Development of unconventional reservoirs via high volume hydraulic fracturing is altering the U.S. energy landscape. However, the rate and scale at which this technology is being applied is simultaneously raising concerns about potential water quality impacts associated with this activity. Previous efforts have investigated water quality of flowback and produced water, but a better understanding of the interaction between hydraulic fracturing fluids and the fractured shale and its potential to impact flowback water quality is still needed. The study focuses on the Utica-Collingwood formation, which is an emerging shale-gas reservoir within the Michigan Basin. We have developed a high-pressure batch reactor system to evaluate the leaching of trace metals and radionuclides from shale samples in contact with model hydraulic fracturing fluids under relevant subsurface environmental conditions (10-15 MPa, 34-43�C). Powdered shale samples are brought in o contact with fluids of varying chemical composition at a range of temperature and pressure conditions to evaluate the impact of key parameters (T, P, pH, pe, chemical additives) on the rate and extent of leaching of trace contaminants of concern. Preliminary results from these batch reactor studies will be presented alongside spectroscopic analysis of the changes in shale mineralogy after contact with the hydraulic fracturing fluids.

Experimental investigations of trace metal and radionuclide leaching from shales in contact with hydraulic fracturing fluids

247th National Meeting (2014)

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