What is in Fracking Fluid?

The process of hydraulic fracturing – better known as fracking – has emerged over the last 50 years as a popular alternative to traditional methods of extracting natural gas and oil from wells underground. It involves the hydraulic insertion of pressurised fluids into the ground in order to break the rocks surrounding the desired substance and releasing it, thus allowing it to be captured and harvested.

The process has yielded several benefits, not least of which is its reduction of carbon emissions. In comparison to coal burning, fracking has managed to reduce emissions by a whopping 300 megatons in 2012 alone – which is more than all solar and wind energy sources worldwide managed. In addition to this, it has led to an increase in natural gas supplies, which has in turn given the US economy a much-needed boost and dropped gas prices by up to 75%, whereas in other parts of the globe where fracking is not practiced, they have been steadily rising. For more information on the benefits of fracking, read this article: US Fracking has "Cut Carbon more than the Whole World's Wind and Solar".

All Good News…?

Unfortunately, there are also a myriad concerns surrounding the practice. Though fracking undoubtedly reduces harmful carbon levels in the atmosphere, it does release a substantial amount of methane – which could be just as bad as, or even worse than, CO2. In a recent article, Is Fracking Worse for the Environment than Burning Coal?, these concerns are discussed in finer detail, pointing out how recent studies have shown an alarming by-product of methane release and the potentially disastrous consequences this could have.

Furthermore, there have also been concerns about the possibility of the fracking fluid escaping the well-shaft and pervading local water supplies, thus contaminating them and leading to illness or worse among the surrounding population. But what exactly goes into fracking fluid? The contents of the solution have also been a source of debate between supporters and opponents of the practice.

The Makeup of Fracking Fluid

According to Energy From Shale, 90% of fracking fluid is composed of water, with a further 9.5% made up of sand. This leaves just 0.5%, which is made up of a variety of chemicals, including sodium chloride, sodium and potassium carbonate and isopropanol. Supporters of the process have been at pains to point out how these chemicals go into everyday products such as table salt, detergent and deodorant, and nobody appears to be concerned about their presence in those commodities.

However, the concern is the legislation which means fracking companies do not have to disclose the exact composition of their fluids. The ostensible reason is trade competition – so that they don’t have to divulge their secret ingredients to competitors – but it does mean that pretty much anything can go into the concoction. Maker of anti-fracking movie Gasland, Josh Fox, alleges that up to 600 different chemicals can be used in the fracking process, some of which are incredibly toxic. Really and truly what is required is then, perhaps, greater transparency from the fracking companies in what goes into their fluids, and in the safety measures they are taking to ensure these fluids do not become contaminants.

Either way, the subject remains a contentious one and should be viewed as a stop-gap solution until more renewable energy sources can be pursued… it must not be allowed to postpone such alternatives indefinitely.