Megan Patterson
- Department of Microbiology , University of Tennessee , Knoxville , Tennessee 37996 , United States
| | | | - Nikea Ulrich
- Department of Biology , Juniata College , Huntingdon , Pennsylvania 16652 , United States
| | - Shawn R Campagna
- Department of Chemistry , University of Tennessee , Knoxville , Tennessee 37996 , United States
- Biological and Small Molecule Mass Spectrometry Core , University of Tennessee , Knoxville , Tennessee 37996 , United States
| | - Christopher J Grant
- Department of Biology , Juniata College , Huntingdon , Pennsylvania 16652 , United States
| | - Regina Lamendella
- Department of Biology , Juniata College , Huntingdon , Pennsylvania 16652 , United States
| | - Terry C Hazen
- Bredesen Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Graduate Education , University of Tennessee , Knoxville , Tennessee 37996 , United States
- Department of Microbiology , University of Tennessee , Knoxville , Tennessee 37996 , United States
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering , University of Tennessee , Knoxville , Tennessee 37996-1605 , United States
- Earth & Planetary Sciences , University of Tennessee , Knoxville , Tennessee 37996 , United States
- Biosciences Division , Oak Ridge National Laboratory , Oak Ridge , Tennessee 37830 , United States
- Institute for a Secure and Sustainable Environment , Knoxville , Tennessee 37996 , United States
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Martin MS, Santos IC, Carlton DD, Stigler-Granados P, Hildenbrand ZL, Schug KA. Characterization of bacterial diversity in contaminated groundwater using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 622-623:1562-1571. [PMID: 29054663 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.10.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2017] [Revised: 10/04/2017] [Accepted: 10/04/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Groundwater is a major source for drinking water in the United States, and therefore, its quality and quantity is of extreme importance. One major concern that has emerged is the possible contamination of groundwater due to the unconventional oil and gas extraction activities. As such, the impacts of exogenous contaminants on microbial ecology is an area to be explored to understand what are the chemical and physical conditions that allow the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria and to find alternatives for water treatment by identifying organic-degrading bacteria. In this work, we assess the interplay between groundwater quality and the microbiome in contaminated groundwaters rich in hydrocarbon gases, volatile organic and inorganic compounds, and various metals. Opportunistic pathogenic bacteria, such as Aeromonas hydrophila, Bacillus cereus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, were identified, increasing the risk for consumption of and exposure to these contaminated groundwaters. Additionally, antimicrobial tests revealed that many of the identified bacteria were resistant to different antibiotics. The MALDI-TOF MS results were successfully confirmed with 16S rRNA gene sequencing, proving the accuracy of this high-throughput method. Collectively, these data provide a seminal understanding of the microbial populations in contaminated groundwater overlying anthropogenic activities like unconventional oil and gas development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Misty S Martin
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, USA
| | - Inês C Santos
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, USA; Collaborative Laboratories for Environmental Analysis and Remediation, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, USA
| | - Doug D Carlton
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, USA; Collaborative Laboratories for Environmental Analysis and Remediation, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, USA
| | | | - Zacariah L Hildenbrand
- Collaborative Laboratories for Environmental Analysis and Remediation, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, USA; Inform Environmental, LLC, Dallas, TX, USA.
| | - Kevin A Schug
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, USA; Collaborative Laboratories for Environmental Analysis and Remediation, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, USA.
