The application of hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling has resulted in natural gas and oil produced from shale deposits to become an important component in the U.S. energy portfolio. Hydraulic fracturing uses high volumes of fresh water and much of this activity is occurring in areas with water scarcity. Up to 50% of the water is returned to the surface (frac flowback) within weeks after injection. This volume of water is significant and could be considered for reuse in agriculture, such as land application, augmentation and irrigation of non-food crops if treated to safe levels. If frac flow back and produced water is treated to discharge quality standards for agriculture, it would reduce the burden on fresh water resources, reduce environmental impacts, and improve production economics. In this paper a combination of primary, secondary and tertiary treatment processes are investigated to assess the feasibility of generating discharge quality water for agricultural activities. For this aim, electrocoagulation, DAF, UF, RO, and softener resins were examined. We also examine other barriers to transferring oilfield wastewater to agriculture including state and federal rules and regulations, logistics that impact cost and social acceptance.

Demonstration of treatment of produced water from shale oil and gas production to discharge quality standards for agricultural uses

251st National Meeting (2016)

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