Análise das implicações ambientais na extração do gás de xisto

Abstract

Introduction: The power supplies in the world are increasingly scarce especially on oil, the world energy matrix. An alternative energy source would be shale gas, known as unconventional gas. However, the process of exploration, as well as many other sources, can bring harm to the environment. Objective: This study aimed to analyze the environmental implications of the exploitation of shale gas, mainly through the hydraulic fracturing process. Methodology: This study is characterized as an integrative literature review. databases was consulted Science Direct, GeoScienceWorld and SciTech the US Department of Energy. It employed the descriptors shale gas, environmental impact of shale gas exploitation and fracking. Results and discussion: The results found a total of 3965 articles, and these have been eliminated 3932 (99.2%) as the exclusion criteria being used so, 33 (0.8%) articles. The main reasons for rejection were not available in the full article, disagreement to the subject, other types of publication not scientific articles and results of duplication. It was observed that the main problems related to the pollution of water, soil and air, and there are considerations about the influence on earthquakes and contributing to noise pollution. Political, social and economic aspects were also discussed, as are directly related to environmental issues. Many of the studies are inconclusive or do not establish a direct correlation between the exploitation of shale gas and the different types of environmental impacts. Brazil lacks compelling legal instruments to better regulate the exploitation in the territory. Final considerations: technical studies should be widely made to the option of this form of energy, since the country has great need of this type of material.