Project Info
Effect of microbial Activities on Underground gas storage
Project Goals and Description:
Microbial activity can affect the efficiency of underground gas storage. Specifically, microbes can consume hydrogen as a source of energy. This results in an overall reduction in the amount of stored hydrogen and may also create acids that can corrode storage materials. To ensure the safety and long-term performance of underground hydrogen storage systems, microbial activity must be considered in their design and operation. For the assessment, the original reservoir fluid and rock samples should be used for the chemical and microbial analysis. Currently, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques are used to analyze reservoir samples and find metabolically functional groups. Alternative approaches are necessary in light of the difficulties in high quality DNA extraction from microbial samples, the presence of PCR inhibitors, and the cost and time of the analysis.
More Information:
Primary Contacts:
Student Preparation
Qualifications
TIME COMMITMENT (HRS/WK)
SKILLS/TECHNIQUES GAINED
Learning Objectives:
- Learning the concept of the porous media and the challenges of the underground gas storage
- Getting familiar with lab environment/lab safety
- Learning how to culture the bacteria in the lab
- Learning the layer-by-layer (LBL) surface coating technique
- Getting familiar with the interracial energy measurement techniques such as drop shape analyzer, surface rheology
- Learning how to work and communicate in a research group
- Developing scientific writing and professional presentation skills