DURHAM, N.C. – Researchers from China, the United States and Israel will take part in a two-day workshop, Oct. 14-15, at Duke Kunshan University (DKU) to assess the potential impacts of increased unconventional energy exploration – especially shale gas and tight sand oil – on China’s water supply.

The 2nd Water-Energy in China Workshop will include presentations and discussions on the risks of oil and gas wastewater to China’s water quality, based on recent U.S. experience.

It will also feature presentations of new water treatment technologies that could help reduce these risks, and legal and regulatory policies that are needed to help China navigate a safe transition from coal-based energy production to unconventional energy development.

Avner Vengosh, professor of geochemistry and water quality at Duke University and DKU; Marc Deshusses, professor of civil and environmental engineering at Duke and DKU; and Erika Weinthal, Lee Hill Snowdon Professor of Environmental Policy at Duke, are co-chairing the workshop.

“Our goal is to spur the exchange of ideas, foster increased collaboration, and lay the groundwork for future research projects on water and energy between Duke and DKU faculty and leading Chinese academic, government and industry institutions,” said Weinthal.

Scientists and managers affiliated with 15 Chinese research institutions, three U.S. universities,  and one Israeli university are scheduled to present at the workshop. You can view the workshop agenda and list of presenters online here.

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