Popular Science Talk: A Microbial Two-Course Meal; Hydrogen First, Minerals for Dessert
On Thursday, October 15th, PhD candidate Edgar Frank Viveros Acosta from the Department of Physics and Technology will talk about how microorganisms and minerals underground can consume stored hydrogen and affect its stability, purity, and long-term storage. The talk will be in the Library for Mathematics and Natural Sciences and will be held in Englsih.
Underground hydrogen storage (UHS) is a promising strategy for large-scale energy buffering in renewable-based energy systems. However, stored hydrogen is not necessarily left untouched underground: native microorganisms may use H₂ as an abundant energy source, while minerals can provide additional compounds that support microbial metabolism.
In this microbial “menu,” H₂ acts as the main course, serving as a strong electron donor that stimulates microbial activity. Minerals can complement this energy source by supplying electron acceptors. These processes may consume stored H₂ and generate metabolic byproducts that affect gas purity, mineral stability, and storage conditions.
The goal is to highlight how interactions between microorganisms, stored hydrogen, and reactive minerals can influence H₂ stability in a geological structure.
The event will last about 45 minutes: Coffee, cookies and apples will be served. Everyone is welcome!