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Environmental Impacts of Shale Gas Development on Groundwater, and Flowback and Produced Water Treatment Management: A Review

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  • Shubiao Pan

    (National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Shale Gas Exploration and Development, Chongqing Institute of Geology and Mineral Resources, Chongqing 401120, China
    Key Laboratory of Shale Gas Exploration, Ministry of Natural Resources, Chongqing Institute of Geology and Mineral Resources, Chongqing 401120, China
    Department of Environmental Science, College of Environment and Ecology, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400045, China)

  • Ye Zhang

    (National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Shale Gas Exploration and Development, Chongqing Institute of Geology and Mineral Resources, Chongqing 401120, China
    Key Laboratory of Shale Gas Exploration, Ministry of Natural Resources, Chongqing Institute of Geology and Mineral Resources, Chongqing 401120, China)

  • Peili Lu

    (Department of Environmental Science, College of Environment and Ecology, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400045, China
    State Key Laboratory of Coal Mine Disaster Dynamics and Control, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China)

  • Demin Yang

    (National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Shale Gas Exploration and Development, Chongqing Institute of Geology and Mineral Resources, Chongqing 401120, China
    Key Laboratory of Shale Gas Exploration, Ministry of Natural Resources, Chongqing Institute of Geology and Mineral Resources, Chongqing 401120, China
    Department of Environmental Science, College of Environment and Ecology, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400045, China)

  • Yongkui Huang

    (National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Shale Gas Exploration and Development, Chongqing Institute of Geology and Mineral Resources, Chongqing 401120, China
    Key Laboratory of Shale Gas Exploration, Ministry of Natural Resources, Chongqing Institute of Geology and Mineral Resources, Chongqing 401120, China)

  • Xiaochuan Wu

    (National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Shale Gas Exploration and Development, Chongqing Institute of Geology and Mineral Resources, Chongqing 401120, China
    Key Laboratory of Shale Gas Exploration, Ministry of Natural Resources, Chongqing Institute of Geology and Mineral Resources, Chongqing 401120, China)

  • Pei He

    (National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Shale Gas Exploration and Development, Chongqing Institute of Geology and Mineral Resources, Chongqing 401120, China
    Key Laboratory of Shale Gas Exploration, Ministry of Natural Resources, Chongqing Institute of Geology and Mineral Resources, Chongqing 401120, China)

  • Dongxin Guo

    (Chongqing Huadi Resources and Environment Technology Co., Ltd., Chongqing 401120, China)

Abstract

The rapid expansion of shale gas development has revolutionized global energy markets, yet it has also introduced substantial environmental challenges, particularly concerning groundwater resources. This comprehensive review systematically examines the multifaceted impacts of shale gas extraction on groundwater, with a focus on contamination mechanisms, pollutant sources, and mitigation strategies. The study identifies key operational stages—exploration, drilling, hydraulic fracturing, and flowback—as potential sources of groundwater contamination. Inorganic pollutants, including heavy metals and radionuclides, as well as organic compounds such as hydrocarbons and chemical additives, are identified as primary contaminants. The review critically evaluates current wastewater treatment technologies, including reinjection, internal reuse, and advanced desalination methods, highlighting their efficacy and limitations. Additionally, the study proposes a refined environmental management framework that integrates wellbore integrity optimization, enhanced shale gas wastewater treatment, and stringent monitoring protocols. The adoption of clean fracturing technologies and renewable energy applications is recommended to minimize environmental footprints. By establishing comprehensive baseline data and robust pollution monitoring systems, this research provides a scientific foundation for sustainable shale gas development, ensuring the protection of groundwater resources. This review emphasizes the imperative of balancing energy security with environmental sustainability, offering actionable insights for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and environmental scientists.

Suggested Citation

  • Shubiao Pan & Ye Zhang & Peili Lu & Demin Yang & Yongkui Huang & Xiaochuan Wu & Pei He & Dongxin Guo, 2025. "Environmental Impacts of Shale Gas Development on Groundwater, and Flowback and Produced Water Treatment Management: A Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(11), pages 1-32, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:11:p:5209-:d:1672633
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    References listed on IDEAS

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