Geochemical fingerprints and hydrocarbon potential of Paleocene mudrocks in the Tano Basin, Ghana: insights from biomarkers and stable carbon isotopes

The Paleocene mudrocks in Ghana’s Tano Basin have received limited attention despite ongoing efforts to explore hydrocarbon resources.A thorough geochemical analysis is imperative to assess these mudrocks’petroleum generation potential and formulate effective exploration strategies.In this study,a comprehensive geochemical analysis was carried out on ten Paleocene rock cuttings extracted from TP-1,a discovery well within the Tano Basin.Various analytical techniques,including total organic carbon(TOC)analysis,Rock–Eval pyrolysis,gas chromatography-mass spectrometry,and isotope ratio-mass spectrometry,were employed to elucidate their hydrocar-bon potential and organic facies.Thefindings in this study were subsequently compared to existing geochemical data on Paleocene source rocks in the South Atlantic marginal basins.The results indicated that the Paleocene samples have TOC content ranging from 0.68 to 2.93 wt%.The prevalent kerogen types identified in these samples were Type Ⅱ and Type Ⅲ.Molecular and isotope data suggest that the organic matter found in the Paleocene mudrocks can be traced back to land plants and lower aquatic organisms.These mudrocks were deposited in a transi-tional environment withfluctuating water salinity,charac-terized by sub-oxic redox conditions.Maturity indices,both bulk and molecular,indicated a spectrum of maturity levels within the Paleocene mudrocks,spanning from immature to marginally mature,with increasing maturity observed with greater depth.In comparison,the organic composition and depositional environments of Paleocene source rocks in the Tano Basin closely resemble those found in the Niger Delta Basin,Douala,and Kribi-Campo Basins,the Kwanza Formation in Angola,and certain Brazilian marginal basins.However,it is worth noting that Paleocene source rocks in some of the basins,such as the Niger Delta and Brazilian marginal basins,exhibit rela-tively higher thermal maturity levels compared to those observed in the current Paleocene samples from the Tano Basin.In conclusion,the comprehensive geochemical analysis of Paleocene mudrocks within Ghana’s Tano Basin has unveiled their marginal hydrocarbon generation potential.The shared geochemical characteristics between the Paleocene mudrocks in the Tano Basin and those in the nearby South Atlantic marginal basins offer valuable insights into source rock quality,which is crucial for shaping future strategies in petroleum exploration in this region.

Quantitative effect of kerogen type on the hydrocarbon generation potential of Paleogene lacustrine source rocks,Liaohe Western Depression,China

Kerogen types exert a decisive effect on the onset and capacity of hydrocarbon generation of source rocks.Lacustrine source rocks in the Liaohe Western Depression are characterized by thick deposition,high total organic carbon(TOC)content,various kerogen types,and a wide range of thermal maturity.Consequently,their hydrocarbon generation potential and resource estimation can be misinterpreted.In this study,geochemical tests,numerical analysis,hydrocarbon generation kinetics,and basin modeling were integrated to investigate the differential effects of kerogen types on the hydrocarbon generation potential of lacustrine source rocks.Optimized hydrocarbon generation and expulsion(HGE)models of different kerogen types were established quantitatively upon abundant Rock-Eval/TOC/vitrinite reflectance(R_(o))datasets.Three sets of good-excellent source rocks deposited in the fourth(Es4),third(Es3),and first(Es1)members of Paleogene Shahejie Formation,are predominantly types I-II_(1),II_(1)-II_(2),and II-III,respectively.The activation energy of types I-II_(2)kerogen is concentrated(180-230 kcal/mol),whereas that of type III kerogen is widely distributed(150-280 kcal/mol).The original hydrocarbon generation potentials of types I,II_(1),II_(2),and III kerogens are 790,510,270,and 85 mg/g TOC,respectively.The Ro values of the hydrocarbon generation threshold for type I-III source rocks gradually increase from 0.42%to 0.74%,and Ro values of the hydrocarbon expulsion threshold increase from 0.49%to 0.87%.Types I and II_(1)source rocks are characterized by earlier hydrocarbon generation,more rapid hydrocarbon expulsion,and narrower hydrocarbon generation windows than types II_(2)and III source rocks.The kerogen types also affect the HGE history and resource potential.Three types(conventional,tight,and shale oil/gas)and three levels(realistic,expected,and prospective)of hydrocarbon resources of different members in the Liaohe Western Depression are evaluated.Findings suggest that the Es3 member has considerable conventional and unconventional hydrocarbon resources.This study can quantitatively characterize the hydrocarbon generation potential of source rocks with different kerogen types,and facilitate a quick and accurate assessment of hydrocarbon resources,providing strategies for future oil and gas exploration.

