Impacts of fracking fluids on microbial communities in shale basins

压裂液对页岩盆地微生物群落的影响

基本信息

批准号：
2439162
负责人：
金额：
--
依托单位：
University of Bristol
依托单位国家：
英国
项目类别：
Studentship
财政年份：
2019
资助国家：
英国
起止时间：
2019 至无数据
项目状态：
已结题

来源：
https://gtr.ukri.org/projects?ref=studentship-2439162
关键词：
Impacts fracking fluids microbial communities

项目摘要

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.

将水力压裂注入液引入地下水环境有可能改变常驻微生物群落的组成和功能。尽管最近的几项研究测量了水力压裂页岩和相关水域中的微生物多样性和活动，但压裂液、回流和采出水对常驻微生物群落的潜在影响尚不清楚。这些液体可以改变微生物栖息地的化学性质，例如，通过改变代谢底物的可用性和类型、氧化还原状态、pH 值和盐度，以及压力等物理参数。该项目将采用实验和计算机建模相结合的方法，研究压裂液对微生物群落的潜在影响。基于实验室的微观实验将用于测试微生物群落对压裂液和相关环境条件变化的反应，并对其进行操作在实验室里。地球化学模型将用于进一步评估压裂液和相关环境变化对近地表和地下微生物生长速率的潜在影响，利用现场特定条件下的一系列不同代谢过程。总体而言，这项工作将有助于更好地评估水力压裂的环境风险，并使学生能够在学术界、环境咨询、工业或公共部门从事职业生涯。