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More toxic chemicals found in oil and gas wastewater

High levels of ammonium, iodide can harm aquatic life, contaminate tap water

Fracking well in Pennsylvania

FOUL FLOW  Wastewater from gas and oil drilling, like from this site in Pennsylvania, carries toxic levels of ammonium and iodide that can harm aquatic life and taint tap water.

Avner Vengosh, Duke University

By Beth Mole

- More than 2 years ago

Whether trickling from cracked shale deep underground or gushing through an old-school well, wastewater from oil and gas production may carry two additional dangerous chemicals besides those previously known.