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Sheik CS, Reese BK, Twing KI, Sylvan JB, Grim SL, Schrenk MO, Sogin ML, Colwell FS. Identification and Removal of Contaminant Sequences From Ribosomal Gene Databases: Lessons From the Census of Deep Life. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:840. [PMID: 29780369 PMCID: PMC5945997 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.00840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2018] [Accepted: 04/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Earth’s subsurface environment is one of the largest, yet least studied, biomes on Earth, and many questions remain regarding what microorganisms are indigenous to the subsurface. Through the activity of the Census of Deep Life (CoDL) and the Deep Carbon Observatory, an open access 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequence database from diverse subsurface environments has been compiled. However, due to low quantities of biomass in the deep subsurface, the potential for incorporation of contaminants from reagents used during sample collection, processing, and/or sequencing is high. Thus, to understand the ecology of subsurface microorganisms (i.e., the distribution, richness, or survival), it is necessary to minimize, identify, and remove contaminant sequences that will skew the relative abundances of all taxa in the sample. In this meta-analysis, we identify putative contaminants associated with the CoDL dataset, recommend best practices for removing contaminants from samples, and propose a series of best practices for subsurface microbiology sampling. The most abundant putative contaminant genera observed, independent of evenness across samples, were Propionibacterium, Aquabacterium, Ralstonia, and Acinetobacter. While the top five most frequently observed genera were Pseudomonas, Propionibacterium, Acinetobacter, Ralstonia, and Sphingomonas. The majority of the most frequently observed genera (high evenness) were associated with reagent or potential human contamination. Additionally, in DNA extraction blanks, we observed potential archaeal contaminants, including methanogens, which have not been discussed in previous contamination studies. Such contaminants would directly affect the interpretation of subsurface molecular studies, as methanogenesis is an important subsurface biogeochemical process. Utilizing previously identified contaminant genera, we found that ∼27% of the total dataset were identified as contaminant sequences that likely originate from DNA extraction and DNA cleanup methods. Thus, controls must be taken at every step of the collection and processing procedure when working with low biomass environments such as, but not limited to, portions of Earth’s deep subsurface. Taken together, we stress that the CoDL dataset is an incredible resource for the broader research community interested in subsurface life, and steps to remove contamination derived sequences must be taken prior to using this dataset.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cody S Sheik
- Department of Biology and Large Lakes Observatory, University of Minnesota Duluth, Duluth, MN, United States
| | - Brandi Kiel Reese
- Department of Life Sciences, Texas A&M University Corpus Christi, Corpus Christi, TX, United States
| | - Katrina I Twing
- Department of Biology, The University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Jason B Sylvan
- Department of Oceanography, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Sharon L Grim
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Matthew O Schrenk
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Mitchell L Sogin
- Josephine Bay Paul Center for Comparative Molecular Biology and Evolution, Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, MA, United States
| | - Frederick S Colwell
- College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
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Lipus D, Roy D, Khan E, Ross D, Vikram A, Gulliver D, Hammack R, Bibby K. Microbial communities in Bakken region produced water. FEMS Microbiol Lett 2018; 365:4982779. [DOI: 10.1093/femsle/fny107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2017] [Accepted: 04/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Lipus
- Department of Unconventional Resources, National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), 626 Cochrans Mill Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15236-0940, USA
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, 1299 Bethel Valley Rd, Oak Ridge, TN 37830, USA
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, 742 Benedum Hall, 3700 O’Hara St., Pittsburgh, PA 15201, USA
| | - Dhritikshama Roy
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108-6050, USA
| | - Eakalak Khan
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108-6050, USA
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Construction, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, 4505 S. Maryland Parkway, Las Vegas, NV 89154, USA
| | - Daniel Ross
- Department of Unconventional Resources, National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), 626 Cochrans Mill Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15236-0940, USA
- AECOM, 707 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219, USA
| | - Amit Vikram
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, 742 Benedum Hall, 3700 O’Hara St., Pittsburgh, PA 15201, USA
| | - Djuna Gulliver
- Department of Unconventional Resources, National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), 626 Cochrans Mill Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15236-0940, USA
| | - Richard Hammack
- Geosciences Division, National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), 626 Cochrans Mill Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15236-0940, USA
| | - Kyle Bibby
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, 1299 Bethel Valley Rd, Oak Ridge, TN 37830, USA
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, 742 Benedum Hall, 3700 O’Hara St., Pittsburgh, PA 15201, USA
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences, University of Notre Dame, 171 Fitzpatrick Hall, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
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Hamdy AM, El-massry M, Kashef MT, Amin MA, Aziz RK. Toward the Drug Factory Microbiome: Microbial Community Variations in Antibiotic-Producing Clean Rooms. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 22:133-144. [DOI: 10.1089/omi.2017.0091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Amal M. Hamdy
- Misr Company for Pharmaceutical Industries, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Moamen El-massry
- Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas
| | - Mona T. Kashef
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Magdy A. Amin
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ramy K. Aziz
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
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Chen H, Carter KE. Characterization of the chemicals used in hydraulic fracturing fluids for wells located in the Marcellus Shale Play. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2017; 200:312-324. [PMID: 28591666 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2017.05.069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2016] [Revised: 05/19/2017] [Accepted: 05/21/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Hydraulic fracturing, coupled with the advances in horizontal drilling, has been used for recovering oil and natural gas from shale formations and has aided in increasing the production of these energy resources. The large volumes of hydraulic fracturing fluids used in this technology contain chemical additives, which may be toxic organics or produce toxic degradation byproducts. This paper investigated the chemicals introduced into the hydraulic fracturing fluids for completed wells located in Pennsylvania and West Virginia from data provided by the well operators. The results showed a total of 5071 wells, with average water volumes of 5,383,743 ± 2,789,077 gal (mean ± standard deviation). A total of 517 chemicals was introduced into the formulated hydraulic fracturing fluids. Of the 517 chemicals listed by the operators, 96 were inorganic compounds, 358 chemicals were organic species, and the remaining 63 cannot be identified. Many toxic organics were used in the hydraulic fracturing fluids. Some of them are carcinogenic, including formaldehyde, naphthalene, and acrylamide. The degradation of alkylphenol ethoxylates would produce more toxic, persistent, and estrogenic intermediates. Acrylamide monomer as a primary degradation intermediate of polyacrylamides is carcinogenic. Most of the chemicals appearing in the hydraulic fracturing fluids can be removed when adopting the appropriate treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Chen
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, United States
| | - Kimberly E Carter
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, United States.
