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Updated: Jan 14, 2026
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Dynamic Pore-scale Reservoir-condition Imaging of Reaction in Carbonates Using Synchrotron Fast Tomography
Published on: February 21, 2017
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Microbial Considerations for the Permanent Geological Storage of CO2
Sophie L Nixon1,2, Leanne Walker1,2, Rebecca L Tyne2
1Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
Environmental Microbiology
|October 23, 2025
Summary
Microbial life in the deep biosphere plays a crucial role in carbon capture and storage (CCS) operations. Understanding these microbes is vital for safe and effective CO2 storage.
Area of Science:
- Geomicrobiology
- Environmental Science
- Subsurface Science
Background:
- Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is essential for Net Zero emissions.
- The influence of microbial life on subsurface CO2 storage is not well understood.
- The deep biosphere is a significant factor in CCS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of the deep biosphere in CCS.
- To synthesize evidence on microbial impacts (positive and negative) on CO2 storage.
- To emphasize the need for microbial and geochemical monitoring in CCS.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of existing evidence.
- Analysis of microbial processes in saline aquifers, depleted hydrocarbon reservoirs, and basalt formations.
- Drawing insights from hydrocarbon extraction and CCS case studies.
Main Results:
- Microbial communities can both hinder and aid CO2 storage.
- Key microbial processes include methanogenesis, sulfidogenesis, corrosion, and carbonate mineralization.
- Effective CCS requires understanding microbial and geochemical interactions.
Conclusions:
- The deep biosphere is a critical, yet overlooked, component of CCS.
- Comprehensive microbial and geochemical monitoring is necessary for risk assessment and benefit realization.
- A holistic biogeochemistry approach and cross-sector collaboration are essential for successful CCS deployment.
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