Application of the cultivation of microorganisms in the development of biotechnological strategies for the oil and gas industry
Microorganisms, oil, MEOR, Biosurfactants, Produced Water, Souring
This work aims to innovate in the development of biotechnological strategies based on the cultivation of microorganisms and to mitigate the main challenges of the oil and gas industry. Oil is a high-demand commodity globally. With the economic development of countries there is a need to increase their production and respond quickly to the challenges faced by the sector. Biotechnology can offer the technological contribution in bioprocesses that meet these adversities. Currently, the greatest burdens are concentrated in the processes of increasing oil recovery, destination of the water produced and control of souring. In addition, during operational protocols, spill accidents may occur, so it is important to establish strategies for impacted areas. In this way, microorganisms can be applied widely and effectively in different scenarios and their metabolic diversity allows the production of bioactive substances. In the present study, strains were isolated for the production of biosurfactants that improve oil recovery in mature wells, in addition to being applied in the bioremediation of affected environments. The process becomes more attractive with the production of these molecules in water produced with a high salt content and without additional treatments. Sulfate Reducing Bacteria (SRB) were used in the water produced, used in a new rapid monitoring strategy. Therefore, the objective of this study is to generate environmentally sustainable and economically competitive solutions from the cultivation of microorganisms in order to reduce costs and minimize impacts on the environment.