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37
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Rogers JD, Ferrer I, Tummings SS, Bielefeldt AR, Ryan JN. Inhibition of Biodegradation of Hydraulic Fracturing Compounds by Glutaraldehyde: Groundwater Column and Microcosm Experiments. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2017; 51:10251-10261. [PMID: 28780853 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.7b02316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The rapid expansion of unconventional oil and gas development has raised concerns about the potential contamination of aquifers; however, the groundwater fate and transport of hydraulic fracturing fluid compounds and mixtures remains a significant data gap. Degradation kinetics of five hydraulic fracturing compounds (2-propanol, ethylene glycol, propargyl alcohol, 2-butoxyethanol, and 2-ethylhexanol) in the absence and presence of the biocide glutaraldehyde were investigated under a range of redox conditions using sediment-groundwater microcosms and flow-through columns. Microcosms were used to elucidate biodegradation inhibition at varying glutaraldehyde concentrations. In the absence of glutaraldehyde, half-lives ranged from 13 d to >93 d. Accurate mass spectrometry indicated that a trimer was the dominant aqueous-phase glutaraldehyde species. Microbial inhibition was observed at glutaraldehyde trimer concentrations as low as 5 mg L-1, which demonstrated that the trimer retained some biocidal activity. For most of the compounds, biodegradation rates slowed with increasing glutaraldehyde concentrations. For many of the compounds, degradation was faster in the columns than the microcosms. Four compounds (2-propanol, ethylene glycol, propargyl alcohol, and 2-butoxyethanol) were found to be both mobile and persistent in groundwater under a range of redox conditions. The glutaraldehyde trimer and 2-ethylhexanol were more rapidly degraded, particularly under oxic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica D Rogers
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder , Boulder, Colorado 80309, United States
| | - Imma Ferrer
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder , Boulder, Colorado 80309, United States
| | - Shantal S Tummings
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder , Boulder, Colorado 80309, United States
- Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geodetic Engineering, The Ohio State University , Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Angela R Bielefeldt
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder , Boulder, Colorado 80309, United States
| | - Joseph N Ryan
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder , Boulder, Colorado 80309, United States
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38
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Booker AE, Borton MA, Daly RA, Welch SA, Nicora CD, Hoyt DW, Wilson T, Purvine SO, Wolfe RA, Sharma S, Mouser PJ, Cole DR, Lipton MS, Wrighton KC, Wilkins MJ. Sulfide Generation by Dominant Halanaerobium Microorganisms in Hydraulically Fractured Shales. mSphere 2017; 2:e00257-17. [PMID: 28685163 PMCID: PMC5497025 DOI: 10.1128/mspheredirect.00257-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2017] [Accepted: 06/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Hydraulic fracturing of black shale formations has greatly increased United States oil and natural gas recovery. However, the accumulation of biomass in subsurface reservoirs and pipelines is detrimental because of possible well souring, microbially induced corrosion, and pore clogging. Temporal sampling of produced fluids from a well in the Utica Shale revealed the dominance of Halanaerobium strains within the in situ microbial community and the potential for these microorganisms to catalyze thiosulfate-dependent sulfidogenesis. From these field data, we investigated biogenic sulfide production catalyzed by a Halanaerobium strain isolated from the produced fluids using proteogenomics and laboratory growth experiments. Analysis of Halanaerobium isolate genomes and reconstructed genomes from metagenomic data sets revealed the conserved presence of rhodanese-like proteins and anaerobic sulfite reductase complexes capable of converting thiosulfate to sulfide. Shotgun proteomics measurements using a Halanaerobium isolate verified that these proteins were more abundant when thiosulfate was present in the growth medium, and culture-based assays identified thiosulfate-dependent sulfide production by the same isolate. Increased production of sulfide and organic acids during the stationary growth phase suggests that fermentative Halanaerobium uses thiosulfate to remove excess reductant. These findings emphasize the potential detrimental effects that could arise from thiosulfate-reducing microorganisms in hydraulically fractured shales, which are undetected by current industry-wide corrosion diagnostics. IMPORTANCE Although thousands of wells in deep shale formations across the United States have been hydraulically fractured for oil and gas recovery, the impact of microbial metabolism within these environments is poorly understood. Our research demonstrates that dominant microbial populations in these subsurface ecosystems contain the conserved capacity for the reduction of thiosulfate to sulfide and that this process is likely occurring in the environment. Sulfide generation (also known as "souring") is considered deleterious in the oil and gas industry because of both toxicity issues and impacts on corrosion of the subsurface infrastructure. Critically, the capacity for sulfide generation via reduction of sulfate was not detected in our data sets. Given that current industry wellhead tests for sulfidogenesis target canonical sulfate-reducing microorganisms, these data suggest that new approaches to the detection of sulfide-producing microorganisms may be necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne E. Booker
