Laboratory characterization of residual sludge from natural gas extraction by hydraulic fracturing in the Burgos Basin,Mexico |
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Authors: | Aracely Maldonado-Torres Sandra Grisell Mora Ravelo Eduardo Osorio Hernández Angeluz Olvera Velona José Alberto López Santillán |
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Institution: | 1. Postgrade and Investigation, Faculty of Enginery and Sciences, University Autonomous of Tamaulipas, Victoria City, Tamaulipas, Mexico;2. Applied Ecology Institute, University Autonomous of Tamaulipas, Victoria City, Tamaulipas, Mexico;3. School of Higher Studies of Xalostoc, University Autonomous of Morelos State, Ayala, Morelos, México |
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Abstract: | AbstractPollutants and microbiota present in the residual sludge of hydraulic fracturing were determined and characterized physicochemically. Analyses included determination of pH, electric conductivity, organic matter percentage, as well as total carbonates, inorganic nitrogen and extractable phosphorous. In addition, presence of hydrocarbons by gas chromatography, potentially toxic elements (PTEs) by atomic absorption and presence of radioactive isotopes by gamma spectrometry were determined. Moreover, fungi and bacteria present in the residual sludge were classified taxonomically to the level of genus. Medium and heavy hydrocarbon fractions were found in concentrations above the maximum limits permitted (MLP) by Mexican environmental norms. Cu, Pb, Zn, Fe and Mg, however, were below the MLP. Likewise, gamma spectrometry analysis revealed naturally occurring Ac228, Ra226 and K40. The microbiological analysis found presence of the bacteria Bacillus spp., Micrococcus sp., Diplococcus sp. and Staphylococcus sp. and the fungi Trichoderma sp., Aspergillus sp. and Penicillium spp. |
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Keywords: | Fracking potentially toxic elements hydrocarbons radioactive isotopes fungi bacteria natural gas |
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