Researchers have recently discovered a valuable energy treasure in Pennsylvania, USA.
Below the surface of Pennsylvania, in the northeastern United States, lies one of the largest shale gas reserves in the world, known as Marcellus.
This reserve has been extracted for nearly 20 years, and researchers from the University of Pittsburgh have made an intriguing discovery from the wastewater produced by this gas field.
A drilling rig at the shale gas field in Pennsylvania (Photo: Futura Science).
Wastewater from hydraulic fracturing (fracking) has revealed a massive energy treasure. Fracking is a technique that fractures a large rock formation by injecting high-pressure fluids. This method allows for the extraction of oil or gas from dense substrates.
The research indicates that the Marcellus formation contains enough lithium to meet 40% of the United States’ demand.
Lithium is a key component in batteries for electric vehicles, mobile phones, and many other electronic devices we use daily. Therefore, the United States Geological Survey considers it a critical factor in the energy sector.
Shale gas extraction in Pennsylvania generates a significant amount of wastewater. When reaching the shale layers at depths of 1,000 to 3,000 meters, producers begin using hydraulic fracturing techniques. They inject millions of liters of water at very high pressure to fracture the rock, allowing gas to be released to the surface.
The fluid consists of 99% water, mixed with sand to keep the fractures open. Scientists add chemical compounds, such as surfactants and biocides, to facilitate gas extraction.
The process of extracting shale gas in Pennsylvania has previously sparked considerable controversy regarding its impact on ecosystems and the environment. Many organizations are concerned that wastewater may contain chemicals that could pollute soil and water sources, and potentially harbor carcinogenic substances for humans.
Therefore, extracting lithium from this wastewater could provide dual benefits: it minimizes environmental impact while potentially supplying lithium for energy storage in battery production.
Currently, scientists have successfully researched and extracted lithium from wastewater with an efficiency of over 90%.
At present, the lithium required by the United States is primarily sourced from saline lakes in Chile. Before it can be integrated into batteries for energy storage, lithium is transported to processing facilities in China.
