title: Role of microbes in the smectite-to-illite reaction.
abstract: Temperature, pressure, and time have been thought to control the smectite-to-illite (S-I) reaction, an important diagenetic process used for petroleum exploration. We demonstrated that microorganisms can promote the S-I reaction by dissolving smectite through reduction of structural Fe(III) at room temperature and 1 atmosphere within 14 days. This reaction typically requires conditions of 300 degrees to 350 degrees C, 100 megapascals, and 4 to 5 months in the absence of microbial activity. These results challenge the conventional concept of the S-I reaction and of reaction kinetic models.
authors.affiliation: Naval Research Laboratory, Seafloor Sciences Branch, Stennis Space Center, MS 39529, USA. jkim@nrlssc.navy.mil
authors.forename: Jinwook
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Hailiang
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Dong
authors.forename: Jennifer
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Seabaugh
authors.forename: Steven W
authors.initials: SW
authors.lastname: Newell
authors.forename: Dennis D
authors.initials: DD
authors.lastname: Eberl
mesh_terms: D000538:Aluminum Silicates; D000077215:Clay; D003460:Crystallization; D005290:Ferric Compounds / Q000378:metabolism*; D005296:Ferrous Compounds / Q000378:metabolism; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D008903:Minerals / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D010084:Oxidation-Reduction; D011312:Pressure; D020592:Shewanella / Q000378:metabolism*; D017640:Silicates / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D013696:Temperature; D014961:X-Ray Diffraction
chemical_list: D000538:Aluminum Silicates; D005290:Ferric Compounds; D005296:Ferrous Compounds; D008903:Minerals; D017640:Silicates; C099089:illite; C033214:Smectite; D000077215:Clay