Document Type
Journal Article
Publication Date
2017
Publication Title
Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology
Department
Chemistry
College/School
Jesse D. Jones College of Science, Engineering and Technology
Abstract
There is a growing concern over the contamination of surface water and the associated environmental and public health consequences from the recent proliferation in hydraulic fracturing in the USA. Petroleum hydrocarbon-derived contaminants of concern [benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX)] and various dissolved cations and anions were spatially determined in surface waters around 14 coalbed methane fracking wells in Sullivan County, IN, USA. At least one BTEX was detected in 69% of sampling sites (n=13) and 23% of sampling sites were found to be contaminated with all of the BTEX. Toluene was the most common BTEX compound detected across all sites, both upstream and downstream from coalbed methane fracking sites. The calcium (~60 ppm) and sulfates (~175 ppm) were the dominant cations and anions, respectively, in surface water around the fracking sites. This study represents the first report of BTEX contamination in surface water from coalbed methane hydraulic fracturing wells.
Recommended Citation
Meszaros, Nicholas; Subedi, Bikram; Stamets, Tristan; and Shifa, Naima, "Assessment of Surface Water Contamination from Coalbed Methane Fracturing-Derived Volatile Contaminants in Sullivan County, Indiana, USA" (2017). Faculty & Staff Research and Creative Activity. 14.
https://digitalcommons.murraystate.edu/faculty/14
Included in
Analytical Chemistry Commons, Environmental Chemistry Commons, Environmental Health and Protection Commons, Environmental Indicators and Impact Assessment Commons, Environmental Monitoring Commons