On his way to earning a Ph.D. in petroleum microbiology, Abdulmohsen A. Al-Humam of the Research and Development (R&D) Center completed some research that could have far-reaching effects on Saudi Aramco oil production. His thesis, “Effects of Nitrate on Mixed Bacterial Communities in an Oilfield Water Distribution System,” sheds light on the processes that control microorganisms at oil facilities. “Unfortunately, for years, industries disregarded the concept of biological souring of oil field reservoirs,” said Al-Humam. “This resulted in production facilities being designed and built without consideration of the long-term effects that microorganisms might have on the operation and maintenance of these facilities.” Al-Humam's research offers a new, alternative approach to controlling SRB levels through repeated injections of nitrate. --MORE