- Department of Microbiology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Mikayla A. Borton
- Department of Microbiology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Rebecca A. Daly
- Department of Microbiology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Susan A. Welch
- School of Earth Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Carrie D. Nicora
- Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington, USA
| | - David W. Hoyt
- Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington, USA
| | - Travis Wilson
- Department of Geology and Geography, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
| | - Samuel O. Purvine
- Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington, USA
| | - Richard A. Wolfe
- Department of Microbiology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Shikha Sharma
- Department of Geology and Geography, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
| | - Paula J. Mouser
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Geodetic Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - David R. Cole
- School of Earth Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Mary S. Lipton
- Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington, USA
| | - Kelly C. Wrighton
- Department of Microbiology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Michael J. Wilkins
- Department of Microbiology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- School of Earth Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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Nixon SL, Walker L, Streets MDT, Eden B, Boothman C, Taylor KG, Lloyd JR. Guar Gum Stimulates Biogenic Sulfide Production at Elevated Pressures: Implications for Shale Gas Extraction. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:679. [PMID: 28469616 PMCID: PMC5395621 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.00679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2016] [Accepted: 04/03/2017] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Biogenic sulfide production is a common problem in the oil industry, and can lead to costly hydrocarbon processing and corrosion of extraction infrastructure. The same phenomenon has recently been identified in shale gas extraction by hydraulic fracturing, and organic additives in fracturing fluid have been hypothesized to stimulate this process. Constraining the relative effects of the numerous organic additives on microbial metabolism in situ is, however, extremely challenging. Using a bespoke bioreactor system we sought to assess the potential for guar gum, the most commonly used gelling agent in fracturing fluids, to stimulate biogenic sulfide production by sulfate-reducing microorganisms at elevated pressure. Two pressurized bioreactors were fed with either sulfate-amended freshwater medium, or low-sulfate natural surface water, in addition to guar gum (0.05 w/v%) and an inoculum of sulfate-reducing bacteria for a period of 77 days. Sulfide production was observed in both bioreactors, even when the sulfate concentration was low. Analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences indicate that heterotrophic bacteria closely associated with the genera Brevundimonas and Acinetobacter became enriched early in the bioreactor experiments, followed by an increase in relative abundance of 16S rRNA genes associated with sulfate-reducing bacteria (Desulfosporosinus and Desulfobacteraceae) at later time points. Results demonstrate that guar gum can stimulate acid- and sulfide-producing microorganisms at elevated pressure, and may have implications for the potential role in microbially induced corrosion during hydraulic fracturing operations. Key differences between experimental and in situ conditions are discussed, as well as additional sources of carbon and energy for biogenic sulfide production during shale gas extraction. Our laboratory approach can be tailored to better simulate deep subsurface conditions in order to probe the role of other fracturing fluid additives and downhole parameters on microbial metabolisms observed in these systems. Such baseline studies will prove essential for effective future development of shale gas worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie L Nixon
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of ManchesterManchester, UK
| | | | | | - Bob Eden
- Rawwater Engineering Company LimitedCulcheth, UK
| | - Christopher Boothman
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of ManchesterManchester, UK
| | - Kevin G Taylor
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of ManchesterManchester, UK
| | - Jonathan R Lloyd
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of ManchesterManchester, UK
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40
