To prevent the souring of crude oil, ________ is added to oil well injection water to encourage ________ instead of ________.
A) oxygen / aerobic respiration / sulfate reduction
B) sulfate / sulfate reduction / fermentation
C) sulfate / sulfate reduction / nitrate reduction
D) nitrate / nitrate reduction / sulfate reduction

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Nitrate is added to oil well injection water to encourage nitrate reduction instead of sulfate reduction, which helps prevent the souring of crude oil by inhibiting the growth of sulfate-reducing bacteria that produce hydrogen sulfide.

To Prevent the Souring of Crude Oil, ________ Is Added