Frac sand is a type of sand that is specifically designed for hydraulic fracturing, a process used to extract oil and natural gas from underground rock formations.

What is Frac Sand? It is typically made from high-quality quartz sand that is mined from sandstone deposits. The sand is then processed to remove impurities and increase its purity.

The grant was awarded by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) to support research on the environmental impacts of frac sand mining.

Introduction

The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) has awarded a significant grant to the UI’s Environmental Health Sciences Research Center to study the environmental impacts of frac sand mining. This research aims to better understand the effects of frac sand mining on the environment and to identify potential solutions to mitigate these impacts. The grant, worth $124,868, will support a comprehensive study on the environmental health effects of frac sand mining.

Background

Frac sand mining has become a significant industry in the United States, with many states experiencing an increase in frac sand mining activities. The mining of frac sand, a type of sand used in hydraulic fracturing, has been linked to various environmental concerns, including water pollution, soil contamination, and habitat destruction.