Question

Which oil recovery mechanism yields the most oil andis the most efficient oil recovery mechanism?

(a) Selective plugging by microorganisms and their metabolites

(b) Oil viscosity reduction by gas production

(c) Production of acids by dissolving minerals in the rock

(d) Degradation of long-chain saturated hydrocarbons

The question was asked during an online interview.

This intriguing question originated from Microbial Extraction of Petroleum topic in chapter Bioleaching and Biomining for Recovery of Resources of Environmental Biotechnology

Answer 1

Correct choice is (a) Selective plugging by microorganisms and their metabolites

Explanation: Selective plugging or bacterial clogging is a mechanism of microbial oil recovery and is the most efficient. This is effective asmost of the bacteria grow indigenously and due to indigenous (that grows naturally) growth the labor requirement is less, and the activity keeps continuing, giving more result.