In this work, column experiments simulating the in situ conditions of a Brazilian offshore oil
reservoir were utilized to investigate the effects of continuous nitrate injection on MEOR and
reservoir souring inhibition. The implications of this work are twofold. Firstly, the continuous
injection of nitrate at relatively low concentrations (12–25 mg/L) into the oil reservoir can
contribute to MEOR. Secondly, in nitrogen-limiting conditions and the presence of VFA in the
injection, water can adversely exert a higher nitrate demand that could be otherwise utilized to
effectively inhibit SRB. In these cases, nitrate injection can stimulate the growth of specific
SRB enhancing souring. Therefore, it is highly recommended to scrutinize site-specific
microbial community structure and ecology information prior to implementing an effective
souring control strategy based on nitrate injection