Hydrocarbon Generation Potential and Organic Matter Enrichment Mechanism of the Cambrian Marine Shale in the Tadong Low Uplift,Tarim Basin

Cambrian shales in China and elsewhere contain abundant oil and gas resources.However,due to its deep burial and limited outcrop,there has been relatively little research conducted on it.The Cambrian shale of the Tadong low uplift in the Tarim Basin of western China,specifically the Xidashan-Xishanbulake Formation(Fm.)and overlying Moheershan Fm.provide a case study through the use of organic petrology,mineralogy,organic and elemental geochemistry,with the aim of analyzing and exploring the hydrocarbon generation potential(PG)and organic matter(OM)enrichment mechanisms within these shale formations.The results indicate that:(1)the Cambrian shale of the Tadong low uplift exhibits relatively dispersed OM that consists of vitrinite-like macerals and solid bitumen.These formations have a higher content of quartz and are primarily composed of silica-based lithology;(2)shale samples from the Xidashan-Xishanbulake and Moheershan formations demonstrate high total organic carbon(TOC)and low pyrolytic hydrocarbon content(S_(2))content.The OM is predominantly typeⅠand typeⅡkerogens,indicating a high level of maturation in the wet gas period.These shales have undergone extensive hydrocarbon generation,showing characteristics of relatively poor PG;(3)the sedimentary environments of the Xidashan-Xishanbulake and Moheershan formations in the Tadong low uplift are similar.They were deposited in warm and humid climatic conditions,in oxygen-deficient environments,with stable terrigenous inputs,high paleoproductivity,high paleosalinity,weak water-holding capacity,and no significant hydrothermal activity;and(4)the relationship between TOC and the paleoproductivity parameter(P/Ti)is most significant in the Lower Cambrian Xidashan-Xishanbulake Fm.,whereas correlation with other indicators is not evident.This suggests a productivity-driven OM enrichment model,where input of landderived material was relatively small during the Middle Cambrian,and the ancient water exhibited lower salinity.A comprehensive pattern was formed under the combined control of paleoproductivity and preservation conditions.This study provides valuable guidance for oil and gas exploration in the Tarim Basin.

Evaluation of Hydrocarbon Potential Using AVO Analysis in the FORMAT Field, Niger Delta Basin, Nigeria

The study involved the evaluation of the hydrocarbon potential of FORMAT Field, coastal swamp depobelt Niger delta, Nigeria to obtain a more efficient reservoir characterization and fluid properties identification. Despite advances in seismic data interpretation using traditional 3D seismic data interpretation, obtaining adequate reservoir characteristics at the finest level had proved very challenging with often disappointing results. A method that integrates the amplitude variation with offfset (AVO) analysis is hereby proposed to better illuminate the reservoir. The Hampson Russell 10.3 was used to integrate and study the available seismic and well data. The reservoir of interest was delineated using the available suite of petrophysical data. This was marked by low gamma ray, high resistivity, and low acoustic impedance between a true subsea vertical depth (TVDss) range of 10,350 - 10,450 ft. The AVO fluid substitution yielded a decrease in the density values of pure gas (2.3 - 1.6 g/cc), pure oil (2.3 - 1.8 g/cc) while the Poisson pure brine increased (2.3 to 2.8 g/cc). Result from FORMAT 26 plots yielded a negative intercept and negative gradient at the top and a positive intercept and positive gradient at the Base which conforms to Class III AVO anomaly. FORMAT 30 plots yielded a negative intercept and positive gradient at the top and a positive intercept and negative gradient at the Base which conforms to class IV AVO anomaly. AVO attribute volume slices decreased in the Poisson ratio (0.96 to - 1.0) indicating that the reservoir contains hydrocarbon. The s-wave reflectivity and the product of the intercept and gradient further clarified that there was a Class 3 gas sand in the reservoir and the possibility of a Class 4 gas sand anomaly in that same reservoir.

