Spectral induced polarization of biofilm development in porous media

Spectral induced polarization (SIP) determines the frequency-dependent complex electrical conductivity in the mHz to kHz frequency range. Recent studies have suggested the possibility of using SIP to monitor microbial activity, biofilm presence and activity, and the associated biogeochemical reactions in non-destructive way. However, it is still difficult to distinguish the multiple origins of the SIP signal, such as porous media characteristics, aqueous phase saturation, microbial activity, and chemical reactions involving precipitation, redox reaction, etc. In this project, the effect of directly observed biofilms and biochemical reactions on SIP signals will be investigated in laboratory experiments with imaging equipment and a 2D transparent micromodel. The photo below shows a prototype micromodel adapted to SIP). Based on these laboratory insights, we will investigate biofilm distribution and development as well as biochemical reactions at the Ploemeur site in France.

This project is a part of ENIGMA (European training Network for In situ imaGing of dynaMic processes in heterogeneous subsurfAce environments), which has received funding from European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Grant Agreement N°722028. For more information, please visit ENIGMA.