Plasma-Liquid Interaction For Treatment Of Hydraulic Fracturing Wastewater

Abstract

Reactive species produced through plasma-liquid interaction is investigated for treatment of hydraulic fracturing wastewater. Unconventional shale gas and oil extraction has resulted in over 1.74 trillion liters of combined wastewater between 2005 and 2014, most of which has been injected into Class II disposal wells and removed from the water cycle 1. High total dissolved solid (TDS) concentrations that can exceed 260,000 mg/L limit the viability of contemporary treatment technologies due to intensive energy requirements and low throughputs, leading to the prominence of deep-well injection for wastewater management. Local water scarcity and seismic concerns motivate the need for a feasible treatment option that allows for wastewater recycling.