Monitoring bacterially induced calcite precipitation in porous media using magnetic resonance imaging and flow measurements

Sham, E., Mantle, M.D., Mitchell, J., Tobler, D.J., Phoenix, V.R. and Johns, M.L. (2013) Monitoring bacterially induced calcite precipitation in porous media using magnetic resonance imaging and flow measurements. Journal of Contaminant Hydrology, 152, pp. 35-43. (doi: 10.1016/j.jconhyd.2013.06.003)

[img]
Preview
Text
94707.pdf - Published Version
Available under License Creative Commons Attribution.

818kB

Publisher's URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jconhyd.2013.06.003

Abstract

A range of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques are employed to provide novel, non-invasive measurements of both the structure and transport properties of porous media following a biologically mediated calcite precipitation reaction. Both a model glass bead pack and a sandstone rock core were considered. Structure was probed using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) via a combination of quantitative one-dimensional profiles and three-dimensional images, applied before and after the formation of calcite in order to characterise the spatial distribution of the precipitate. It was shown through modification and variations of the calcite precipitation treatment that differences in the calcite fill would occur but all methods were successful in partially blocking the different porous media. Precipitation was seen to occur predominantly at the inlet of the bead pack, whereas precipitation occurred almost uniformly along the sandstone core. Transport properties are quantified using pulse field gradient (PFG) NMR measurements which provide probability distributions of molecular displacement over a set observation time (propagators), supplementing conventional permeability measurements. Propagators quantify the local effect of calcite formation on system hydrodynamics and the extent of stagnant region formation. Collectively, the combination of NMR measurements utilised here provides a toolkit for determining the efficacy of a biological–precipitation reaction for partially blocking porous materials.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Tobler, Dr Dominique and Phoenix, Dr Vernon
Authors: Sham, E., Mantle, M.D., Mitchell, J., Tobler, D.J., Phoenix, V.R., and Johns, M.L.
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Geographical and Earth Sciences
Journal Name:Journal of Contaminant Hydrology
Publisher:Elsevier
ISSN:0169-7722
ISSN (Online):1873-6009

University Staff: Request a correction | Enlighten Editors: Update this record

Project CodeAward NoProject NamePrincipal InvestigatorFunder's NameFunder RefLead Dept
474402Biogeochemical Applications in Nuclear Decommissioning and Waste DisposalVernon PhoenixEngineering & Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)EP/G063699/1SCHOOL OF GEOGRAPHICAL & EARTH SCIENCES