Article
Microbiology
Kara Tinker, Daniel Lipus, James Gardiner, Mengling Stuckman, Djuna Gullivera
Summary: The Permian Basin, the highest producing oil and gas reservoir in the United States, utilizes unconventional extraction methods. Microbiological analysis of produced water samples from hydraulically fractured wells in this region revealed the prevalence of sulfate and thiosulfate reducing microbes, suggesting a high potential for hydrogen sulfide production. The presence of frac hits also indicates the exchange of microbial cells and/or genetic information between wells, with implications for the oil and gas industry.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Shangbo Zhou, Shuchan Peng, Zhiqiang Li, Daijun Zhang, Yantao Zhu, Xingquan Li, Mingyu Hong, Weichang Li, Peili Lu
Summary: The study found that microbial richness and diversity were significantly higher in sludge from impoundments compared to flowback water. There is a great potential for using indigenous microorganisms for biodegrading organic compounds in wastewater, and pretreatment of wastewater was effective in removing organic compounds. Additionally, highly toxic compounds can be effectively eliminated in reactors.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Alyssa M. Weinrauch, Erik J. Folkerts, Daniel S. Alessi, Greg G. Goss, Tamzin A. Blewett
Summary: The study found that hepatic metabolism of rainbow trout is altered following exposure to FPW, but generally returns to normal after three weeks. Exposure affects glucose metabolism and amino acid catabolism, but aerobic metabolism and glycolysis capacity are maintained.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Bozhi Yan, Lijia Jiang, Hanghai Zhou, Edidiong Okokon Atakpa, Kuiyong Bo, Pingyuan Li, Qinglin Xie, Yanhong Li, Chunfang Zhang
Summary: This study compared the performance of Up-flow Anaerobic Sludge Bed-Bio-Contact oxidation reactor (UASB-BCOR) and Fixed-bed Baffled Reactor (FBR-BCOR) in treating high-COD and high-salinity hydraulic fracturing flowback and produced water (HF-FPW). The results showed that FBR-BCOR efficiently removed COD, SS, NH4+-N, and oil pollutants, and exhibited better resistance to hydraulic shock load interference. Furthermore, the correlation analysis revealed key functional genera during the degradation process and network analysis showed the difference in microbial co-occurrence network structure as the main driving factor for bioreactor processing capacity difference. This work demonstrates the feasibility and potential of FBR-BCOR in treating HF-FPW.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Lubos Polerecky, Meri Eichner, Takako Masuda, Tomas Zavrel, Sophie Rabouille, Douglas A. Campbell, Kimberly Halsey
Summary: Stable isotope probing combined with nano-scale secondary ion mass spectrometry is a powerful method for quantifying assimilation rates of elements into individual microbial cells. Mathematical modeling was used to investigate how different models describing substrate assimilation during SIP incubation can affect rate estimates. The study found that models accounting for cell division may yield underestimated assimilation rates compared to models without considering cell division. Formulae were presented for estimating assimilation rates and discussing their implications for interpreting intercellular variability in assimilation rates derived from nanoSIMS data.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Rai S. Kookana, Mike Williams, Adrienne Gregg, Adelle Semmler, Jun Du, Simon C. Apte
Summary: Spills of HF fluids and produced water can cause soil contamination, and HF fluids have a significant detrimental impact on soil microbial functions, especially on nitrogen cycling.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Lisa Cliffe, Natali Hernandez-Becerra, Christopher Boothman, Bob Eden, Jonathan R. Lloyd, Sophie L. Nixon
Summary: This study provides insights into the geochemistry and microbiology of production fluids from a UK shale gas well, exploring the impact of viscosity modifiers on microbial community dynamics and biogenic sulfide production.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Shuhui Zhang, Chenghu Wang, Guangpei Zhu, Guiyun Gao, Hao Zhou
