In a joint research effort, the University of Kansas and West Virginia University will focus on developing progressive strategies for better management, treatment, protection and recovery of wastewater produced by oil and gas wells.

The scientists leading the project have their sights set on establishing a permanent center focused on research-proven practices for handling the drilling byproduct as 20 billion barrels of water are generated in the United States annually, according to the PennState Extension.

The initiative is being funded by a $4 million grant from the National Science Foundation. With the support, the goal is to create a national center for technology development as well as training and outreach to enlist a new generation of specialists.

The research aims to not only improve the safety of deep-well injection, but also to create affordable methods for treating the produced water to be reused.

Learn more: PennState Extension > Researchers at KU, WVU to strengthen water-stewardship practices for U.S. energy production