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Final Thesis Shuai Liu 8-15.pdf (7.26 MB)

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Laboratory Investigations on the Geochemical Response of Groundwater-sediment Environment to Hydraulic Fracturing Fluids.

Liu, Shuai
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1376501759

Abstract Details

2013, Master of Science, Ohio State University, Civil Engineering.
The extraction of energy resources from unconventional reservoirs using improved horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing technologies is expected to play an important role in serving U.S. energy needs in the coming decades. The EPA has undertaken studies on the potential impacts of these technologies on drinking water resources; however, missing from their portfolio is research addressing the potential biodegradability of these fluids in natural environments. This work begins to address this research need by assessing how the introduction of hydraulic fracturing fluids alters the biogeochemistry of a groundwater-sediment system. This experimental approach involved the development of a representative synthetic fracturing fluid based on industry-disclosed recipes for use in groundwater-sediment microcosm studies to determine the responses of groundwater-sediment environment to hydraulic fracturing fluids. Results indicated that synthetic hydraulic fracturing fluid is similar in bulk macronutrient composition, especially carbon content, to hydraulic fracturing fluid samples collected from the actual fracturing sites. Indigenous microorganisms were able to degrade between 73% and 92% of the total dissolved organic carbon (TDOC) introduced by the hydraulic fracturing fluid within 39 days under anaerobic and aerobic conditions, suggesting significant mineralization or transformation of fracturing fluid constituents across a range of redox environments. Average first-order biodegradation rates increased with higher concentrations of hydraulic fracturing fluids. TDOC mineralization occurred concurrent with stepwise oxygen, manganese, iron, and sulfate-reducing processes. These results provide evidence that hydraulic fracturing fluid is not toxic to the indigenous microorganisms, even at high concentrations. Statistical analyses indicated that changes of some key parameters, such as conductivity and carbon content, may be used as indicators for long-term monitoring of groundwater quality associated with hydraulic fracturing fluid releases.
Paula Mouser (Advisor)
John Lenhart (Committee Member)
Roman Lanno (Committee Member)
127 p.
Environmental Engineering

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Citations

  • Liu, S. (2013). Laboratory Investigations on the Geochemical Response of Groundwater-sediment Environment to Hydraulic Fracturing Fluids. [Master's thesis, Ohio State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1376501759

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Liu, Shuai. Laboratory Investigations on the Geochemical Response of Groundwater-sediment Environment to Hydraulic Fracturing Fluids. 2013. Ohio State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1376501759.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Liu, Shuai. "Laboratory Investigations on the Geochemical Response of Groundwater-sediment Environment to Hydraulic Fracturing Fluids." Master's thesis, Ohio State University, 2013. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1376501759

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

osu1376501759
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© 2013, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by The Ohio State University and OhioLINK.