Research team looks to purify fracking wastewater
Fracking, the use of hydraulic pressure to release natural gas and oil from shale, has the potential to meet energy demands with U.S. resources and stimulate the economy, according to the University of Minnesota. However, the practice also carries possible environmental and public health risks, most notably water contamination.
Fracking, the use of hydraulic pressure to release natural gas and oil from shale, has the potential to meet energy demands with U.S. resources and stimulate the economy, according to the University of Minnesota. However, the practice also carries possible environmental and public health risks, most notably water contamination.
A University of Minnesota research team is addressing this challenge by developing innovative biotechnology to purify fracking wastewater. Headed by Larry Wackett, a professor in the College of Biological Sciences, the effort has earned a new $600,000 grant from the National Science Foundation’s Partnerships for Innovation program, which pairs academic researchers with companies to transfer academic knowledge to the private sector and produce innovative technologies that benefit the public. This is the first NSF-PFI grant awarded in Minnesota.
Tags: news, minnesota, environment
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