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Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons

Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Geology

2004

Carbon

Articles 1 - 1 of 1

Full-Text Articles in Physical Sciences and Mathematics

Field Evidence For Geophysical Detection Of Subsurface Zones Of Enhanced Microbial Activity, Eliot A. Atekwana, Estella A. Atekwana, Franklyn D. Legall, R. V. Krishnamurthy Dec 2004

Field Evidence For Geophysical Detection Of Subsurface Zones Of Enhanced Microbial Activity, Eliot A. Atekwana, Estella A. Atekwana, Franklyn D. Legall, R. V. Krishnamurthy

Geosciences and Geological and Petroleum Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Geochemical data from closely spaced vertical intervals in a hydrocarbon-impacted aquifer were used to assess the relationship between bulk conductivity and zones of enhanced microbial activity. The bulk conductivity was measured using in situ vertical resistivity probes. Microbial activity was verified using terminal electron acceptors (nitrate, sulfate, iron, and manganese), dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC), and major ion chemistry. Peaks in bulk conductivity in the aquifer overlapped with zones where nitrates and sulfates were depleted, total petroleum hydrocarbon, iron, manganese, dissolved ions, and DIC were elevated, suggesting a link between higher electrical conductivity and zones of enhanced microbial activity stimulated by …