Formation environment and hydrocarbon potential of the Paleogene Enping Formation coal measures in the ZhuⅠDepression of northern South China Sea

The coal-measure source rock in the Chinese sea area plays a significant role as a hydrocarbon source rock,with its genetic environment,development and distribution,and hydrocarbon generation potential serving as essential factors for the exploration of coal-type oil and gas fields.This study focuses on the coal-measure source rock of the Paleogene Enping Formation in the ZhuⅠDepression,located in the northern South China Sea.The main geological insights obtained are as follows.The coal measures of the Enping Formation are developed in a warm and wet tropical-subtropical climate.The development environment of the coal-measure source rock in the Enping Formation includes the braided river delta upper plain peat swamp,characterized by dry forest swamp coal facies with relatively thick coal seams and a small number of layers.The braided river delta lower plain swamp-interdistributary bay of braided river delta front represents a forest edge-wetland herbaceous swamp coal facies with numerous layers of thin coal seams and poor stability.The shore swamp corresponds to an open water swamp coal facies with multiple layers of thin coal seams and poor stability.The organic matter abundance in the braided river delta upper plain is the highest,followed by the braided river delta lower plain-braided river delta front,and the shore-shallow lake.The organic matter type is predominantly typeⅡ1.Thermal evolution analysis suggests that the organic matter has progressed into a substantial oil generation stage.The hydrocarbon generation potential of the coal-measure source rock in the Enping Formation is the highest in the braided river delta upper plain,followed by the braided river delta lower plain-braided river delta front and the shore-shallow lake.Overall,this study proposes three organic facies in the coal-measure source rock of the Enping Formation:upper-plain swamp-dry forest swamp facies,lower plain-interdistributary bay-forest-herbaceous swamp facies,and lake swamp-herbaceous swamp facies.

Tectonic-thermal history and hydrocarbon potential of the Pearl River Mouth Basin,northern South China Sea:Insights from borehole apatite fission-track thermochronology

The Pearl River Mouth Basin(PRMB)is one of the most petroliferous basins on the northern margin of the South China Sea.Knowledge of the thermal history of the PRMB is significant for understanding its tectonic evolution and for unraveling its poorly studied source-rock maturation history.Our investigations in this study are based on apatite fission-track(AFT)thermochronology analysis of 12 cutting samples from 4 boreholes.Both AFT ages and length data suggested that the PRMB has experienced quite complicated thermal evolution.Thermal history modeling results unraveled four successive events of heating separated by three stages of cooling since the early Middle Eocene.The cooling events occurred approximately in the Late Eocene,early Oligocene,and the Late Miocene,possibly attributed to the Zhuqiong II Event,Nanhai Event,and Dongsha Event,respectively.The erosion amount during the first cooling stage is roughly estimated to be about 455-712 m,with an erosion rate of 0.08-0.12 mm/a.The second erosion-driven cooling is stronger than the first one,with an erosion amount of about 747-814 m and an erosion rate between about 0.13-0.21 mm/a.The erosion amount calculated related to the third cooling event varies from 800 m to 3419 m,which is speculative due to the possible influence of the magmatic activity.

Geochemistry and hydrocarbon source rock potential of shales from the Palaeo-Mesoproterozoic Vindhyan Supergroup, central India

With increase in shale gas exploration, inorganic and organic geochemical investigations of shale have become extremely important. Here, we explore the six argillaceous (shale) intervals (Arangi, Koldaha, Rampur, Bijaygarh, Rewa and Sirbu shale) from Son valley sector, Vindhyan Basin with an aim to understand provenance conditions, palaeoclimate, tectonic setting and hydrocarbon generation potential. Whole rock geochemistry indicates Vindhyan sediments derived from felsic source(s) except for Sirbu shale that indicates additional influx of mafic rocks with differentiated felsic source. A comparative study of Vindhyan shale rare earth elements (REEs) points to Mahakoshals and Chhotanagpur gneissic complex (CGC) as probable sediment provenance for Vindhyan sediments. CIA analysis, after necessary corrections for K-metasomatism, suggests evolution in weathering and palaeoclimate indicating a transformation from moderate weathering conditions with warm and humid climate during lower Vindhyan deposition to intense weathering conditions with hot and humid climate during upper Vindhyan deposition. Trace (La/Y vs. Sc/Cr) and REE analysis indicates passive margin setting for Vindhyan sediments whereas a wide range spanning passive to active continental margin setting is also inferred using (Th-Sc-Zr/10) and (Th–La-Sc) ternary diagrams. However, these tectonic discriminant diagrams lack in explaining rift- or sag-related origin of any intracratonic basin such as the Vindhyan Basin. The total organic carbon (TOC) content in Vindhyan shales ranges from 0.29% to 8.44%. The thermally liberated hydrocarbon (S1) values range from 0.01 to 0.18 mg HC/g rock (milligram hydrocarbon per gram of rock sample), whereas hydrocarbon from cracking of the kerogen (S2) shows values ranging from 0.04 to 0.47 mg HC/g rock. Based on modified Van Krevelen correlation (HI vs. Tmax) diagram, organic matter from Arangi and Bijaygarh shales is characterized as thermally mature, Type III kerogen of gas prone character indicating good to very good gas generation potential.