Summary: This paper studies the acoustic emission energy, fracture location, and fracture surface morphology of specimens before and after fracture through hydraulic sand fracturing tests. The results show that: (1) the energy ratio during hydraulic fracturing without proppant is the smallest, and increasing confining pressure and reducing displacement and viscosity of the fracturing fluid decrease the energy ratio. Proppant plays an important role in fracture generation during hydraulic sand fracturing; (2) increasing confining pressure leads to the largest number of shale specimens before and after rupture, but the total number of locating events is smaller compared to an increased sanding ratio. Hydraulic fracturing without proppant results in the largest number of specimens before and after rupture and the minimum total number, indicating the important role of proppant in hydraulic sand fracturing tests; (3) larger sand size leads to the maximum specific surface and standard deviation, indicating the largest fracture surface roughness and the best fracturing effect under the test conditions. Fracturing without proppant results in the minimum specific surface and standard deviation, indicating the worst fracture surface fracturing effect at that time.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Bo Shao, Xu Tan, Ju-Long Li, Mei He, Lei Tian, Wen-Jie Chen, Yan Lin
Summary: The synergistic effects of plant-microbial treatment significantly enhance the removal of pollutants in shale gas fracturing waste fluid. The combination of 201.24g water dropwort and 435mg/L activated sludge under illumination of 450-495 nm (blue) at 25 degrees Celsius showed the best treatment condition. The microbial community composition varied significantly with illumination wavelength and temperature under plant-microbial synergism.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Shengnan Li, Wenying Qu, Haixing Chang, Junfeng Li, Shih-Hsin Ho
Summary: This review discusses the microalgae-driven strategy for swine wastewater treatment, focusing on the removal mechanisms of pollutants and pathogenic bacteria, as well as the characteristics of bacterial and microalgal communities. The review also introduces the effects of various parameters on microalgal growth and the current challenges in the biotreatment process. Integration of bacterial and microalgal ecology information into the design of swine wastewater treatment systems is emphasized.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Duo Jiang, Yu Li, Jianmin Wang, Xinyu Lv, Zhao Jiang, Bo Cao, Jianhua Qu, Shouyi Ma, Ying Zhang
Summary: In this study, it was found that inoculation of soybean with Bradyrhizobium japonicum AC20 can increase nitrogen and leghemoglobin content, thus alleviating the inhibitory effect of atrazine on soybean growth. AC20 inoculation also increased the abundance of Acidobacteria and Actinobacteria in the rhizosphere, regulating amino acid and carbohydrate metabolism in soybean seedlings. These findings provide valuable information for enhancing atrazine tolerance in soybean seedlings through rhizobium application.
PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Rachel Michaels, Kevin Eliason, Teagan Kuzniar, J. Todd Petty, Michael P. Strager, Paul F. Ziemkiewicz, Ember Morrissey
Summary: The impact of unconventional oil and gas (UOG) development on freshwater ecosystems is not fully understood. This study used a laboratory experiment and a survey study to investigate the effects of UOG development on microbial biodiversity and function. The results showed that UOG development alters water temperature, chemistry, sediment CO2 production, and microbial community biodiversity in streams. There were consistent changes in the relative abundance of bacterial taxa, suggesting that microorganisms could be used as indicators of environmental changes associated with UOG development. The observed impacts on microbial community composition and carbon cycling could have cascading effects on stream health and broader ecosystem function.
Article
Computer Science, Interdisciplinary Applications
C. Cheng
Summary: The history of oil and gas well stimulation through hydraulic fracturing has shown a pursuit of optimal designs tailored to reservoir properties. By expanding the principle of design diversity to develop optimal portfolio combinations of multiple designs, it can substantially increase return and decrease risk, improving stimulation efficiency for oil/gas wells. This approach is fundamentally dependent upon uncertainty in hydraulic fracturing optimization, and can have a profound impact on efficiency and risk, as well as cost and environmental impacts, in oil and gas development.
