Research on the Modification of the Coal Pore Structure by Indigenous Microbial Degradation

Qiyuan Bai, Bin Zhang (), Xingzhi Ma, Shufeng Zhao, Jialin Fan, Yvbo Fan and Xuan Tang ()
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Qiyuan Bai: School of Energy Resources, China University of Geosciences, Beijing 100083, China
Bin Zhang: PetroChina Research Institute of Petroleum Exploration & Development, Beijing 100083, China
Xingzhi Ma: PetroChina Research Institute of Petroleum Exploration & Development, Beijing 100083, China
Shufeng Zhao: Institute of Energy Resources, Henan Polytechnic University, Jiaozuo 454003, China
Jialin Fan: School of Energy Resources, China University of Geosciences, Beijing 100083, China
Yvbo Fan: College of Geosciences and Surveying Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China
Xuan Tang: School of Energy Resources, China University of Geosciences, Beijing 100083, China

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 8, 1-16

Abstract: Microbial-Enhanced Coalbed Methane (MECBM) is a technology that generates new methane gas in coal seams through the action of microorganisms, thereby improving the efficiency of coalbed methane development. In this study, low-temperature CO 2 adsorption, low-temperature N 2 adsorption, and isothermal adsorption experiments were conducted to systematically characterize the changes in the pore characteristics of low-rank coals in Xinjiang before and after degradation. The results show that microbial action increases the average pore diameter and enhances pore connectivity. Meanwhile, it reduces the fractal dimension of the pore surface and simplifies the complexity of the pore structure. The modification of the pore structure effectively promotes the efficiency of methane desorption and migration, thus improving the exploitation potential of coalbed methane. Microbial degradation avoids the risk of deterioration of reservoir physical properties through biological modification, and reduces carbon emissions and environmental pollution. This study provides an environmentally friendly solution for the low-carbon development of coal resources, and has important scientific significance for promoting the transformation of energy structures and achieving the goal of carbon neutrality.

Keywords: coal rock; indigenous microorganisms; microbial degradation; pore structure; biogas (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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