Filtered Hydraulic Fracturing Fluid (IMAGE) Ohio State University Caption Ohio State University researchers and their colleagues have identified a new genus of bacteria living inside hydraulic fracturing wells. Here, "produced water fluid" -- the fluid that is collected at the surface of a hydraulic fracturing well after fracturing -- is being filtered. The fluid is orange because it contains large amounts of iron that oxidizes when the fluids are brought to the surface. By analyzing the genomes of microbes in the filtered water, the researchers are piecing together the existence of microbial communities inside the wells. Credit Photo by Rebecca Daily, Courtesy of The Ohio State University. Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.