Test Checks For Groundwater Contamination From Fracking

April 29, 2016
Researchers develop test to check for contamination of shallow groundwater from unconventional gas extraction techniques.

Scientists have developed a test to check for contamination of shallow groundwater from fracking and other unconventional gas extraction techniques, according to an article from EurekaAlert. The method, developed by researchers from the Universities of Edinburgh and Glasgow and the Scottish Universities Environmental Research Centre, could help assess the safety of these practices. Shale gas and coal bed methane extraction are controversial due to the perceived risks of water contamination.

The test offers a new way to fingerprint methane gas by identifying traces of inactive natural gases, and can be used to determine the origin of methane at exploration sites. The fingerprint test indicates whether methane levels in groundwater have changed following exploration activity and if the change can be traced back to the exploration so that appropriate action can be taken. According to the article, the researchers recorded unique fingerprints in a number of exploratory shale gas and coal bed methane wells around the UK.

Read the entire article here.

Sponsored Recommendations

Connect with an Expert!

Our measurement instrumentation experts are available for real-time conversations.

Maximize Green Hydrogen Production with Advanced Instrumentation

Discover the secrets to achieving maximum production output, ensuring safety, and optimizing profitability through advanced PEM electrolysis.

5 Ways to Improve Green Hydrogen Production Using Measurement Technologies

Watch our video to learn how measurement solutions can help solve green hydrogen production challenges today!

How to Solve Green Hydrogen Challenges with Measurement Technologies

Learn How Emerson's Measurement Technologies Tackle Renewable Hydrogen Challenges with Michael Machuca.