Potential CO₂ Leakage Reduction through Biofilm-Induced Calcium Carbonate Precipitation

Abstract

Mitigation strategies for sealing high permeability regions in cap rocks, such as fractures or improperly abandoned wells, are important considerations in the long term security of geologically stored carbon dioxide (CO(2)). Sealing technologies using low-viscosity fluids are advantageous in this context since they potentially reduce the necessary injection pressures and increase the radius of influence around injection wells. Using aqueous solutions and suspensions that can effectively promote microbially induced mineral precipitation is one such technology. Here we describe a strategy to homogenously distribute biofilm-induced calcium carbonate (CaCO(3)) precipitates in a 61 cm long sand-filled column and to seal a hydraulically fractured, 74 cm diameter Boyles Sandstone core. Sporosarcina pasteurii biofilms were established and an injection strategy developed to optimize CaCO(3) precipitation induced via microbial urea hydrolysis. Over the duration of the experiments, permeability decreased between 2 and 4 orders of magnitude in sand column and fractured core experiments, respectively. Additionally, after fracture sealing, the sandstone core withstood three times higher well bore pressure than during the initial fracturing event, which occurred prior to biofilm-induced CaCO(3) mineralization. These studies suggest biofilm-induced CaCO(3) precipitation technologies may potentially seal and strengthen fractures to mitigate CO(2) leakage potential.

A review of microbial precipitation for sustainable construction

“…MICP can deposit the carbonate crystals inside the surface pores and prevent ingress of deleterious materials into the substrate. Thus, surface of porous materials, such as limestone, concrete or bricks can be protected from water or chemical intrusion [79]. Biodeposition involves various microorganisms, pathways and environments [33].…”

Bioprecipitação De Carbonato De Cálcio Por Bactérias Ureolíticas E Suas Aplicações

“…O processo de MICP é uma técnica efetiva e ambientalmente "amigável" que pode ser aplicada para resolver diversos problemas ambientais, incluindo a remediação de íons cálcio, radionucleotídeos e metais potencialmente tóxicos, sequestro de CO 2 , restauração de calcário em prédios históricos, bio-estabilização de solos e taludes, biocimentação, proteção da superfície de argamassas e concreto, remediação de fissuras dentre outras aplicações (LE METAYER-LEVREL et al, 1999;AL-THAWADI, 2008;DE MUYNCK et al, 2010;PHILLIPS et al, 2012;ABO-EL-ENEIN et al, 2013). ).…”

“…Na natureza, o sequestro de CO 2 por fixação química na forma de carbonato como calcita, aragonita, magnesita e dolomita é muito lenta (MANN, 2001). A MICP é um método efetivo para remoção de CO 2 do meio ambiente (PHILLIPS et al 2012). Neste caso, o CO 2 é convertido em minerais de carbonato que podem formar diferentes cristais como calcita, vaterita, aragonita, dolomita e magnesita.…”

Assessment of CO2 Injection in Fractured Calcite Rock Clogged by Pseudomonas putida Biofilm

“…Biofilms are also used as barriers in porous media and landfills [20,21], in bioremediation enhancement [22,23], prevention of well bore CO 2 leakage [24], and geologic containment CO 2 leakage [25][26][27].…”