Avaliação dos impactos relacionados ao uso da água no emprego do método de fraturamento hidráulico para exploração de shale gas na região do aquífero São Sebastião (BA)

Abstract

The current technological feasibility in exploring large unconventional gas reserves around the world has aroused immense interest, especially in the last decade, providing changes in the world energy scenario. The aim of this study was to evaluate the environmental and economic impacts related to the use of water in the hydraulic fracturing method for the potential exploration of shale gas in the São Sebastião aquifer region, in the Recôncavo Baiano Basin (Bahia, Brazil). For this, an integrative review of documents was carried out, focused on the use of summarization and tracing of the profile of the main current publications on the subject involved. It was possible to obtain data about the operation using the hydraulic fracturing method and its possible influence on the aquifer; in addition to impacts on the supply chain, procurement, logistics, use and handling of chemical components such as fracturing fluids; the environmental and economic impacts arising from the exploitation of shale gas; the process of treatment and disposal of fluids from the aquifer in the hydraulic fracturing process for shale gas extraction. It is concluded that the recovery of hydrocarbons located in areas of low permeability requires the use of techniques that involve chemicals that can migrate to the aquifer during handling, well drilling, fracturing, water treatment or even during loading and transport. And, with this, there is a need for discussion and formalization of measurement and control parameters by organs competent bodies.