Natural gas extraction via the drilling and hydraulic fracturing of shale creates large quantities of waste water. Diverse waste streams are produced at each step in the extraction process and contain complex mixtures of chemical additives as well as compounds extracted from the gas containing shale formation. The majority of research on chemical components in fracking waste streams has focused on inorganic components and targeted classes of compounds of concern due to their regulated nature (e.g., radioactivity, VOCs). We used ultrahigh resolution mass spectrometry (FT-ICR-MS) to analyze the dissolved organic matter contained in produced waters from hydraulic fracturing operations. Very accurately measured masses allowed unambiguous molecular formula assignments. Formulas identified using this process likely represent a combination of additives, extracted organics from geological formations, as well as unique compounds created through biotic and/or abiotic processes during the fracking processes. Understanding the diverse mixture of components contained in natural gas waste streams will assist in developing effective waste treatment techniques as well as potentially allow for the development of organic chemical tracers for shale gas waste.

Ultrahigh resolution mass spectrometry of hydraulic fracturing produced waters

249th National Meeting (2015)

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