Detecting and explaining why aquifers occasionally become degraded near hydraulically fractured shale gas wells.

ABSTRACT: Extensive development of shale gas has generated some concerns about environmental impacts such as the migration of natural gas into water resources. We studied high gas concentrations in waters at a site near Marcellus Shale gas wells to determine the geological explanations and geochemical implications. The local geology may explain why methane has discharged for 7 years into groundwater, a stream, and the atmosphere. Gas may migrate easily near the gas wells in this location where the Marcellus Shale dips significantly, is shallow (∼1 km), and is more fractured. Methane and ethane concentrations in local water wells increased after gas development compared with predrilling concentrations reported in the region. Noble gas and isotopic evidence are consistent with the upward migration of

SUBMITTER: Woda J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6298102 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature