Microbial growth in unconventional oil and gas wells can drive a series of deleterious processes ranging from bio-clogging to the generation of sulfide that sours hydrocarbon streams and contributes to corrosion. Previous research by our group has indicated that contaminating microorganisms are present in input materials, and are subsequently inadvertently injected into the subsurface during the fracking process, where they colonize the new fracture network and persist for extended periods of time (&gt;700 days). However, the precise source of these microbes is unknown, preventing more targeted treatment of input materials. In this study, we performed a genome-resolved microbiological audit of fluids and other materials used in the fracking process, and then tracked the development of down-hole microbial communities via temporal sampling of produced fluids from 5 wells in the Anadarko Basin, OK, USA. Results revealed the establishment of persistent microbial community members over &gt;700 days that could be traced back to specific input materials. Moreover, variability in the chemical composition of additive chemicals was also shown to exert an influence over microbial community assembly and functional potential in the fracture network. Together, these data highlight the potential of high-resolution genomic techniques for more effective microbial control strategies in unconventional reservoirs.

Sleuthing in the subsurface: Source tracking of contaminating microbes during hydraulic fracturing

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

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ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.