Abstract

To investigate the potential role that indigenous microorganisms and microbial processes may play in altering low frequency electrical properties, induced-polarization (IP) measurements in the frequency range of 0.1 to 1000 Hz were acquired from sediment samples retrieved from a site contaminated by hydrocarbon undergoing intrinsic biodegradation. Increased imaginary conductivity and phase were observed for samples from the smear zone (contaminated with residual-phase hydrocarbon), exceeding values obtained for samples contaminated with dissolved-phase hydrocarbons, and in turn, exceeding values obtained for uncontaminated samples. Real conductivity, although generally elevated for samples from the smear zone, did not show a strong correlation with contamination. Controlled experiments on uncontaminated samples from the field site indicate that variations in surface area, electrolytic conductivity, and water content across the site cannot account for the high imaginary conductivity observed within the smear zone. We suggest that microbial processes may be responsible for the enhanced IP response observed at contaminated locations. Scanning electron microscopy and IP measurements during acid leaching indicate that etched pits on mineral surfaces -- caused by the production of organic acids or formed during microbial colonization of these surfaces -- are not the cause of the IP enhancement. Rather, we postulate that the accumulation of microbial cells (biofilms) with high surface area at the mineral-electrolyte interface generates the IP response. These findings illustrate the potential use of electrical measurements to noninvasively monitor microbial activity at sites undergoing natural hydrocarbon degradation.

Department(s)

Geosciences and Geological and Petroleum Engineering

Sponsor(s)

Geological Survey (U.S.)
University of Missouri Research Board

Comments

Reuse is subject to SEG terms of use and conditions.
USGS award 000457

Keywords and Phrases

Geochemistry; Organic Compounds; Scanning Electron Microscopy; Sediments; Soil Pollution; Biodegradation; Electric Properties; Electric Variables Measurement; Hydrocarbons; Microorganisms; Polarization; Hydrocarbon Degradation; Polarization Measurement; Unconsolidated Sediments; Geochemistry; Hydrocarbon; Induced Polarization; Unconsolidated Medium

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

0016-8033

Document Type

Article - Journal

Document Version

Final Version

File Type

text

Language(s)

English

Rights

© 2006 Society of Exploration Geophysicists, All rights reserved.

Publication Date

01 Mar 2006

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