Effect of fracking on freshwater biosystems

Marcellus Shale natural gas extraction has increased dramatically in Pennsylvania over the past six years. Due to accelerating exploration rates, this combination of horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing may potentially lead to environmental pollution through a variety of pathways. Because microbial communities can shift dramatically in response to changes in environmental parameters, they can be used as biomarkers to assess ensuing environmental threats. The purpose of our study is to compare the microbial community structure of Marcellus Shale impacted and non-impacted headwater stream ecosystems. Water, sediment, bryophyte, and biofilm samples were collected from 26 forested headwater streams and genomic DNA was extracted from a total of 59 samples. Also included are fish gut samples.