Geochemical Processes in Tight Gas Hydraulic Fracturing Stimulation (Environmental Earth Sciences)

This book examines the Sulige Gas Field—China’s largest natural gas field—as a case study. Drawing on field hydraulic fracturing data and laboratory water–rock interaction experiments, it systematically investigates the geochemical processes occurring during hydraulic fracturing. These processes are analyzed using X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), geochemical modeling, end-member mixing analysis, and isotopic tracing.

In addition, the book explores regional water environmental issues triggered by hydraulic fracturing, as well as strategies for managing and utilizing flowback water resources. The findings provide a theoretical foundation and technical support for the green and sustainable development of unconventional energy resources, while significantly advancing the understanding of geochemistry in deep subsurface environments.

By bridging fundamental geochemistry and practical engineering, this book offers actionable insights for reservoir engineers, geochemists, and policymakers to address environmental and engineering challenges effectively.

Dr. Xiaodong He is an assistant professor at Chang’an University, China. He holds a Ph.D. in hydraulic engineering from Chang’an University and possesses extensive expertise in hydrogeochemistry, water-rock interactions, groundwater quality, and groundwater pollution. Dr. He has published over 30 scientific papers in renowned international journals. He has edited and co-edited 3 textbooks and academic monographs. In recent years, focusing on deep Earth geochemistry, he has led five research projects including “Formation and Evolution Mechanisms of Fracturing Flowback Fluids in Tight Gas Reservoirs Based on Isotopic Fingerprinting, and Their Application in Pollution Tracing”, “Formation and Evolution Mechanisms of Fracturing Flowback Fluids in Tight Gas Reservoirs Driven by Mixing Processes and Water-Rock Interactions”, and “Geochemical Processes and Mechanisms in Hydraulic Fracturing of Tight Gas Reservoirs”, with six peer-reviewed papers published in Journal of Hydrology, Geoenergy Science and Engineering, Chemosphere, and Environmental Earth Sciences. In recognition of his research excellence, he was selected as one of the Top 2% Top Scientists Worldwide by Stanford University in 2022 and 2025.

Prof. Peiyue Li is a full professor in the field of hydrogeology and environmental sciences at Chang’an University, China. He serves as the Vice Dean of School of Water and Environment at this university. He has wide experience in groundwater quality assessment, hydrogeochemistry, and groundwater modeling. He has edited and co-edited 13 textbooks and academic monographs, and published over 220 articles in refereed journals. He at present serves as Associate Editors for Exposure and Health, Mine Water and the Environment, Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, Human and Ecological Risk Assessment, and Applied Water Science. He is also book series editors for Springer Hydrogeology,Cave and Karst Systems of the World, Advances in Karst Science, and GeoHealth: The Impact of Geology on Environment and Human Health. He has been awarded one of the most highly cited researchers by Clarivate, Elsevier, and other organizations.