Environmental Impacts and Treatment Technologies in Hydraulic Fracturing Water Management

Year 2024, Volume: 6 Issue: 2, 262 - 267, 31.08.2024

Mouad Al Krmagi

Abstract

This paper examines the multifaceted aspects of water management in hydraulic fracturing, focusing on both the environmental impacts and the advancements in treatment technologies. Hydraulic fracturing, a technique extensively used for extracting unconventional oil and gas resources, is notably water-intensive, leading to significant environmental concerns. The study begins with an overview of the environmental effects of fracturing, highlighting the challenges associated with large volumes of water and the potential for contamination. The review delves into various types of fracturing fluids used in the process, including slickwater fluids, gelled fluids, and linear gels, each with distinct characteristics and applications. It then explores the composition and treatment options for flowback water, which emerges post-fracturing and often contains elevated levels of pollutants. The review categorizes the treatment methods into microbial control technologies, sedimentation techniques, and electrocoagulation technologies, discussing their efficacy and limitations. The analysis emphasizes the importance of effective flowback water management to mitigate environmental impacts and improve sustainability. By examining the latest advancements in treatment technologies and their practical applications, this review provides insights into optimizing water management practices in hydraulic fracturing. The findings underline the need for continued innovation and regulatory oversight to balance resource extraction with environmental stewardship.

Keywords

Hydraulic fracturing, Flowback water treatment, Fracturing fluids, Environmental Impact, Water Management

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