Hydraulic fracturing technologies are being widely applied to enhance oil and gas development in low-permeability black shales. Injection of a water-based fluid containing microbial cells inadvertently creates a new microbial ecosystem in the deep terrestrial subsurface. Fracture fluids contain chemical additives comprised of both natural and anthropogenic compounds. Certain chemicals may undergo biotransformation during stimulation operations or post-stimulation, while fluids are retained in the formation. Chemical lability ranges from readily-degradable monomeric and polymeric sugars (e.g., sucrose and guar gum) to more recalcitrant phenolic and organohalide structures (e.g., nonylphenol ethoxylates and haloalkanes). Additionally, the application of biocides and the presence of rare earth metals may trigger resistance mechanisms in microbial cells.  (Meta)genomic tools allow for the characterization of chemical biotransformation pathways and resistance mechanisms in shale microorganisms. Here we discuss select anthropogenic pathways in shale microorganisms based on (1) microbial DNA extracted and sequenced from four well pads in two Appalachian basin formations, and (2) laboratory experiments involving the bacterium <i>Halanaerobium congolense</i> W10, isolated from a hydraulically fractured well in the Utica Point Pleasant Formation. We compare and contrast pathways for guar gum, surfactant, organohalide, and biocide/metal resistance and discuss implications from the generation of unintended metabolites that result from these transformations.

Mechanisms for anthropogenic compound biotransformation and resistance in the fractured shale microbial ecosystem

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

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ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.