Microbial legradation of bitumen

Wolf, M.; Bachofen, Reinhard

doi:10.1007/bf01949875

Cited by 15 publications

(6 citation statements)

References 12 publications

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“…Surprisingly, sulfate was present in all extracted water samples (9.7 ± 3.9 mM on average, see S2) and fermenting and sulfate-reducing bacteria were the most abundant members of the original community. Therefore, we focused mainly on bitumen mineralization to carbon dioxide by fermenting and sulfate-reducing bacteria (for detailed equations see S10), since sulfate reducers often outcompete or inhibit methanogenesis if sulfate is available in quantitative amounts. ,,,, Sulfate reduction and CO 2 production were monitored in four microcosms to assess the mineralization and degradation rates of bitumen. Reproducible sulfate reduction occurred in all microcosms (Figure A) with 6.7, 9.5, 8.7, and 9.0 mM consumed over 945 days, respectively (average sulfate reduction of 8.5 ± 1.1 mM).…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…When the transfer of hydrocarbons into the water phase is rate-limiting, microorganisms often accumulate at the substrate surface, here the oil–water interface, to overcome the transfer limitations. Several studies showed the formation of biofilms in the presence of oil, oil sands, or bitumen when incubated in artificial media containing additives like vitamins or trace elements with pure- or enrichment cultures. − …”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Microbial Degradation Rates of Natural Bitumen

Pannekens

Voskuhl

Mohammadian

et al. 2021

Environ. Sci. Technol.

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Microorganisms are present in nearly every oil or bitumen sample originating from temperate reservoirs. Nevertheless, it is very difficult to obtain reliable estimates about microbial processes taking place in deep reservoirs, since metabolic rates are rather low and differ strongly during artificially cultivation. Here, we demonstrate the importance and impact of microorganisms entrapped in microscale water droplets for the overall biodegradation process in bitumen. To this end, we measured degradation rates of heavily biodegraded bitumen from the Pitch Lake (Trinidad and Tobago) using the novel technique of reverse stable isotope labeling, allowing precise measurements of comparatively low mineralization rates in the ng range in microcosms under close to natural conditions. Freshly taken bitumen samples were overlain with artificial brackish water and incubated for 945 days. Additionally, three-dimensional distribution of water droplets in bitumen was studied with computed tomography, revealing a water bitumen interface of 1134 cm 2 per liter bitumen, resulting in an average mineralization rate of 9.4−38.6 mmol CO 2 per liter bitumen and year. Furthermore, a stable and biofilm-forming microbial community established on the bitumen itself, mainly composed of fermenting and sulfate-reducing bacteria. Our results suggest that small water inclusions inside the bitumen substantially increase the bitumen−water interface and might have a major impact on the overall oil degradation process.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Microbial Degradation Rates of Natural Bitumen

Pannekens

Voskuhl

Mohammadian

et al. 2021

Environ. Sci. Technol.

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“…within the nuclear waste repository that pertain to microbiologically induced corrosion (MIC) [4,120,[133][134][135][136][137]. Moreover, microorganisms can modify the fate of radionuclides themselves [138,139].…”

Section: Context and Issuementioning

confidence: 99%

Understanding interactions between cementitious materials and microorganisms: a key to sustainable and safe concrete structures in various contexts

Bertron

2014

Mater Struct

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Building materials can be exposed to microorganisms (mainly bacteria, fungi and algae) in almost every aqueous medium or damp environment, water being the indispensable condition for life development. The activity of microorganisms can be responsible for mineralogical, chemical and microstructural damage to the material (biodeterioration). Deleterious effects can also concern the aesthetics of a building (proliferation of colored biological stains on façades and roofs) or the quality of indoor air (presence of microorganisms in damp buildings). However, microorganisms can also have positive effects (healing of materials) and their action is explored through the development of bio-based protective systems intended for building materials. In all cases, understanding interactions between building materials and microorganisms is an indispensable step toward the development of more sustainable, better quality, safer structures in many environments. This paper presents two examples where the action of microorganisms has-or is likely to have-strong impact on the durability and safety of concrete structures. The first example concerns the biodeterioration of concrete in agricultural and agro-food environments. The second example is that of the abiotic and biotic reactivity of nitrates in repository of intermediate-level long-lived nuclear wastes. The paper presents the approaches used to explore and understand the phenomenology of biogeo-chemical interactions in these complex environments. These studies notably comprise the development of test methods and experimental pilots to enable these explorations to be carried out. Current shortcomings in the scientific literature and in the standardization environment are also highlighted.

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“…Constituents of bitumen -saturated hydrocarbons, aromatics, resins, and asphaltenes (Hansen et al, 2013) -will have extremely limited solubility in high ionic strength media. Studies have shown some bitumen fractions to be degradable and to support biofilm formation (Roffey and Norqvist, 1991;Wolf and Bachofen, 1991). In one study, rates of degradation were positively correlated to the surface area of bitumen, suggesting degradation of components that were surfaceaccessible and/or enhanced degradation by biofilm formation (Wolf and Bachofen, 1991).…”

Section: Bitumen Degradationmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Studies have shown some bitumen fractions to be degradable and to support biofilm formation (Roffey and Norqvist, 1991;Wolf and Bachofen, 1991). In one study, rates of degradation were positively correlated to the surface area of bitumen, suggesting degradation of components that were surfaceaccessible and/or enhanced degradation by biofilm formation (Wolf and Bachofen, 1991). It is possible that hydrocarbon-degrading, halophilic organisms present in subterranean salt (see above) may be able to degrade certain bitumen fractions.…”

Section: Bitumen Degradationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Microbial Influence on the Performance of Subsurface, Salt-Based Radioactive Waste Repositories

2018

Radioactive Waste Management

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is a unique forum where the governments of 35 democracies work together to address the economic, social and environmental challenges of globalisation. The OECD is also at the forefront of efforts to understand and to help governments respond to new developments and concerns, such as corporate governance, the information economy and the challenges of an ageing population. The Organisation provides a setting where governments can compare policy experiences, seek answers to common problems, identify good practice and work to coordinate domestic and international policies.

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Microbial legradation of bitumen

Cited by 15 publications

References 12 publications

Microbial Degradation Rates of Natural Bitumen

Microbial Degradation Rates of Natural Bitumen

Understanding interactions between cementitious materials and microorganisms: a key to sustainable and safe concrete structures in various contexts

Microbial Influence on the Performance of Subsurface, Salt-Based Radioactive Waste Repositories

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