Rapid microbial methanogenesis during CO2 storage in hydrocarbon reservoirs

• DOI: 10.1038/s41586-021-04153-3
• Publication Date: 2021-12-22T17:03:24Z
• Authors: R. L. Tyne; P. H. Barry; M. Lawson; D. J. Byrne; O. Warr; H. Xie; D. J. Hillegonds; M. Formolo; Z. M. Summers; B. Skinner; J. M. Eiler; C. J. Ballentine
• Keywords: [SDU] Sciences of the Universe [physics]; 0303 health sciences; 03 medical and health sciences; Bacteria; 13. Climate action; Temperature; Geology; Carbon Dioxide; Groundwater; Methane; 333; Article

Abstract Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is a key technology to mitigate the environmental impact of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) emissions. An understanding potential trapping mechanisms required provide confidence in safe secure CO geological sequestration 1,2 . Depleted hydrocarbon reservoirs have substantial 1 , 3 numerous undergone injection as means enhanced oil recovery -EOR), providing an opportunity evaluate (bio)geochemical behaviour injected carbon. Here we present noble gas, stable isotope, clumped isotope gene-sequencing analyses from -EOR project Olla Field (Louisiana, USA). We show that microbial methanogenesis converted much 13–19% methane (CH 4 up additional 74% was dissolved groundwater. calculate situ rate within natural system 73–109 millimoles CH per cubic metre (standard temperature pressure) year for Field. Similar geochemical trends both fields suggest may be important subsurface sink globally. For sites window methanogenesis, conversion should considered site selection.