Spectral narratives of microstructural restyling and their controls on hydrocarbon generation potential from coal

The low to medium-rank Tertiary coals from Meghalaya,India,are explored for the first time for their comprehensive micro-structural characterization using the FTIR and Raman spectroscopy.Further,results from these coals are compared with the Permian medium and high-rank coals to understand the microstructural restyling during coalification and its controls on hydrocarbon generation.The coal samples are grouped based on the mean random vitrinite reflectance values to record the transformations in spectral attributes with increasing coal rank.The aliphatic carbon and the apparent aromaticity respond sharply to the first coalification jump(R:0.50%)during low to medium-rank transition and anchizonal metamorphism of the high-rank coals.Moreover,the Raman band intensity ratio changes during the first coalification jump but remains invari-able in the medium-rank coals and turns subtle again during the onset of pregraphitization in high-rank coals,revealing a polynomial trend with the coal metamorphism.The Rock-Eval hydrogen index and genetic potential also decline sharply at the first coalification jump.Besides,an attempt to comprehend the coal microstructural controls on the hydrocarbon poten-tial reveals that the Tertiary coals comprise highly reactive aliphatic functionalities in the type I-S kerogen,along with the low paleotemperature(74.59-112.28℃)may signify their potential to generate early-mature hydrocarbons.However,the presence of type II-II admixed kerogen,a lesser abundance of reactive moieties,and overall moderate paleotemperature(91.93-142.52℃)of the Permian medium-rank coals may imply their mixed hydrocarbon potential.Meanwhile,anchizonal metamorphism,polycondensed aromatic microstructure,and high values of paleotemperature(~334.25 to~366.79℃)of the high-rank coals indicate a negligible potential of producing any hydrocarbons.

Enrichment factors of movable hydrocarbons in lacustrine shale oil and exploration potential of shale oil in Gulong Sag,Songliao Basin,NE China

The geological characteristics and production practices of the major middle-and high-maturity shale oil exploration areas in China are analyzed.Combined with laboratory results,it is clear that three essential conditions,i.e.economic initial production,commercial cumulative oil production of single well,and large-scale recoverable reserves confirmed by the testing production,determine whether the continental shale oil can be put into large-scale commercial development.The quantity and quality of movable hydrocarbons are confirmed to be crucial to economic development of shale oil,and focuses in evaluation of shale oil enrichment area/interval.The evaluation indexes of movable hydrocarbon enrichment include:(1)the material basis for forming retained hydrocarbon,including TOC>2%(preferentially 3%-4%),and typeⅠ-Ⅱkerogens;(2)the mobility of retained hydrocarbon,which is closely related to the hydrocarbon composition and flow behaviors of light/heavy components,and can be evaluated from the perspectives of thermal maturity(Ro),gas-oil ratio(GOR),crude oil density,quality of hydrocarbon components,preservation conditions;and(3)the reservoir characteristics associated with the engineering reconstruction,including the main pore throat distribution zone,reservoir physical properties(including fractures),lamellation feature and diagenetic stage,etc.Accordingly,13 evaluation indexes in three categories and their reference values are established.The evaluation indicates that the light shale oil zones in the Gulong Sag of Songliao Basin have the most favorable enrichment conditions of movable hydrocarbons,followed by light oil and black oil zones,containing 20.8×10^(8) t light oil resources in reservoirs with R_(0)>1.2%,pressure coefficient greater than 1.4,effective porosity greater than 6%,crude oil density less than 0.82 g/cm^(3),and GOR>100 m/m^(3).The shale oil in the Gulong Sag can be explored and developed separately by the categories(resource sweet spot,engineering sweet spot,and tight oil sweet spot)depending on shale oil flowability.The Gulong Sag is the most promising area to achieve large-scale breakthrough and production of continental shale oil in China.

Hydrocarbon accumulation and orderly distribution of whole petroleum system in marine carbonate rocks of Sichuan Basin,SW China

