Microbial degradation of onshore gas-related chemical compounds
This project aims to provide information about which chemical compounds are degraded by microbes living in the soils and subsurface aquifers, and the impact on these microbial communities. This data can be used to assess the health of an ecosystem.
The study will enable improved understanding around the biodegradation of certain chemical compounds used in onshore gas production in the south-east of South Australia.
Reports and journals
Microbial degradation of chemical compounds used in onshore gas production in the SE of South Australia
The primary objective of this report is to provide information on the microbial degradation of chemicals used in gas production from conventional reservoirs in the onshore Otway Basin, South Australia. With various projects investigating the impacts of conventional gas production within south east South Australia already underway or completed, this report is designed to provide further scientific insights for stakeholders about the biodegradation of chemicals used in gas exploration and production activities.
An estimation of chemical compound concentrations used in onshore gas production, a review of their degradation, and associated policy frameworks in South Australia
This milestone report sets the scene for the overall project by estimating compound concentrations of selected chemicals, reviewing past findings on their degradation propensities and listing associated policy frameworks.
The project aims to examine the microbial degradation of 28 previously identified hazardous chemical compounds associated with onshore gas activities.
This report fulfills task 1: providing a literature and policy review. It sets the scene for the overall study by estimating compound concentrations of the 28 selected chemicals, reviewing past findings on their degradation propensities and listing associated policy frameworks.
The remaining tasks for the project comprise sample collection (Task 2), experimental microbiology work (Tasks 3-4), DNA profiling (Task 5), and final reporting (Task 6).
This is one of six projects underway in SA, and one of our first assessments of chemical breakdown of hydraulic fracturing fluids.
Extras
Microbial degradation of chemical compounds used in onshore gas production in the SE of South Australia
This presentation provided an overview of results of soil and aquifer tests delivering further scientific insights about the biodegradation of chemicals used in conventional onshore gas exploration and production activities in south east South Australia, and presented to the South Australian Knowledge Transfer Session in Adelaide, November 2019.
Microbial degradation of chemicals used in onshore gas production (South Australia)
This fact sheet provides an overview of results of soil and aquifer tests delivering further scientific insights about the biodegradation of chemicals used in conventional onshore gas exploration and production activities in south east South Australia.
Project progress
This project is complete.
Project proposal
A detailed description of the project, budget and research milestones.
