Controlling microbial processes in fracing fluids

Unconventional gas reservoirs are a great energy resource in the province of BC and Alberta and thus for Canada in general. Extracting this resource is not as straight forward as conventional gas reservoirs and requires hydraulic fracturing, also known as fracing or fracking, which has recently become a controversial topic in the public eye. This research project will examine water and fluids used in and returning from frac operations with respect to its geochemistry and bacterial populations. By knowing how bacterial population change geochemical parameters we can improve the effectiveness of the fracing and lower its environmental impact. The results of this research may therefore make fracing economically more feasible and safer for the environment.

Faculty Supervisor:

Sean Crowe

Student:

Yakenalem Abebe

Partner:

Shell Canada

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Oil and gas

University:

University of British Columbia