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Predominance and Metabolic Potential of Halanaerobium spp. in Produced Water from Hydraulically Fractured Marcellus Shale Wells. Appl Environ Microbiol 2017; 83:AEM.02659-16. [PMID: 28159795 DOI: 10.1128/aem.02659-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2016] [Accepted: 01/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Microbial activity in the produced water from hydraulically fractured oil and gas wells may potentially interfere with hydrocarbon production and cause damage to the well and surface infrastructure via corrosion, sulfide release, and fouling. In this study, we surveyed the microbial abundance and community structure of produced water sampled from 42 Marcellus Shale wells in southwestern Pennsylvania (well age ranged from 150 to 1,846 days) to better understand the microbial diversity of produced water. We sequenced the V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene to assess taxonomy and utilized quantitative PCR (qPCR) to evaluate the microbial abundance across all 42 produced water samples. Bacteria of the order Halanaerobiales were found to be the most abundant organisms in the majority of the produced water samples, emphasizing their previously suggested role in hydraulic fracturing-related microbial activity. Statistical analyses identified correlations between well age and biocide formulation and the microbial community, in particular, the relative abundance of Halanaerobiales We further investigated the role of members of the order Halanaerobiales in produced water by reconstructing and annotating a Halanaerobium draft genome (named MDAL1), using shotgun metagenomic sequencing and metagenomic binning. The recovered draft genome was found to be closely related to the species H. congolense, an oil field isolate, and Halanaerobium sp. strain T82-1, also recovered from hydraulic fracturing produced water. Reconstruction of metabolic pathways revealed Halanaerobium sp. strain MDAL1 to have the potential for acid production, thiosulfate reduction, and biofilm formation, suggesting it to have the ability to contribute to corrosion, souring, and biofouling events in the hydraulic fracturing infrastructure.IMPORTANCE There are an estimated 15,000 unconventional gas wells in the Marcellus Shale region, each generating up to 8,000 liters of hypersaline produced water per day throughout its lifetime (K. Gregory, R. Vidic, and D. Dzombak, Elements 7:181-186, 2011, https://doi.org/10.2113/gselements.7.3.181; J. Arthur, B. Bohm, and M. Layne, Gulf Coast Assoc Geol Soc Trans 59:49-59, 2009; https://www.marcellusgas.org/index.php). Microbial activity in produced waters could lead to issues with corrosion, fouling, and souring, potentially interfering with hydraulic fracturing operations. Previous studies have found microorganisms contributing to corrosion, fouling, and souring to be abundant across produced water samples from hydraulically fractured wells; however, these findings were based on a limited number of samples and well sites. In this study, we investigated the microbial community structure in produced water samples from 42 unconventional Marcellus Shale wells, confirming the dominance of the genus Halanaerobium in produced water and its metabolic potential for acid and sulfide production and biofilm formation.
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Fahrenfeld NL, Delos Reyes H, Eramo A, Akob DM, Mumford AC, Cozzarelli IM. Shifts in microbial community structure and function in surface waters impacted by unconventional oil and gas wastewater revealed by metagenomics. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2017; 580:1205-1213. [PMID: 28034542 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.12.079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2016] [Revised: 12/12/2016] [Accepted: 12/12/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Unconventional oil and gas (UOG) production produces large quantities of wastewater with complex geochemistry and largely uncharacterized impacts on surface waters. In this study, we assessed shifts in microbial community structure and function in sediments and waters upstream and downstream from a UOG wastewater disposal facility. To do this, quantitative PCR for 16S rRNA and antibiotic resistance genes along with metagenomic sequencing were performed. Elevated conductivity and markers of UOG wastewater characterized sites sampled downstream from the disposal facility compared to background sites. Shifts in overall high level functions and microbial community structure were observed between background sites and downstream sediments. Increases in Deltaproteobacteria and Methanomicrobia and decreases in Thaumarchaeota were observed at downstream sites. Genes related to dormancy and sporulation and methanogenic respiration were 18-86 times higher at downstream, impacted sites. The potential for these sediments to serve as reservoirs of antimicrobial resistance was investigated given frequent reports of the use of biocides to control the growth of nuisance bacteria in UOG operations. A shift in resistance profiles downstream of the UOG facility was observed including increases in acrB and mexB genes encoding for multidrug efflux pumps, but not overall abundance of resistance genes. The observed shifts in microbial community structure and potential function indicate changes in respiration, nutrient cycling, and markers of stress in a stream impacted by UOG waste disposal operations.
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Affiliation(s)
- N L Fahrenfeld
- Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Civil and Environmental Engineering, 96 Frelinghuysen Rd, Piscataway, NJ 08504, United States.
