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Acid Dissolution of Magnesian-Calcite Stromatolites from Lagoa Salgada: An Experimental Evaluation Using X‑ray
Vitor Felipe Hage Serra1, Jamilly Pina da Silva1, Ana Carolina Silva da Cunha1
1Energy and Petroleum Science Laboratory (LCPETRO), Engineering College, Salinópolis Campus, Federal University of Pará (UFPA), Salinópolis 68721-000, Brazil.
ACS Omega
|April 13, 2026
Summary
Microstructure, not just mineralogy, controls acid dissolution rates in carbonate rocks. This is crucial for understanding processes in reservoir stimulation and carbon storage.
Area of Science:
- Geochemistry
- Geology
- Material Science
Background:
- Acid dissolution of carbonate rocks is vital for reservoir stimulation and carbon storage.
- Heterogeneity's impact on dissolution kinetics is poorly understood, especially in microbial carbonates like those in Brazil's Pre-Salt reservoirs.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the acid dissolution of a magnesian-calcite stromatolite, an analog for the Barra Velha Formation.
- Compare its dissolution behavior to Indiana Limestone and Silurian Dolomite.
- Determine the relative influence of mineralogy versus microstructure on dissolution rates.
Main Methods:
- Static dissolution experiments using 0.5 M hydrochloric acid.
- Quantification of average reaction rates.
- High-resolution X-ray microtomography to visualize and quantify internal morphological changes.
Main Results:
- Dissolution rates varied significantly among stromatolitic facies, increasing from Layer A to Layer C.
- Layer C showed the most structural alteration and mass loss, despite lower magnesian-calcite content.
- Indiana Limestone had intermediate reactivity, while Silurian Dolomite was least reactive.
Conclusions:
- Microstructure and pore architecture strongly control carbonate dissolution rates, overriding mineralogical composition in static conditions.
- Findings are critical for understanding reactive flow in heterogeneous carbonate formations.
- This research provides insights into the behavior of microbial carbonates in acidic environments.