Based on the situation and progress of marine oil/gas exploration in the Sichuan Basin,SW China,the whole petroleum system is divided for marine carbonate rocks of the basin according to the combinations of hydrocarbon accumulation elements,especially the source rock.The hydrocarbon accumulation characteristics of each whole petroleum system are analyzed,the patterns of integrated conventional and unconventional hydrocarbon accumulation are summarized,and the favorable exploration targets are proposed.Under the control of multiple extensional-convergent tectonic cycles,the marine carbonate rocks of the Sichuan Basin contain three sets of regional source rocks and three sets of regional cap rocks,and can be divided into the Cambrian,Silurian and Permian whole petroleum systems.These whole petroleum systems present mainly independent hydrocarbon accumulation,containing natural gas of affinity individually.Locally,large fault zones run through multiple whole petroleum systems,forming a fault-controlled complex whole petroleum system.The hydrocarbon accumulation sequence of continental shelf facies shale gas accumulation,marginal platform facies-controlled gas reservoirs,and intra-platform fault-and facies-controlled gas reservoirs is common in the whole petroleum system,with a stereoscopic accumulation and orderly distribution pattern.High-quality source rock is fundamental to the formation of large gas fields,and natural gas in a whole petroleum system is generally enriched near and within the source rocks.The development and maintenance of large-scale reservoirs are essential for natural gas enrichment,multiple sources,oil and gas transformation,and dynamic adjustment are the characteristics of marine petroleum accumulation,and good preservation conditions are critical to natural gas accumulation.Large-scale marginal-platform reef-bank facies zones,deep shale gas,and large-scale lithological complexes related to source-connected faults are future marine hydrocarbon exploration targets in the Sichuan Basin.

An innovative classification system for ranking the biological effects of marine aromatic hydrocarbons based on fish embryotoxicity

Petroleum hydrocarbon pollution is a global concern,particularly in coastal environments.Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons(PAHs) are regarded as the most toxic components of petroleum hydrocarbons.In this study,the biomonitoring and ranking effects of petroleum hydrocarbons and PAHs on the marine fish model Oryzias melastigma embryos were determined in the Jiulong River Estuary(JRE) and its adjacent waters in China.The results showed that the levels of petroleum hydrocarbons from almost all sites met the primary standard for marine seawater quality,and the concentrations of the 16 priority PAHs in the surface seawater were lower compared with those in other coastal areas worldwide.A new fish expert system based on the embryotoxicity of O.melastigma(OME-FES) was developed and applied in the field to evaluate the biological effects of petroleum hydrocarbons and PAHs.The selected physiological index and molecular indicators in OME-FES were appropriate biomarkers for indicating the harmful effects of petroleum hydrocarbons and PAHs.The outcome of OME-FES revealed that the biological effect levels of the sampling sites ranged from level Ⅰ(no stress) to level Ⅲ(medium stress),which is further corroborated by the findings of nested analysis of variance(ANOVA) models.Our results suggest that the OME-FES is an effective tool for evaluating and ranking the biological effects of marine petroleum hydrocarbons and PAHs.This method may also be applied to evaluate other marine pollutants based on its framework.

Single-atom catalysts for the electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide into hydrocarbons and oxygenates

The electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide offers a sound and economically viable technology for the electrification and decarbonization of the chemical and fuel industries.In this technology,an electrocatalytic material and renewable energy-generated electricity drive the conversion of carbon dioxide into high-value chemicals and carbon-neutral fuels.Over the past few years,single-atom catalysts have been intensively studied as they could provide near-unity atom utilization and unique catalytic performance.Single-atom catalysts have become one of the state-of-the-art catalyst materials for the electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide into carbon monoxide.However,it remains a challenge for single-atom catalysts to facilitate the efficient conversion of carbon dioxide into products beyond carbon monoxide.In this review,we summarize and present important findings and critical insights from studies on the electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction reaction into hydrocarbons and oxygenates using single-atom catalysts.It is hoped that this review gives a thorough recapitulation and analysis of the science behind the catalysis of carbon dioxide into more reduced products through singleatom catalysts so that it can be a guide for future research and development on catalysts with industry-ready performance for the electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide into high-value chemicals and carbon-neutral fuels.

Geochemical identification of a source rock affected by migrated hydrocarbons and its geological significance:Fengcheng Formation,southern Mahu Sag,Junggar Basin,NW China