| | - Hannah Delos Reyes
- Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Civil and Environmental Engineering, 96 Frelinghuysen Rd, Piscataway, NJ 08504, United States
| | - Alessia Eramo
- Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Civil and Environmental Engineering, 96 Frelinghuysen Rd, Piscataway, NJ 08504, United States
| | - Denise M Akob
- U.S. Geological Survey, National Research Program, 12201 Sunrise Valley Dr., Reston, VA 20192, United States
| | - Adam C Mumford
- U.S. Geological Survey, National Research Program, 12201 Sunrise Valley Dr., Reston, VA 20192, United States
| | - Isabelle M Cozzarelli
- U.S. Geological Survey, National Research Program, 12201 Sunrise Valley Dr., Reston, VA 20192, United States
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42
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Vikram A, Lipus D, Bibby K. Metatranscriptome analysis of active microbial communities in produced water samples from the Marcellus Shale. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2016; 72:571-581. [PMID: 27457653 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-016-0811-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2016] [Accepted: 06/29/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Controlling microbial activity is a primary concern during the management of the large volumes of wastewater (produced water) generated during high-volume hydraulic fracturing. In this study we analyzed the transcriptional activity (metatranscriptomes) of three produced water samples from the Marcellus Shale. The goal of this study was to describe active metabolic pathways of industrial concern for produced water management and reuse, and to improve understanding of produced water microbial activity. Metatranscriptome analysis revealed active biofilm formation, sulfide production, and stress management mechanisms of the produced water microbial communities. Biofilm-formation and sulfate-reduction pathways were identified in all samples. Genes related to a diverse array of stress response mechanisms were also identified with implications for biocide efficacy. Additionally, active expression of a methanogenesis pathway was identified in a sample of produced water collected prior to holding pond storage. The active microbial community identified by metatranscriptome analysis was markedly different than the community composition as identified by 16S rRNA sequencing, highlighting the value of evaluating the active microbial fraction during assessments of produced water biofouling potential and evaluation of biocide application strategies. These results indicate biofouling and corrosive microbial processes are active in produced water and should be taken into consideration while designing produced water reuse strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit Vikram
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA
| | - Daniel Lipus
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA
| | - Kyle Bibby
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA.
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA.
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Mouser PJ, Borton M, Darrah TH, Hartsock A, Wrighton KC. Hydraulic fracturing offers view of microbial life in the deep terrestrial subsurface. FEMS Microbiol Ecol 2016; 92:fiw166. [DOI: 10.1093/femsec/fiw166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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Liang R, Davidova IA, Marks CR, Stamps BW, Harriman BH, Stevenson BS, Duncan KE, Suflita JM. Metabolic Capability of a Predominant Halanaerobium sp. in Hydraulically Fractured Gas Wells and Its Implication in Pipeline Corrosion. Front Microbiol 2016; 7:988. [PMID: 27446028 PMCID: PMC4916785 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2016.00988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2015] [Accepted: 06/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Microbial activity associated with produced water from hydraulic fracturing operations can lead to gas souring and corrosion of carbon-steel equipment. We examined the microbial ecology of produced water and the prospective role of the prevalent microorganisms in corrosion in a gas production field in the Barnett Shale. The microbial community was mainly composed of halophilic, sulfidogenic bacteria within the order Halanaerobiales, which reflected the geochemical conditions of highly saline water containing sulfur species (S2O3 (2-), SO4 (2-), and HS(-)). A predominant, halophilic bacterium (strain DL-01) was subsequently isolated and identified as belonging to the genus Halanaerobium. The isolate could degrade guar gum, a polysaccharide polymer used in fracture fluids, to produce acetate and sulfide in a 10% NaCl medium at 37°C when thiosulfate was available. To mitigate potential deleterious effects of sulfide and acetate, a quaternary ammonium compound was found to be an efficient biocide in inhibiting the growth and metabolic activity of strain DL-01 relative to glutaraldehyde and tetrakis (hydroxymethyl) phosphonium sulfate. Collectively, our findings suggest that predominant halophiles associated with unconventional shale gas extraction could proliferate and produce sulfide and acetate from the metabolism of polysaccharides used in hydraulic fracturing fluids. These metabolic products might be returned to the surface and transported in pipelines to cause pitting corrosion in downstream infrastructure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renxing Liang
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Biology and OU Biocorrosion Center, University of Oklahoma Norman, OK, USA
| | - Irene A Davidova
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Biology and OU Biocorrosion Center, University of Oklahoma Norman, OK, USA
| | - Christopher R Marks
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Biology and OU Biocorrosion Center, University of Oklahoma Norman, OK, USA
| | - Blake W Stamps
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Biology and OU Biocorrosion Center, University of Oklahoma Norman, OK, USA
| | - Brian H Harriman
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Biology and OU Biocorrosion Center, University of Oklahoma Norman, OK, USA
| | - Bradley S Stevenson
