Comparing conventional and green fracturing fluids by chemical characterisation and effect-based screening
Ann-Hélène Faber1, Andrea M Brunner2, Milou M L Dingemans3
1Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development, Faculty of Geosciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands; KWR Water Research Institute, Nieuwegein, the Netherlands; Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
The Science of the Total Environment
|July 29, 2021
Summary
Green fracturing fluids show no environmental benefits over conventional ones. Studies reveal similar chemical concentrations, environmental fate, and genotoxic potential, challenging claims of greener alternatives in hydraulic fracturing.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Toxicology
- Green Chemistry
Background:
- Hydraulic fracturing raises concerns regarding environmental and human health impacts from air, soil, and water contamination.
- The development of 'green' chemicals for fracturing fluids is an effort to mitigate these adverse effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the chemical composition and toxicity of 'green' and 'conventional' hydraulic fracturing fluids.
- To assess whether 'green' fracturing fluids offer a less harmful alternative to conventional fluids.
Main Methods:
- Chemical composition analysis using non-target screening with liquid chromatography - high resolution mass spectrometry.
- Toxicity evaluation via the Ames fluctuation test for mutagenicity and CALUX reporter gene assays for specific toxicities.
Main Results:
- No clear difference in chemical concentrations between 'green' and 'conventional' fracturing fluids was observed.
- Predicted environmental fate of identified compounds did not significantly differ between the two fluid types.
- Both 'green' and 'conventional' fluids exhibited similar genotoxic potential and specific toxicities in bioassays.
Conclusions:
- The study's findings do not support the claim that currently available 'green'-labeled fracturing fluids are environmentally superior to conventional ones.
- Further research is needed to develop truly environmentally friendlier alternatives for hydraulic fracturing operations.
