Growth of Bacteria on Water Injection Additives

Abstract

Abstract In this study, bacteria from oil installations were used in growth experiments with 15 different chemicals normally used in injection water treatment. Growth experiments were performed using a mixture of bacteria grown under aerobic and anaerobic conditions, and SRB pure cultures grown anaerobically. The results showed that 3 chemicals could be utilized as N-sources, 1 as P-source and 7 as C-sources for bacteria. These chemicals included 1 oxygen scavenger, 3 scale inhibitors, 1 polyelectrolyte, 1 surfactant, 2 antifoaming agents and 2 chelating agents. The remaining 6 chemicals did not support growth under the test conditions. 5 of these, including 3 biocides, contained nutrients that may be utilized under field conditions. From this study it is concluded that the growth potential of water treatment additives may be substansial and should therefore be investigated prior to chemical selection.