Abstract

We present evidence of a geobattery associated with microbial degradation of a mature crude oil spill. Self-potential measurements were collected using a vertical array of nonpolarizing electrodes, starting at the land surface and passing through the smear zone where seasonal water table fluctuations have resulted in the coating of hydrocarbons on the aquifer solids. These passive electrical potential measurements exhibit a dipolar pattern associated with a current source. The anodic and cathodic reactions of this natural battery occur below and above the smear zone, respectively. The smear zone is characterized by high magnetic susceptibility values associated with the precipitation of semiconductive magnetic iron phase minerals as a by-product of biodegradation, facilitating electron transfer between the anode and the cathode. This geobattery response appears to have a transient nature, changing on a monthly scale, probably resulting from chemical and physical changes in subsurface conditions such as water table fluctuations.

Department(s)

Geosciences and Geological and Petroleum Engineering

Sponsor(s)

Enbridge Energy Partners
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
U.S. Geological Survey Toxic Substances Hydrology Program
United States. Environmental Protection Agency

Comments

EPA funding: Student Services contract EP10D000488

Keywords and Phrases

Biogeobattery; Biogeophysics; Geobattery

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

2169-8953

Document Type

Article - Journal

Document Version

Final Version

File Type

text

Language(s)

English

Rights

© 2017 American Geophysical Union (AGU), All rights reserved.

Publication Date

01 Apr 2017

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Geology Commons

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