Characterization of Time-Dependent Bio-Invasion in Sandstone Using EICP
Characterization of Time-Dependent Bio-Invasion in Sandstone Using EICP
Biological-induced rock alteration is a process that utilizes biologically induced geochemical activities to change rock properties. This process adopts enzyme-induced carbonate precipitation (EICP) by promoting the formation of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) in the rock pores. However, there is still a lack of knowledge on how far in-situ enzyme growth can invade a rock pore and its impact at the micro-scale. This study uses non-destructive methods to investigate the sub-core-scale bio-invasion in sandstones due to EICP treatment. We first treated sandstone specimens with EICP over 3 days at a temperature of 30°C. Subsequently, we conducted a pore-structural and its resultant porosity change assessment using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Microcomputed tomography (micro-CT). Finally, we analyzed the results to better understand the depth of biologically induced precipitate invasion. The findings suggest that in sandstones, enzymes can invade the formation and occlude pore spaces more efficiently at shallower depths.
Mary C. Ngoma; Oladoyin Kolawole
2025 International Conference on Bio-mediated and Bio-inspired Geotechnics (ICBBG2025)
General session: Fundamental research on biogeotechnics
https://doi.org/10.53243/ICBBG2025-15
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