Study of biodegradation of partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide in an oil reservoir after polymer flooding

Studies have demonstrated that the amide group of polyacrylamides can provide a nitrogen source for microorganisms. However, the carbon backbone of the polymers cannot be cleaved by microbial activity. This study examined the biodegradability of partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (HPAM) in an aerobic environment both before and after bacterial biodegradation. Results of the infrared spectrum study indicated that the amide group of HPAM in the products was converted to a carboxyl group. High performance liquid chromatography analyses did not demonstrate the presence of acrylamide monomers. A scanning electron microscopy (SEM) study showed that the surfaces of HPAM particles had been altered by the biodegradation process. Results of the study indicated that the HPAM carbon backbone was metabolized by the bacteria during the course of its growth. It was hypothesized that the HPAM was initially utilized by the bacteria as a nitrogen source by the hydrolysis of the HPAM amide groups using an amidase enzyme. Oxidation of the carbon backbone chain then occurred by monooxygenase catalysis. It was concluded that the HPAM carbon backbone then served as a source for further bacterial growth and metabolism. 13 refs., 5 figs