Osselin, F.Gaucher, E.Baldony-Andrey, P.Kloppmann, W.Mayer, Bernhard2023-03-182023-03-182023-02-01Osselin, F., Gaucher, E. C., Baldony-Andrey, P., Kloppmann, W., & Mayer, B. (2023). Water-rock interactions and self-remediation: Lessons from a hydraulic fracturing operation in the Vaca Muerta formation, Argentina. Geoenergy Science and Engineering, 211496. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geoen.2023.211496http://hdl.handle.net/1880/11594310.11575/PRISM/46064In order to analyze the effect of a new gelling agent for hydraulic fracturing, fluid samples from different stages of the operation (hydraulic fracturing fluid, coil tubing, flowback and produced waters) were collected from a well in the Vaca Muerta formation in Argentina. Collected samples were analyzed for major and trace elements, first within a few days after sampling, then reanalyzed 6 months later and again 2 years after sampling. Results show that the salinity of samples increased quickly with time, from 2000 mg/L up to 43,000 mg/l a month later, due to the mixing of hydraulic fracturing fluids with formation water. No evidence of water-rock reactions was observed. Results from the later analyses showed that the composition of the samples evolved with time with a sensible decrease of concentration for most trace elements over the course of these two years (e.g. Ba from 137 mg/L to 55 mg/L, Mn from 8 mg/L to 5 mg/L) and heavy metals (e.g. As /L to 1 f/L, Co /L to /L, Cr from /L to /L). Interpretation of the results shows that delayed, post-sampling, precipitation of barite in the preserved samples is the reason for such a decrease. This opens a very interesting option for mitigation and remediation of wastewaters from hydraulic fracturing as natural or even triggered precipitation of barite could involve most of the dissolved heavy metals and decrease strongly their concentrations.engUnless otherwise indicated, this material is protected by copyright and has been made available with authorization from the copyright owner. You may use this material in any way that is permitted by the Copyright Act or through licensing that has been assigned to the document. For uses that are not allowable under copyright legislation or licensing, you are required to seek permission.Hydraulic fracturingFlowback, produced waterGeochemistryBarite precipitationTrace and heavy metalsjournal articlehttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.geoen.2023.211496