The Fengcheng Formation is a crucial source rock and the primary reservoir for oil accumulation in the Mahu Sag.Crude oils are distributed throughout the Fengcheng Formation,ranging from the edge to the interior of the sag in the southern Mahu Sag.These crude oils originate from in-situ source rocks in shallowly buried areas and the inner deep sag.During migration,the crude oil from the inner deep sag affects the source rocks close to carrier beds,leading to changes in the organic geochemical characteristics of the source rocks.These changes might alter source rock evaluations and oil-source correlation.Based on data such as total organic carbon(TOC),Rock-Eval pyrolysis of source rocks,and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(GC-MS)of the saturated fraction,and considering the geological characteristics of the study area,we define the identification characteristics of source rock affected by migrated hydrocarbons and establish the various patterns of influence that migrated hydrocarbons have on the source rock of the Fengcheng Formation in the southern Mahu Sag.The source rocks of the Fengcheng Formation are mostly fair to good,containing mainly Type II organic matter and being thermally mature enough to generate oil.Source rocks affected by migrated hydrocarbons exhibit relatively high hydrocarbon contents(S1/TOC>110 mg HC/g TOC,Extract/TOC>30%,HC:hydrocarbon),relatively low Rock-Eval Tmax values,and relatively high tricyclic terpane contents with a descending and mountain-shaped distribution.Furthermore,biomarker composition parameters indicate a higher thermal maturity than in-situ source rocks.Through a comparison of the extract biomarker fingerprints of adjacent reservoirs and mudstones in different boreholes,three types of influence patterns of migrated hydrocarbons are identified:the edge-influence of thin sandstone-thick mudstone,the mixed-influence of sandstone-mudstone interbedded,and the full-influence of thick sandstone-thin mudstone.This finding reminds us that the influence of migrated hydrocarbons must be considered when evaluating source rocks and conducting oil-source correlation.

Hydrocarbon accumulation in deep ancient carbonate-evaporite assemblages

The Ediacaran–Ordovician strata within three major marine basins(Tarim,Sichuan,and Ordos)in China are analyzed.Based on previous studies focusing on the characteristics of the Neoproterozoic–Cambrian strata within the three major basins(East Siberian,Oman,and Officer in Australia)overseas,the carbonate–evaporite assemblages in the target interval are divided into three types:intercalated carbonate and gypsum salt,interbedded carbonate and gypsum salt,and coexisted carbonate,gypsum salt and clastic rock.Moreover,the concept and definition of the carbonate-evaporite assemblage are clarified.The results indicate that the oil and gas in the carbonate-evaporite assemblage are originated from two types of source rocks:shale and argillaceous carbonate,and confirmed the capability of gypsum salt in the saline environment to drive the source rock hydrocarbon generation.The dolomite reservoirs are classified in two types:gypseous dolomite flat,and grain shoal&microbial mound.This study clarifies that the penecontemporaneous or epigenic leaching of atmospheric fresh water mainly controlled the large-scale development of reservoirs.Afterwards,burial dissolution transformed and reworked the reservoirs.The hydrocarbon accumulation in carbonate-evaporite assemblage can be categorized into eight sub-models under three models(sub-evaporite hydrocarbon accumulation,supra-evaporite hydrocarbon accumulation,and inter-evaporite hydrocarbon accumulation).As a result,the Cambrian strata in the Tazhong Uplift North Slope,Maigaiti Slope and Mazatag Front Uplift Zone of the Tarim Basin,the Cambrian strata in the eastern-southern area of the Sichuan Basin,and the inter-evaporite Ma-4 Member of Ordovician in the Ordos Basin,China,are defined as favorable targets for future exploration.

Assessing Earthworm Influence on Remediating Potentials of Soil Micro-Organisms, and Bioavailable Hydrocarbon Pollutant in the Niger Delta, Nigeria

In the Niger Delta region of Nigeria, oil explorations and exploitations abound, causing environmental pollution with serious consequences on soil ecosystem and its biodiversity. In spite of the relationship between microbes and fauna in soil ecosystem, such that both organisms can metabolize certain range of petroleum hydrocarbon substrates with the fauna influencing the remediation potentials of bacteria, yet soil fauna is still not fully considered in bioremediation. The influence of earthworm;Lumbricus terrestris on the remediating potentials of soil bacteria in petroleum hydrocarbon contaminated soils was investigated. Eighteen pots were filled with 700 g of soil each, with nine treated with mixture of 3 levels crude oil and remediated with earthworm, while the other nine had no earthworm. The total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH), soil physical, nutrient compositions, and TPH degrading bacteria biodiversity were determined before contamination or commencement of study and thirty days after. The results showed a decrease in TPH concentration of 55.58%, 62.57% and 67.07% in 1 ml, 2 ml and 3 ml crude oil contaminated soil, respectively. Species richness and abundance of bacteria organisms increased with high relative abundance in soils remediated with earthworms, hydrocarbon utilizing bacteria increased from less than 0.1 cfu/g to 0.4 cfu/g, and total heterotrophic bacteria 1.6 cfu/g at the end of the study. Earthworms increased rate of remediation potentials of bacteria, such that within 30 days post remediation treatment, 34.14% of reduced concentration was achieved over soil samples without earthworms at 3 ml, and 25.14% at 2 ml concentration. Reduction in pH levels in remediated soils was between 6.39 to 6.17 and 6.74 to 6.72 in unremediated soils, while moisture content was 6.73% to 6.77% unremediated and 5.85% to 6.62% in earthworm remediated soils. Total organic carbon, nitrates in soils inoculated with earthworms were lower in concentration than those without earthworms. Reverse was the case with potassium, phosphate and phosphorous concentrations which were above those without earthworms. Results indicate statistically, significant difference between reduction in TPH in earthworm remediated soils and unremediated soils, pointing out that earthworm is a good candidate for facilitation of bacteria remediation-petroleum hydrocarbon contamination.

