Impacts of fracking fluids on microbial communities in shale basins

Introduction of fracking injection fluids to groundwater environments has the potential to alter the composition and function of resident microbial communities. Although several recent studies measured microbial diversities and activities in hydraulically fractured shales and associated waters, the potential impacts on resident microbial communities of fracking fluids, flowback and produced water are unknown. These fluids can change the chemistry of the microbial habitat, for example, by changing the availability and type of substrate for metabolism, the redox state, pH, and salinity, as well as physical parameters such as pressure. This project will investigate the potential effects of fracking fluids on microbial communities using a combined experimental and computer modelling approach.
Laboratory-based microcosm experiments will be used to test the response of microbial communities to fracking fluids and related changing environmental conditions, which will be manipulated in the laboratory. Geochemical modelling will be used to further assess the potential effects of fracking fluids and associated environmental changes on the growth rates of near-surface and sub-surface microorganisms utilizing a range of different metabolic processes under field specific conditions. Overall, this work will enable better assessment of the environmental risks of fracking and will enable the student to pursue careers in academia, environmental consulting, industry or the public-sector.

The potential for using hydraulic fracturing for the production of shale gas in the UK may lead to significant economic benefits, but it is also a controversial activity. The overarching objective of the SHAPE-UK project is to provide a robust framework with which to assess, monitor and mitigate risks of leakage through the overburden of UK shale gas prospects - key issues in terms of public perception and robust regulation. The economic and regulatory importance of the project is significant and, given the generic nature of the work with respect to geological containment, there are many potential beneficiaries of the research.

Who would benefit from the proposed research?

Industry:
- Companies involved in production of hydrocarbons from unconventional reservoirs
- Companies involved in exploration and production of conventional hydrocarbons
- Companies involved in CO2 and gas storage, mining and geothermal exploitation, where rapid stress changes within the overburden can result in felt seismic activity and possible leakage through the overburden

Government and Regulatory Organisations:
- UK Policymakers and Regulators, including DBEIS and the UK and Scottish Environment Agency
- Oil and Gas Authority
- Nuclear Decommissioning Authority and similar European bodies (NAGRA, ANDRA)

Technology Organisers and Providers:
- UK: Energy Technologies Institute, Innovate UK, UKCCSRC, UKOOG, ITF
- Europe and Beyond: the European Environment Agency, EERA, IEA GHG

The general public:
- Via local councils, rotary clubs, etc., in areas of proposed shale gas exploration

How might the potential beneficiaries benefit?

We have worked closely with UK and overseas industry and regulators in all key areas of this proposal and are well placed to transfer results and knowledge. We also have a strong track record in public communication of science.

Financial beneficiaries: Companies applying for an onshore production licence, which is known as a Petroleum Exploration and Development Licence (PEDL), and, by association, UK PLC, require sound geologic risk assessment and will benefit from the framework resulting from this proposed work. On a more international scale, the issues faced with using hydraulic fracturing as a technique for developing hydrocarbon resources in proximity to substantial populations are not problems unique to the UK; potential shale gas provinces exist in other populated areas in North America (NY State has a fracking moratorium), Europe and beyond.

Regulators: will benefit from the project deliverables, including white papers and best-practice recommendations. Their involvement on the management boards of SHAPE-UK will ensure this. Examples include seismic network design, monitoring strategies, and a better understanding of envorinmental risks.

General public: local populations within the vicinity of proposed shale gas sites require clear and unbiased information about the safety of hydraulic fracturing. These communities will benefit from impartial and independent scientific information regarding potential leakage mechanisms and fracking in general.

Software development: A number of the investigators in the SHAPE-UK project have experience in producing commercially viable software, for example: fault seal analysis (Traptester, RDR Petrel Fault Analysis Pluggin); coupled flow geomechanical modelling (ELFENRS); seismic modelling (ATRAK); geomechanical prediction of microseismicity (ELFEN TGR); and pore pressure prediction (ShaleQuant). This will benefit UK PLC, as evinced by many of our 4* Impact Case Studies in REF2014.

Young scientists: Our students and young researchers have a strong track record of entering geological and environmental industries. Through annual meetings with industry representatives, they learn time management skills and are also obliged to see the relevance and potential impact of their research.