Controlling pore-scale processes to tame subsurface biomineralization.

Area of Science:

• Geology
• Microbiology
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Microorganisms catalyze mineral precipitation by altering local conditions.
• Microbial biomineralization occurs in heterogeneous porous media like soil and rock.
• Pore-scale structures and microbial activity create strong local gradients.

Purpose of the Study:

• Review pore-scale processes controlling extracellular bacterial biomineralization.
• Analyze how physical, chemical, and ecological factors integrate to control biomineralization.
• Enhance understanding of microbial behavior in heterogeneous microenvironments.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on pore-scale processes.
• Analysis of factors influencing spatial and temporal control of biomineralization.
• Integration of physical, chemical, and ecological factors.

Main Results:

• Extracellular bacterial biomineralization is sensitive to external heterogeneity.
• Individual factors and their integration dictate biomineralization control.
• Quantitative understanding requires considering microenvironmental heterogeneity.

Conclusions:

• Improved understanding of microbial behavior in heterogeneous microenvironments is crucial.
• This knowledge advances natural system comprehension and technological applications.
• Future work should build on existing tools for better predictability in biomineralization science and technology.