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Biology and OU Biocorrosion Center, University of Oklahoma Norman, OK, USA
| | - Kathleen E Duncan
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Biology and OU Biocorrosion Center, University of Oklahoma Norman, OK, USA
| | - Joseph M Suflita
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Biology and OU Biocorrosion Center, University of Oklahoma Norman, OK, USA
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Robbins SJ, Evans PN, Parks DH, Golding SD, Tyson GW. Genome-Centric Analysis of Microbial Populations Enriched by Hydraulic Fracture Fluid Additives in a Coal Bed Methane Production Well. Front Microbiol 2016; 7:731. [PMID: 27375557 PMCID: PMC4897734 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2016.00731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2016] [Accepted: 05/02/2016] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Coal bed methane (CBM) is generated primarily through the microbial degradation of coal. Despite a limited understanding of the microorganisms responsible for this process, there is significant interest in developing methods to stimulate additional methane production from CBM wells. Physical techniques including hydraulic fracture stimulation are commonly applied to CBM wells, however the effects of specific additives contained in hydraulic fracture fluids on native CBM microbial communities are poorly understood. Here, metagenomic sequencing was applied to the formation waters of a hydraulically fractured and several non-fractured CBM production wells to determine the effect of this stimulation technique on the in-situ microbial community. The hydraulically fractured well was dominated by two microbial populations belonging to the class Phycisphaerae (within phylum Planctomycetes) and candidate phylum Aminicenantes. Populations from these phyla were absent or present at extremely low abundance in non-fractured CBM wells. Detailed metabolic reconstruction of near-complete genomes from these populations showed that their high relative abundance in the hydraulically fractured CBM well could be explained by the introduction of additional carbon sources, electron acceptors, and biocides contained in the hydraulic fracture fluid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven J Robbins
- Australian Centre for Ecogenomics, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Paul N Evans
- Australian Centre for Ecogenomics, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Donovan H Parks
- Australian Centre for Ecogenomics, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Suzanne D Golding
- School of Earth Sciences, The University of Queensland Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Gene W Tyson
- Australian Centre for Ecogenomics, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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A Post-Genomic View of the Ecophysiology, Catabolism and Biotechnological Relevance of Sulphate-Reducing Prokaryotes. Adv Microb Physiol 2015. [PMID: 26210106 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ampbs.2015.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 174] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Dissimilatory sulphate reduction is the unifying and defining trait of sulphate-reducing prokaryotes (SRP). In their predominant habitats, sulphate-rich marine sediments, SRP have long been recognized to be major players in the carbon and sulphur cycles. Other, more recently appreciated, ecophysiological roles include activity in the deep biosphere, symbiotic relations, syntrophic associations, human microbiome/health and long-distance electron transfer. SRP include a high diversity of organisms, with large nutritional versatility and broad metabolic capacities, including anaerobic degradation of aromatic compounds and hydrocarbons. Elucidation of novel catabolic capacities as well as progress in the understanding of metabolic and regulatory networks, energy metabolism, evolutionary processes and adaptation to changing environmental conditions has greatly benefited from genomics, functional OMICS approaches and advances in genetic accessibility and biochemical studies. Important biotechnological roles of SRP range from (i) wastewater and off gas treatment, (ii) bioremediation of metals and hydrocarbons and (iii) bioelectrochemistry, to undesired impacts such as (iv) souring in oil reservoirs and other environments, and (v) corrosion of iron and concrete. Here we review recent advances in our understanding of SRPs focusing mainly on works published after 2000. The wealth of publications in this period, covering many diverse areas, is a testimony to the large environmental, biogeochemical and technological relevance of these organisms and how much the field has progressed in these years, although many important questions and applications remain to be explored.
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Aerobic biodegradation of organic compounds in hydraulic fracturing fluids. Biodegradation 2015; 26:271-87. [DOI: 10.1007/s10532-015-9733-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2015] [Accepted: 05/19/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Tucker YT, Kotcon J, Mroz T. Methanogenic archaea in marcellus shale: a possible mechanism for enhanced gas recovery in unconventional shale resources. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2015; 49:7048-7055. [PMID: 25924080 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.5b00765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Marcellus Shale occurs at depths of 1.5-2.5 km (5000 to 8000 feet) where most geologists generally assume that thermogenic processes are the only source of natural gas. However, methanogens in produced fluids and isotopic signatures of biogenic methane in this deep shale have recently been discovered. This study explores whether those methanogens are indigenous to the shale or are introduced during drilling and hydraulic fracturing. DNA was extracted from Marcellus Shale core samples, preinjected fluids, and produced fluids and was analyzed using Miseq sequencing of 16s rRNA genes. Methanogens present in shale cores were similar to methanogens in produced fluids. No methanogens were detected in injected fluids, suggesting that this is an unlikely source and that they may be native to the shale itself. Bench-top methane production tests of shale core and produced fluids suggest that these organisms are alive and active under simulated reservoir conditions. Growth conditions designed to simulate the hydrofracture processes indicated somewhat increased methane production; however, fluids alone produced relatively little methane. Together, these results suggest that some biogenic methane may be produced in these wells and that hydrofracture fluids currently used to stimulate gas recovery could stimulate methanogens and their rate of producing methane.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yael Tarlovsky Tucker
