This study used petrographic thin sections, scanning electron microscopy, and confocal laser microscopy to document microbially mediated dissolution of carbonate reservoir rocks. The samples studied came from three carbonate units that are hydrocarbon reservoirs; the Salem, Sligo, and Smackover formations. These samples were inoculated with bacteria, and then treated with nutrient solutions followed by ethanol to promote generation of acetic acid by bacteria. Dissolution occurred in calcite-dominated rocks and in dolomitized rocks. Noticeable changes first occurred after nine weeks of ethanol treatment and significant change only occurred after twelve weeks of ethanol treatment. The size of the vuggy pores created increased from 1 µm or less to over 5 µm, and rarely over 10 µm, in length.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:MSSTATE/oai:scholarsjunction.msstate.edu:td-4082 |
| Date | 11 December 2004 |
| Creators | Coffey, Melody Roy |
| Publisher | Scholars Junction |
| Source Sets | Mississippi State University |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | text |
| Format | application/pdf |
| Source | Theses and Dissertations |
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