Turbidite Dynamics and Hydrocarbon Reservoir Formation in the Tano Basin: A Coastal West African Perspective

This study examines the turbidite dynamics and hydrocarbon reservoir formation in Ghana’s Tano Basin, which is located in coastal West Africa. Through an exploration of geological processes spanning millions of years, we uncover key factors shaping hydrocarbon accumulation, including source rock richness, temperature, pressure, and geological structures. The research offers valuable insights applicable to exploration, management, and sustainable resource exploitation in coastal West Africa. It facilitates the identification of exploration targets with higher hydrocarbon potential, enables the anticipation of reservoir potential within the Tano Basin, and assists in tailoring exploration and management strategies to specific geological conditions of the Tano Basin. Analysis of fluvial channels sheds light on their impact on landscape formation and hydrocarbon exploration. The investigation into turbidite systems unveils intricate interactions involving tectonics, sea-level fluctuations, and sedimentation patterns, influencing the development of reservoirs. An understanding of sediment transport and depositional settings is essential for efficient reservoir management. Geomorphological features, such as channels, submarine canyons, and distinct channel types, are essential in this situation. A detailed examination of turbidite channel structures, encompassing canyons, channel complexes, convex channels, and U-shaped channels, provides valuable insights and aids in identifying exploration targets like basal lag, channel levees, and lobes. These findings underscore the enduring significance of turbidite systems as conduits for sediment transport, contributing to enhanced reservoir management and efficient hydrocarbon production. The study also highlights how important it is to examine the configuration of sedimentary layers, stacking patterns, and angular laminated facies to identify turbidites, understand reservoir distribution, and improve well design. The dynamic nature of turbidite systems, influenced by basin characteristics such as shape and slope, is highlighted. The research provides valuable insights essential for successful hydrocarbon exploration, reservoir management, and sustainable resource exploitation in coastal West Africa.

Transient receptor potential channels as predictive marker and potential indicator of chemoresistance in colon cancer

Transient receptor potential(TRP)channels are strongly associated with colon cancer development and progression.This study leveraged a multivariate Cox regression model on publicly available datasets to construct a TRP channels-associated gene signature,with further validation of signature in real world samples from our hospital treated patient samples.Kaplan-Meier(K-M)survival analysis and receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves were employed to evaluate this gene signature’s predictive accuracy and robustness in both training and testing cohorts,respectively.Additionally,the study utilized the CIBERSORT algorithm and single-sample gene set enrichment analysis to explore the signature’s immune infiltration landscape and underlying functional implications.The support vector machine algorithm was applied to evaluate the signature’s potential in predicting chemotherapy outcomes.The findings unveiled a novel three TRP channels-related gene signature(MCOLN1,TRPM5,and TRPV4)in colon adenocarcinoma(COAD).The ROC and K-M survival curves in the training dataset(AUC=0.761;p=1.58e-05)and testing dataset(AUC=0.699;p=0.004)showed the signature’s robust predictive capability for the overall survival of COAD patients.Analysis of the immune infiltration landscape associated with the signature revealed higher immune infiltration,especially an increased presence of M2 macrophages,in high-risk group patients compared to their low-risk counterparts.High-risk score patients also exhibited potential responsiveness to immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy,evident through increased CD86 and PD-1 expression profiles.Moreover,the TRPM5 gene within the signature was highly expressed in the chemoresistance group(p=0.00095)and associated with poor prognosis(p=0.036)in COAD patients,highlighting its role as a hub gene of chemoresistance.Ultimately,this signature emerged as an independent prognosis factor for COAD patients(p=6.48e-06)and expression of model gene are validated by public data and real-world patients.Overall,this bioinformatics study provides valuable insights into the prognostic implications and potential chemotherapy resistance mechanisms associated with TRPs-related genes in colon cancer.

