Biotransformation Processes Relevant to Geologic Carbon Sequestration: Potential Implications for Environmental Fate

Area of Science:

• Geomicrobiology
• Environmental Science
• Geochemistry

Background:

• Geologic carbon sequestration (GCS) involves injecting CO2 into deep formations.
• Understanding CO2 fate is critical for GCS viability and environmental safety.
• Microbial activity influences CO2 geochemistry and long-term storage.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current knowledge on CO2 biotransformation relevant to GCS.
• To explore microbial reactions in target and non-target GCS formations.
• To identify factors influencing microbial processes and research gaps.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of microbial reactions and CO2 biotransformation.
• Analysis of geochemical changes driven by CO2 dissolution.
• Discussion of monitoring methods for microbial processes.

Main Results:

• CO2 dissolution alters formation water chemistry (pH, redox, solubility).
• Microbial communities adapt, utilizing CO2 for growth and biotransformation.
• CO2 can be sequestered as minerals, methane, or biomass.

Conclusions:

• Microbial biotransformation plays a key role in CO2 fate during GCS.
• Further research is needed to quantify rates and predict long-term impacts.
• Understanding microbial responses is essential for safe and effective GCS.