Changes in environmental and engineered conditions alter the plasma membrane lipidome of fractured shale bacteria

Microorganisms inadvertently introduced into the shale reservoir during fracturing face multiple stressors including brine-level salinities and starvation. However, some anaerobic halotolerant bacteria adapt and persist for long periods of time. They produce hydrogen sulfide, which sours the reservo...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Microbiology spectrum 2024-01, Vol.12 (1), p.e0233423-e0233423
Main Authors: Ugwuodo, Chika Jude, Colosimo, Fabrizio, Adhikari, Jishnu, Bloodsworth, Kent, Wright, Stephanie A, Eder, Josie, Mouser, Paula J
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Applied and Industrial Microbiology
fractured shale
Halanaerobium
intact polar lipids
lipidomics
membrane adaptation
Research Article
salinity
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Summary:Microorganisms inadvertently introduced into the shale reservoir during fracturing face multiple stressors including brine-level salinities and starvation. However, some anaerobic halotolerant bacteria adapt and persist for long periods of time. They produce hydrogen sulfide, which sours the reservoir and corrodes engineering infrastructure. In addition, they form biofilms on rock matrices, which decrease shale permeability and clog fracture networks. These reduce well productivity and increase extraction costs. Under stress, microbes remodel their plasma membrane to optimize its roles in protection and mediating cellular processes such as signaling, transport, and energy metabolism. Hence, by observing changes in the membrane lipidome of model shale bacteria, WG10, and mixed consortia enriched from produced fluids under varying subsurface conditions and growth modes, we provide insight that advances our knowledge of the fractured shale biosystem. We also offer data-driven recommendations for improving biocontrol efficacy and the efficiency of energy recovery from unconventional formations.
ISSN:2165-0497
2165-0497
DOI:10.1128/spectrum.02334-23