Abstract
Abstract The ecological and physiological factors governing microbial activity in the Southeast Vassar Vertz Sand Unit (SEWSU), Payne County, OK, an oil reservoir selected for a microbially enhanced oil recovery field pilot, were studied. Analysis of the brines from the reservoir showed that the SEWSU reservoir is a hypersaline environment rich in calcium and magnesium cations, and contains most of the inorganic nutrients required for microbial growth. Substantial amounts of sulfate and sulfide were detected in the brines, indicating a potential for sulfate reduction activity. Of the various carbohydrate‐based nutrients tested, a molasses‐ammonium nitrate nutrient mixture best stimulated the metabolism and growth of the microbial communities in the brines. Sulfide was not detected in any brine samples that received high levels of nitrate, even when additional carbon sources such as molasses were added. The addition of nitrate also resulted in shorter lag times, higher maximum turbidities, and larger press...
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