Publication Type
Journal Article
Publication Date (Issue Year)
2025
Journal Name
Scientific African
Abstract
The unprecedented levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere are linked to the rising average temperatures that the world is experiencing. Carbon sequestration in geological formations is one of the key strategies to combat climate change. However, it is essential to characterise these geological formations to assess the potential success of environmentally friendly carbon sequestration. Controlling carbon sequestration and its migration within porous sandstones is largely dependent on the textural and geometrical characteristics of the pore networks, including tortuosity, connectivity, pore size distribution, and pore shape. Microstructural analysis of the reservoirs helps reduce risks and uncertainties associated with carbon storage by enhancing our understanding of the reservoir’s quality. This study focuses on the petrophysical and petrographic characterisation of reservoirs in the Niger Delta, using an X-ray diffractometer, scanning electron microscope, and synchrotron radiation. Quartz, clays, and feldspar were identified, with quartz being the most abundant. Na, Al, Mg, Si, and Fe were observed, confirming the XRD mineralogical results. The formations’ rough surface morphology suggested that there was a large surface area available for storing and capturing carbon. The synchrotron radiation, with its high-resolution capabilities, revealed the internal structure of the formations. Reconstruction of CT images, a non-destructive method, assessed the porosity, accounting for both connected (permeable) and unconnected (closed) voids. The pore volume of the samples was determined using Fiji software (ImageJ). The BV/TV ratio averaged 0.6, inferring good structural integrity. Overall, the petrophysical and petrographic characteristics of the Niger Delta formations suggest that they are favourable for carbon sequestration.
Keywords
Climate, Carbon, sequestration, Geological formation, Sandstone, Porous media, Synchrotron radiation
Rsif Scholar Name
Itai Mutadza
Thematic Area
Energy including Renewables
Africa Host University (AHU)
University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), Nigeria
Funding Statement
The acknowledgement cannot be finished without recognising PASET-RSIF for making this journey possible through the scholarship.
Recommended Citation
Mutadza, I., Ikiensikimama, S., & Joel, O. F. (2025). Petrophysical and petrographic characterisation of the reservoirs in Niger delta for carbon capture and storage. Scientific African https://doi.org/doi.org/10.1016/j.sciaf.2025.e02774