- †National Energy Technology Laboratory, United States Department of Energy, 3610 Collins Ferry Road, Post Office Box 880, Morgantown, West Virginia 26505, United States
- ‡Division of Plant and Soil Sciences, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia 26505, United States
| | - James Kotcon
- ‡Division of Plant and Soil Sciences, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia 26505, United States
| | - Thomas Mroz
- †National Energy Technology Laboratory, United States Department of Energy, 3610 Collins Ferry Road, Post Office Box 880, Morgantown, West Virginia 26505, United States
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Kahrilas GA, Blotevogel J, Stewart PS, Borch T. Biocides in hydraulic fracturing fluids: a critical review of their usage, mobility, degradation, and toxicity. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2015; 49:16-32. [PMID: 25427278 DOI: 10.1021/es503724k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 175] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Biocides are critical components of hydraulic fracturing ("fracking") fluids used for unconventional shale gas development. Bacteria may cause bioclogging and inhibit gas extraction, produce toxic hydrogen sulfide, and induce corrosion leading to downhole equipment failure. The use of biocides such as glutaraldehyde and quaternary ammonium compounds has spurred a public concern and debate among regulators regarding the impact of inadvertent releases into the environment on ecosystem and human health. This work provides a critical review of the potential fate and toxicity of biocides used in hydraulic fracturing operations. We identified the following physicochemical and toxicological aspects as well as knowledge gaps that should be considered when selecting biocides: (1) uncharged species will dominate in the aqueous phase and be subject to degradation and transport whereas charged species will sorb to soils and be less bioavailable; (2) many biocides are short-lived or degradable through abiotic and biotic processes, but some may transform into more toxic or persistent compounds; (3) understanding of biocides' fate under downhole conditions (high pressure, temperature, and salt and organic matter concentrations) is limited; (4) several biocidal alternatives exist, but high cost, high energy demands, and/or formation of disinfection byproducts limits their use. This review may serve as a guide for environmental risk assessment and identification of microbial control strategies to help develop a sustainable path for managing hydraulic fracturing fluids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Genevieve A Kahrilas
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University , 1872 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, United States
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Grant CJ, Weimer AB, Marks NK, Perow ES, Oster JM, Brubaker KM, Trexler RV, Solomon CM, Lamendella R. Marcellus and mercury: Assessing potential impacts of unconventional natural gas extraction on aquatic ecosystems in northwestern Pennsylvania. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART A, TOXIC/HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING 2015; 50:482-500. [PMID: 25734824 DOI: 10.1080/10934529.2015.992670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a persistent element in the environment that has the ability to bioaccumulate and biomagnify up the food chain with potentially harmful effects on ecosystems and human health. Twenty-four streams remotely located in forested watersheds in northwestern PA containing naturally reproducing Salvelinus fontinalis (brook trout), were targeted to gain a better understanding of how Marcellus shale natural gas exploration may be impacting water quality, aquatic biodiversity, and Hg bioaccumulation in aquatic ecosystems. During the summer of 2012, stream water, stream bed sediments, aquatic mosses, macroinvertebrates, crayfish, brook trout, and microbial samples were collected. All streams either had experienced hydraulic fracturing (fracked, n = 14) or not yet experienced hydraulic fracturing (non-fracked, n = 10) within their watersheds at the time of sampling. Analysis of watershed characteristics (GIS) for fracked vs non-fracked sites showed no significant differences (P > 0.05), justifying comparisons between groups. Results showed significantly higher dissolved total mercury (FTHg) in stream water (P = 0.007), lower pH (P = 0.033), and higher dissolved organic matter (P = 0.001) at fracked sites. Total mercury (THg) concentrations in crayfish (P = 0.01), macroinvertebrates (P = 0.089), and predatory macroinvertebrates (P = 0.039) were observed to be higher for fracked sites. A number of positive correlations between amount of well pads within a watershed and THg in crayfish (r = 0.76, P < 0.001), THg in predatory macroinvertebrates (r = 0.71, P < 0.001), and THg in brook trout (r = 0.52, P < 0.01) were observed. Stream-water microbial communities within the Deltaproteobacteria also shared a positive correlation with FTHg and to the number of well pads, while stream pH (r = -0.71, P < 0.001), fish biodiversity (r = -0.60, P = 0.02), and macroinvertebrate taxa richness (r = -0.60, P = 0.01) were negatively correlated with the number of well pads within a watershed. Further investigation is needed to better elucidate relationships and pathways of observed differences in stream water chemistry, biodiversity, and Hg bioaccumulation, however, initial findings suggest Marcellus shale natural gas exploration is having an effect on aquatic ecosystems.
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