Natural gas exploration potential and favorable targets of Permian Fengcheng Formation in the western Central Depression of Junggar Basin,NW China

Based on the organic geochemical data and the molecular and stable carbon isotopic compositions of natural gas of the Lower Permian Fengcheng Formation in the western Central Depression of Junggar Basin,combined with sedimentary environment analysis and hydrocarbon-generating simulation,the gas-generating potential of the Fengcheng source rock is evaluated,the distribution of large-scale effective source kitchen is described,the genetic types of natural gas are clarified,and four types of favorable exploration targets are selected.The results show that:(1)The Fengcheng Formation is a set of oil-prone source rocks,and the retained liquid hydrocarbon is conducive to late cracking into gas,with characteristics of high gas-generating potential and late accumulation;(2)The maximum thickness of Fengcheng source rock reaches 900 m.The source rock has entered the main gas-generating stage in Penyijingxi and Shawan sags,and the area with gas-generating intensity greater than 20×10^(8) m^(3)/km^(2) is approximately 6500 km^(2).(3)Around the western Central Depression,highly mature oil-type gas with light carbon isotope composition was identified to be derived from the Fengcheng source rocks mainly,while the rest was coal-derived gas from the Carboniferous source rock;(4)Four types of favorable exploration targets with exploration potential were developed in the western Central Depression which are structural traps neighboring to the source,stratigraphic traps neighboring to the source,shale-gas type within the source,and structural traps within the source.Great attention should be paid to these targets.

Bimetallic In_(2)O_(3)/Bi_(2)O_(3) Catalysts Enable Highly Selective CO_(2) Electroreduction to Formate within Ultra-Broad Potential Windows

CO_(2)electrochemical reduction reaction(CO_(2)RR)to formate is a hopeful pathway for reducing CO_(2)and producing high-value chemicals,which needs highly selective catalysts with ultra-broad potential windows to meet the industrial demands.Herein,the nanorod-like bimetallic ln_(2)O_(3)/Bi_(2)O_(3)catalysts were successfully synthesized by pyrolysis of bimetallic InBi-MOF precursors.The abundant oxygen vacancies generated from the lattice mismatch of Bi_(2)O_(3)and ln_(2)O_(3)reduced the activation energy of CO_(2)to*CO_(2)·^(-)and improved the selectivity of*CO_(2)·^(-)to formate simultaneously.Meanwhile,the carbon skeleton derived from the pyrolysis of organic framework of InBi-MOF provided a conductive network to accelerate the electrons transmission.The catalyst exhibited an ultra-broad applied potential window of 1200 mV(from-0.4 to-1.6 V vs RHE),relativistic high Faradaic efficiency of formate(99.92%)and satisfactory stability after 30 h.The in situ FT-IR experiment and DFT calculation verified that the abundant oxygen vacancies on the surface of catalysts can easily absorb CO_(2)molecules,and oxygen vacancy path is dominant pathway.This work provides a convenient method to construct high-performance bimetallic catalysts for the industrial application of CO_(2)RR.

Constitutive aryl hydrocarbon receptor facilitates the regenerative potential of mouse bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells

BACKGROUND Bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells(BMSCs)are the commonly used seed cells in tissue engineering.Aryl hydrocarbon receptor(AhR)is a transcription factor involved in various cellular processes.However,the function of constitutive AhR in BMSCs remains unclear.AIM To investigate the role of AhR in the osteogenic and macrophage-modulating potential of mouse BMSCs(mBMSCs)and the underlying mechanism.METHODS Immunochemistry and immunofluorescent staining were used to observe the expression of AhR in mouse bone marrow tissue and mBMSCs.The overexpression or knockdown of AhR was achieved by lentivirus-mediated plasmid.The osteogenic potential was observed by alkaline phosphatase and alizarin red staining.The mRNA and protein levels of osteogenic markers were detected by quantitative polymerase chain reaction(qPCR)and western blot.After coculture with different mBMSCs,the cluster of differentiation(CD)86 and CD206 expressions levels in RAW 264.7 cells were analyzed by flow cytometry.To explore the underlying molecular mechanism,the interaction of AhR with signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3)was observed by co-immunoprecipitation and phosphorylation of STAT3 was detected by western blot.RESULTS AhR expressions in mouse bone marrow tissue and isolated mBMSCs were detected.AhR overexpression enhanced the osteogenic potential of mBMSCs while AhR knockdown suppressed it.The ratio of CD86+RAW 264.7 cells cocultured with AhR-overexpressed mBMSCs was reduced and that of CD206+cells was increased.AhR directly interacted with STAT3.AhR overexpression increased the phosphorylation of STAT3.After inhibition of STAT3 via stattic,the promotive effects of AhR overexpression on the osteogenic differentiation and macrophage-modulating were partially counteracted.CONCLUSION AhR plays a beneficial role in the regenerative potential of mBMSCs partially by increasing phosphorylation of STAT3.