Wpływ eksploatacji złóż gazu łupkowego na wody ujmowane do celów pitnych. Przypadek Lubelszczyzny

The energy supply which would not contribute to climate change is biggest challenge facing modern civilization Bottom line is that the supply of energy is essential for the development of human civilization. In the very near future, shale gas may constitute an important source of energy. Poland has significant shale gas deposits. Polish Geological Institute estimated its amount at around 346–768 billion cubic meters. However, exploration works meets with large protests of residents, who are afraid of the contamination of drinking water. Considering the number of protests, it seems reasonable to undertake research on the development of water quality monitoring system in the shale gas exploitation site. The basic rule of this monitoring is to determine what chemicals are introduced into wells. The next step is to select water intakes located nearby. This paper presents and evaluates the quality of water taking into account inorganic compounds added to drilling fluids and fracturing fluids. The study contains the results on the content of trace metal ions, chlorides, nitrates, phosphates and sulphates. The study does not assess organic compounds content which can be added to the fluids in the process of hydraulic fracturing.