The study found that the lithium-rich wastewater comes from the drilling boom in Appalachia, which has created large volumes of produced water that is usually considered waste. The study also found that the highest concentrations of lithium are in wells fracked in the northeastern part of the state, and that the lithium in this wastewater may be easier to extract for use in battery production. 

The discovery has sparked debate and some speculate that it could lead to a lithium rush. However, the issue is complicated and there are concerns about the potential environmental, health, and technoeconomical impacts. For example, the discovery could lead to increased fracking. Additionally, the United States currently imports lithium from Argentina, Chile, and China to meet its needs, and demand is expected to increase as the clean energy transition accelerates.