„NA DOLE BEZ ZMIAN”, CZYLI O KONIECZNOŚCI PODJĘCIA MULTIDYSCYPLINARNYCH BADAŃ INTERAKCJI W SYSTEMIE CIECZE SZCZELINUJĄCE – ŁUPKI GAZONOŚNE – WODY PODZIEMNE

Abstract

“ALL QUIET AT THE BOTTOM”, THAT IS ABOUT THE NEED TO UNDERTAKE MULTIDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH OF INTERACTIONS IN THE FRACTURING FLUIDS – GAS-CONTAINING SHALE – GROUNDWATER SYSTEMAbstract. The first in Poland, multidisciplinary research on fracturing and flow-back fluids were carried out to the purpose of characterization of their microbiological potential and understanding interactions with shale rock and groundwater. Flow-back fluids contain abundant aerobic and anaerobic microorganisms, which can modify their properties and chemical composition. Results show that during and after hydraulic fracturing fluids quickly change their chemistry (increase of most solutes), what initiate various geochemical, biogeochemical, and mineralogical processes. The changing chemistry of fracturing fluids affects the stability of present minerals and the formation of new ones. Presented research are also important in terms of the gas borehole lifespan and the recovery of gas resource, and the safety assessment for overlying aquifers.