Impact of Hydraulic Fracturing on the Quality of Natural Waters

Poland, due to the estimated shale gas deposits amounting to 346–768 billion m3 has become one of the most attractive regions for shale gas exploration in Europe. Throughout the period 2010–2015, 72 exploratory drillings were made (as of 4.01.2016), while hydraulic fracturing was carried out 25 times. Employing new drilling and shale gas prospecting technologies raises a question pertaining to their impact on the environment. The number of chemical compounds used (approximately 2000) for the production of new technological fluids may potentially pollute the environment. The fact that the composition of these fluids remains undisclosed hinders the assessment of their impact on the environment and devising optimal methods for managing this type of waste. The presented work indicates the chemical compounds which may infiltrate to groundwater, identified on the basis of technological fluids characteristics, as well as the review of studies pertaining to their impact on potable water carried out in the United States. The study focused on marking heavy metals, calcium, sodium, magnesium, potassium, chlorides and sulphates in the surface waters collected in proximity of Lewino well.