Browse by author
Lookup NU author(s): Professor Richard DaviesORCiD
Full text for this publication is not currently held within this repository. Alternative links are provided below where available.
Unconventional oil and natural gas extraction enabled by horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing (fracking) is driving an economic boom, with consequences described from "revolutionary" to "disastrous." Reality lies somewhere in between. Unconventional energy generates income and, done well, can reduce air pollution and even water use compared with other fossil fuels. Alternatively, it could slow the adoption of renewables and, done poorly, release toxic chemicals into water and air. Primary threats to water resources include surface spills, wastewater disposal, and drinking-water contamination through poor well integrity. An increase in volatile organic compounds and air toxics locally are potential health threats, but the switch from coal to natural gas for electricity generation will reduce sulfur, nitrogen, mercury, and particulate air pollution. Data gaps are particularly evident for human health studies, for the question of whether natural gas will displace coal compared with renewables, and for decadal-scale legacy issues of well leakage and plugging and abandonment practices. Critical topics for future research
Author(s): Jackson RB, Vengosh A, Carey JW, Davies RJ, Darrah TH, O'Sullivan F, Petron G
Publication type: Review
Publication status: Published
Journal: Annual Review of Environment and Resources
Year: 2014
Volume: 39
Pages: 327-362
Print publication date: 01/10/2014
Online publication date: 11/08/2014
ISSN (print): 1543-5938
ISSN (electronic): 1545-2050
Publisher: ANNUAL REVIEWS
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1146/annurev-environ-031113-144051
DOI: 10.1146/annurev-environ-031113-144051
