You are here

FAU Collections » FAU Research Repository » FAU Student Research » FAU Undergraduate Student Research

Removing Methanol Additives from Fracking Fluids

Download pdf | Full Screen View

Date Issued:
2016
Summary:
Methanol additives used in fracking fluids are harmful to both the environment and to public health. This is because methanol is a hazardous air pollutant and can contaminate the groundwater. The EPA estimates 32.5 tons of methanol is released into the environment each year. The aim of this study is to test the removal efficiency of methanol additives from fracking fluids using advanced oxidation technology with hydrogen peroxide and ultraviolet energy instead of more expensive methods such as flash evaporation. The first experiment tested different dilutions of water and methanol (30-1000 ppm) with five percent hydrogen peroxide. Then, the samples were exposed to ultraviolet radiation for several time periods ranging from 30 seconds to 15 minutes. Results showed 97.3% or higher removal at 20 minutes. Continued research in this field will allow for fracking wastewater to be treated effectively, so that it is safe to discharge into the environment.
Title: Removing Methanol Additives from Fracking Fluids.
144 views
40 downloads
Name(s): Meyer, Lisandre
Meeroff, Daniel E.
Office of Undergraduate Research and Inquiry
Type of Resource: text
Genre: Poster
Date Created: 2016
Date Issued: 2016
Publisher: Florida Atlantic University
Place of Publication: Boca Raton, Florida
Physical Form: application/pdf
Extent: 1 p.
Language(s): English
Summary: Methanol additives used in fracking fluids are harmful to both the environment and to public health. This is because methanol is a hazardous air pollutant and can contaminate the groundwater. The EPA estimates 32.5 tons of methanol is released into the environment each year. The aim of this study is to test the removal efficiency of methanol additives from fracking fluids using advanced oxidation technology with hydrogen peroxide and ultraviolet energy instead of more expensive methods such as flash evaporation. The first experiment tested different dilutions of water and methanol (30-1000 ppm) with five percent hydrogen peroxide. Then, the samples were exposed to ultraviolet radiation for several time periods ranging from 30 seconds to 15 minutes. Results showed 97.3% or higher removal at 20 minutes. Continued research in this field will allow for fracking wastewater to be treated effectively, so that it is safe to discharge into the environment.
Identifier: FA00005592 (IID)
Subject(s): College students --Research --United States.
Held by: Florida Atlantic University Libraries
Sublocation: Digital Library
Persistent Link to This Record: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005592
Restrictions on Access: Author retains rights.
Host Institution: FAU