COMPUTERS AND GEOTECHNICS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Tingting Hou, Yujie Zhou, Xu Cao, Weiguang Li, Shumei Zhang, Yi Zhao, Li Chen, Qi An, Liqiang Meng
Summary: The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of thermotolerant nitrifying microorganisms and sulfur-oxidizing bacteria on the microbial community and enzyme activity involved in nitrogen-sulfur metabolism during sewage sludge composting. The results showed that the microbial inocula had little impact on the diversity of the microbial community but changed its succession direction, and decreased the abundance of Actinobacteria. The addition of microbial inocula promoted the conversion of nitrogen and sulfur in the compost and increased the activities of key enzymes and microbial genera involved in nitrogen-sulfur conversion.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Ion Pana, Iuliana Veronica Ghetiu, Ioana Gabriela Stan, Florinel Dinu, Gheorghe Branoiu, Silvian Suditu
Summary: This paper presents the application of hydraulic fracturing in Romania through three case studies. The technology has been proven to be safe, with minimal environmental impact and economic benefits.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Atsushi Urai, Yoshinori Takano, Hiroyuki Imachi, Shun'ichi Ishii, Yohei Matsui, Miyuki Ogawara, Eiji Tasumi, Yosuke Miyairi, Nanako O. Ogawa, Toshihiro Yoshimura, Fumio Inagaki, Yusuke Yokoyama, Kenjiro Kawano, Daisuke Murai, Ho-Dong Park, Naohiko Ohkouchi
Summary: The study identified deep microorganisms, particularly methanogenic archaea, in a deep aquifer in the Southern Kanto gas field in Japan using F430 analysis and radiocarbon measurements. The presence of high concentrations of native F430, along with the detection of Methanomicrobia in the rRNA sequences, indicated active methanogenesis potential mediated by subsurface microbes. Stable carbon isotope ratios and radiocarbon measurements of methane and DIC further supported the biogenic origin of methane and revealed an isolated subterranean microbial ecosystem.
ACS EARTH AND SPACE CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Male Koester, Myriam Kars, Florence Schubotz, Man-Yin Tsang, Markus Maisch, Andreas Kappler, Yuki Morono, Fumio Inagaki, Verena B. Heuer, Sabine Kasten, Susann Henkel
Summary: This study investigates biogeochemical processes in subseafloor sediments in the Nankai Trough, revealing significant changes in conditions over the past 15 million years, including a shift to elevated carbon burial environment around 2.5 million years ago. Additionally, it demonstrates the role of temperature increase in enhancing biogenic methanogenesis in sediment columns since around 0.5 million years ago.
GEOCHEMISTRY GEOPHYSICS GEOSYSTEMS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Alexis S. Templeton, Eric T. Ellison, Clemens Glombitza, Yuki Morono, Kaitlin R. Rempfert, Tori M. Hoehler, Spencer D. Zeigler, Emily A. Kraus, John R. Spear, Daniel B. Nothaft, Elizabeth M. Fones, Eric S. Boyd, Mason Munro-Ehrlich, Lisa E. Mayhew, Dawn Cardace, Juerg M. Matter, Peter B. Kelemen
Summary: The Oman Drilling Project established an Active Alteration multi-borehole observatory in peridotites undergoing low-temperature serpentinization in the Samail Ophiolite, where highly serpentinized rocks are in contact with strongly reducing fluids, hosting an active subsurface ecosystem. Distinct hydrological regimes, steep redox and pH gradients, and microbial activity were observed, with potential biogeochemical interactions leading to the formation of specific mineral assemblages as indicators of microbial life.
JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-BIOGEOSCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
T. Hirose, Y. Hamada, W. Tanikawa, N. Kamiya, Y. Yamamoto, T. Tsuji, M. Kinoshita, V. B. Heuer, F. Inagaki, Y. Morono, Y. Kubo
Summary: This study analyzes the subsurface pore pressure by studying the upwelling flow of drilling mud from a borehole in the Nankai Trough, and estimates the pressure level by examining porosities and modeling aquifer sizes. The research suggests the existence of multiple overpressured aquifers in the Nankai Trough region, which may contribute to fault stability and slow earthquakes observed in the area.
JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-SOLID EARTH
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Akira Ijiri, Takeshi Izumi, Yuki Morono, Yuji Kato, Takeshi Terada, Minoru Ikehara
Summary: A new method was established to purify disc-shaped diatoms from samples retrieved from the Conrad Rise in the Southern Ocean, successfully removing clay-mineral contamination and generating samples consisting of over 95% disc-shaped diatoms. This method allowed for obtaining an accurate oxygen isotopic record of diatoms associated with glacial-interglacial cycles.
