The advancement of unconventional oil and gas (UOG) extraction processes has enabled the United States to take a leading role in energy production and supply in the world. Vast stores of oil and gas trapped in low permeability shale can be released using technologies that enable directional drilling, hydraulic stimulation (fracking), and handling of large volumes of resource recovery and waste handling. The assessment of the potential environmental impact of these activities has not kept pace, and this has provided gaps in knowledge that may lead to over- or under-interpretation of environmental impacts by different groups. We have developed and applied a comprehensive set of analytical methodologies, based on best practices but tailored to the nature of the research, in order to investigate water, air, and soil quality. These include those based on gas chromatography, atomic spectroscopy/mass spectrometry, and a variety of other instrumentation in order to gain a complete picture. We have applied these methods to assess the potential impact of UOG operations in various parts of Texas. First, chemical, but more recently, microbiological effects have been carefully evaluated. This talk will provide an overview of our work to-date including methods and major findings that have helped contribute to the knowledge base in this important interface between the environment and energy sectors.

Methods for characterization of chemical and biological groundwater interactions with close-proximity oil and gas extraction activity

254th National Meeting (2017)

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