Controlling pore-scale processes to tame subsurface biomineralization

Abstract

Microorganisms capable of biomineralization can catalyze mineral precipitation by modifying local physical and chemical conditions. In porous media, such as soil and rock, these microorganisms live and function in highly heterogeneous physical, chemical and ecological microenvironments, with strong local gradients created by both microbial activity and the pore-scale structure of the subsurface. Here, we focus on extracellular bacterial biomineralization, which is sensitive to external heterogeneity, and review the pore-scale processes controlling microbial biomineralization in natural and engineered porous media. We discuss how individual physical, chemical and ecological factors integrate to affect the spatial and temporal control of biomineralization, and how each of these factors contributes to a quantitative understanding of biomineralization in porous media. We find that an improved understanding of microbial behavior in heterogeneous microenvironments would promote understanding of natural systems and output in diverse technological applications, including improved representation and control of fluid mixing from pore to field scales. We suggest a range of directions by which future work can build from existing tools to advance each of these areas to improve understanding and predictability of biomineralization science and technology.

Characterizing Natural Organic Matter Transformations by Microbial Communities in Terrestrial Subsurface Ecosystems: A Critical Review of Analytical Techniques and Challenges

“…However, methods to measure pore scale processes and scale those observations to field-relevant are still under development. Microfluidics, which enables full control of fluid flow can be paired with natural substrates or configured to mimic natural microenvironmental conditions ( Jimenez-Martinez, 2022 ). Thus, it can provide a means to observe how physical and chemical heterogeneity impacts microbial populations ( Vos et al, 2013 ; Jimenez-Martinez, 2022 ).…”

“…Microfluidics, which enables full control of fluid flow can be paired with natural substrates or configured to mimic natural microenvironmental conditions ( Jimenez-Martinez, 2022 ). Thus, it can provide a means to observe how physical and chemical heterogeneity impacts microbial populations ( Vos et al, 2013 ; Jimenez-Martinez, 2022 ). Furthermore, micro-computed tomography allows visualization of the soil structure at micrometer resolutions, which can enable studies that examine the impact of different aggregate structures on microbial communities ( Vos et al, 2013 ).…”

The Impact of Green Marketing and Environmental Awareness on Consumers Green and Conscious Consumption of Green Products

“…The concept of a conscious consumer is very old. To vote with the money which is 'dollar voting' means to go for the ethical or eco-friendly product over a regular product is not new but the trend has exponentially grown after industrialization when the concerns regarding unfair labor practices, unfair treatment of employees, insurance of product safety and encourage healthy competition (Jimenez-Martinez et al, 2022;Nguyen et al, 2020). A conscious consumer is a 'mindful' consumer who takes into consideration of environmental as well as socio-cultural issues, assumes his/her responsibility as high moral grounds, and reverts to ethical consumerism.…”

Highlighting Bacteria with Calcifying Abilities Suitable to Improve Mortar Properties

“…In last few years, there has been a growing interest in the use of microbially precipitated CaCO 3 as biomaterials, and more studies have been published [ 7 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 ].…”