Ongoing water quality monitoring essential in age of hydraulic fracturing

Ongoing water quality monitoring essential in age of hydraulic fracturing
Undocumented abandoned wells like these in La Salle County can be sources of water contamination.

The recent large-scale increase in hydraulic fracturing related to oil and gas exploration and production represents a potential source of groundwater contamination in Texas. Effective monitoring of groundwater quality must be tailored to the characteristics of individual aquifers.

can involve a complex mix of chemicals. As a consequence, flowback waters and waste brines have different chemistries. Assessing potential contamination requires water-quality sampling and monitoring, but the list of possible chemicals and costs of analyses can be overwhelming.

and associated waste-water disposal activities related to , including hydraulic fracturing, are regulated by the Railroad Commission of Texas. Groundwater conservation districts are responsible for management and protection of the groundwater resources within their jurisdictions, including a mandate to prevent the degradation of water quality. The districts are responsible for water-quality monitoring and addressing constituent concerns regarding potentially contaminated aquifers.

Ongoing water quality monitoring essential in age of hydraulic fracturing
Detailed hydrocarbon analyses can help identify type and source of contaminants (e.g., crude oil match).

The Geosciences and Engineering Division of Southwest Research Institute conducts sampling and analyses to characterize aquifer water quality. SwRI scientists have used this information to develop a tailored, target analysis and cost-effective strategy to monitor for potential contamination resulting from petroleum exploration and production activities.

SwRI's effective water quality monitoring and assessment program includes:

  • Analysis of water chemistry type in potentially affected areas
  • Collection of appropriate background water quality samples
  • Analysis of samples for target compounds that will indicate possible contamination
  • If needed, detailed evaluation of suspected contaminated waters
Citation: Ongoing water quality monitoring essential in age of hydraulic fracturing (2012, September 6) retrieved 19 March 2024 from https://phys.org/news/2012-09-ongoing-quality-essential-age-hydraulic.html
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