Four-compartment partition model of hazardous components in hydraulic fracturing fluid additives

Mass balance principles were applied to a four-compartment partition model for 12 different hazardous components of hydraulic fracturing fluid additives used in 47 completed natural gas wells in the Marcellus Shale. Spill scenarios were modeled as if 1000 gallons of diluted additive were discharged into a surface water body or onto soil. Resulting concentrations were ranked according to magnitude, providing a relative comparison of quantities to be expected in each compartment. Highest mass concentrations in the water, soil and biota compartments were due to sodium hydroxide, 4,4-dimethyl oxazolidine, and hydrochloric acid. 4,4-dimethyl oxazolidine ranked highest in the air compartment.