Scientists have uncovered a massive, untapped reservoir of lithium in wastewater from Pennsylvania natural gas fracking sites, a finding that could help meet surging demand for the vital battery material.
The researchers, publishing their work in the journal Scientific Reports, estimate the wastewater contains enough lithium to supply up to 40% of U.S. demand.
Tim Bruno spoke with Philadelphia’s WHYY News Climate Desk reporter Susan Phillips about how Pennsylvania could become a massive contributor to the country’s quest for lithium after scientists discovered a large reservoir of the chemical element in fracking wastewater in the Marcellus Shale.
Image: Work at a shale gas well drilling site in St. Mary’s, Pa., March 12, 2020. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic, File)