ACS EARTH AND SPACE CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
F. Beulig, F. Schubert, R. R. Adhikari, C. Glombitza, V. B. Heuer, K-U Hinrichs, K. L. Homola, F. Inagaki, B. B. Jorgensen, J. Kallmeyer, S. J. E. Krause, Y. Morono, J. Sauvage, A. J. Spivack, T. Treude
Summary: Using radiotracer experiments, researchers found active microbial populations in deeply buried marine sediment from the Nankai Trough subduction zone, despite extreme temperatures. This discovery contrasts with the generally low metabolic rates observed in the deep subseafloor.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Xuan Liu, Xin Huang, Chen Chu, Hui Xu, Long Wang, Yarong Xue, Zain Ul Arifeen Muhammad, Fumio Inagaki, Changhong Liu
Summary: By studying the genomic evolution and adaptation strategies of fungi in subseafloor sedimentary environments, we found differentiation between the strain studied and terrestrial type-strain, possibly due to the sediment age. The strain potentially adapted and persisted in sediment for millions of years through the expansion of specific protein kinases, families, and transposons. Additionally, subseafloor strains had slow growth and reproduction rates.
Article
Water Resources
Tomohiro Toki, Hina Kataoka, Ryogo Takada, Shinji Nakaya, Syogo Oshima, Akira Ijiri
Summary: This study investigates the chemical composition of groundwater in the vicinity of Sanninudai on the southeast coast of Yonaguni Island to understand the mechanism of groundwater discharge. Accurate determination of groundwater flow paths is crucial for the conservation and management of groundwater sources.
JOURNAL OF HYDROLOGY-REGIONAL STUDIES
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Masaru Konishi Nobu, Ryosuke Nakai, Satoshi Tamazawa, Hiroshi Mori, Atsushi Toyoda, Akira Ijiri, Shino Suzuki, Ken Kurokawa, Yoichi Kamagata, Hideyuki Tamaki
Summary: The serpentinization of ultramafic rocks can provide molecular hydrogen (H-2) for microorganisms, but the conditions in these environments are extremely challenging. Through metagenomics and thermodynamics, researchers have discovered unique microbial taxa in serpentinization-active systems that are adapted to these conditions. These microorganisms utilize alternative modes of H-2-utilizing lithotrophy, specifically using reduced carbon compounds rather than CO2. This research sheds light on potential strategies that extremophiles may employ in serpentinization-associated environments, which could also be relevant to primordial lithotrophy on early Earth.
Review
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Yuki Morono
Summary: Microbes in marine sediments can be detected and counted using membrane-filtered sediment samples stained with acridine orange. Technological breakthroughs are needed to increase the detection sensitivity for microbial life at extremely low energy flux conditions or in habitats close to the lower limit of the biosphere. These technological developments have expanded our knowledge of microbial life in the subseafloor biosphere and led to the discovery of revivable microbes in million-year-old sediments.
PROGRESS IN EARTH AND PLANETARY SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Yuji Kato, Yuki Morono, Akira Ijiri, Takeshi Terada, Minoru Ikehara
Summary: To accurately perform geochemical analyses of diatom fossils preserved in sediments, it is necessary to purify diatom frustules by taxon. However, the small size of diatoms has made taxon-specific purification difficult. In this study, a taxon-selective collection method using a cell sorter was developed, enabling the isolation of diatom taxa with high purity.
PROGRESS IN EARTH AND PLANETARY SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Fumiaki Mori, Tomoya Nishimura, Taisuke Wakamatsu, Takeshi Terada, Yuki Morono
Summary: Microbial cell counting is essential for studying cell abundance and biogeochemical interactions. A rapid and straightforward method using SYBR Green I staining was developed for accurate cell enumeration. By optimizing the dye/sediment ratio, successful and stable staining of microbial cells was achieved, improving measurement accuracy.
MICROBES AND ENVIRONMENTS
(2021)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Susumu Umino, Gregory F. Moore, Brian Boston, Rosalind Coggon, Laura Crispini, Steven D'Hondt, Michael O. Garcia, Takeshi Hanyu, Frieder Klein, Nobukazu Seama, Damon A. H. Teagle, Masako Tominaga, Mikiya Yamashita, Michelle Harris, Benoit Ildefonse, Ikuo Katayama, Yuki Kusano, Yohey Suzuki, Elizabeth Trembath-Reichert, Yasuhiro Yamada, Natsue Abe, Nan Xiao, Fumio Inagaki
Summary: Study of the oceanic crust and deep mantle through scientific ocean drilling is a challenging mission that expands our understanding of the Earth's interior and geodynamic behavior. International workshops and drilling proposals aim to further explore oceanic geology and biosphere through deep scientific drilling.
SCIENTIFIC DRILLING
(2021)