Muddy Microbes

Process standardsObserve and Measure; Classify; Experiment; Interpret and

Communicate; InquiryPhysical Science Content Standards

Substances react chemically with other substances to form new substances with different characteristics (e.g., rusting,

burning, reaction between baking soda and vinegar).National Science Education Standards

Soil consists of weathered rocks and decomposed organic material from dead plants, animals and bacteria. Soils are

often found in layers, with each having a different chemical composition and texture.

Standards

Start with a question.

What processes help crude oil and natural gas form?

Inquiry

Soil and water are full of microorganisms that can have a

dramatic effect on the decomposition of dead plants

and animals. This process, along with heat, pressure and time, can create crude oil and

natural gas.

Concept

A changing model of decomposing living matter reacting and providing the element carbon which is involved in the formation of crude oil and natural

gas.

Activity – Muddy Microbes

1. Remove any stones, twigs, or lumps from the

soil.

Procedure

2. Make a compost mixture using the

newspaper (organic), egg shells (carbonate), and egg yolk (sulfate) with a

handful of soil.

Procedure

3. Pack the compost mixture in the bottom of

the bottle using the dowel rod to compact the mixture and remove

trapped air. The bottom layer should be a uniform

depth of three to four centimeters. (2.45cm = 1

inch)

Procedure

4. Add soil to the bottle, using the dowel rod to compact the soil and remove trapped air. Continue until the column is packed to within five

centimeters from the top of the bottle.

Procedure

5. Cover the surface of the soil with pond water, filling to the lower

threads of the bottle.

Procedure

6. Seal the top of the bottle tightly and place the bottle in a window

that receives INDIRECT SUNLIGHT. Temperature will affect the rate of

reaction.

Procedures

7. Keep the bottle in the classroom and observe weekly for a minimum of three

months. Record your observations. (NOTE: Watch for excessive gas

buildup. Gas will need to be released as time passes. When releasing gas from the bottle, do not remove the lid in the classroom as contents will produce a strong odor. Direct bottle top away from the body and face.)

Procedure

1. What do you observe?

Summary

The system shows decomposition, which is one

of the first steps in the formation of petroleum.

Summary

How would this system relate to oil and natural gas

formation?

Summary

Are microorganisms present?

Summary

Yes, in water from pond and soil.

Summary

How do these microorganisms affect

the environment?

Summary

The microorganisms feed on organic material,

decomposing it.

Summary

5. What are the inorganic components of this

system?

Summary

Water, oxygen and rocks.

Summary

What are the organic components of this

system?

Summary

Newspaper, eggs, microorganisms in pond

water and soil, and bacteria.

Summary

How do living organisms affect the soil column? What evidence do you

observe?

Summary

The organisms decay and form gas from

carbon.

Summary

This model shows that the soil and water are not lifeless parts of ecosystems. Soil and water are full of microorganisms that can have a dramatic effect on

the environment.

Summary

This system of microorganisms feeds on the decomposing organic material when oxygen is

available. This process of life ensuing from life is known as biogenesis and is one of the first steps in oil and natural gas formation. Biogenesis is followed

by diagenesis (non-organic reactions involving pressure, heat, etc.). As heat increases due to

pressure created during diagenesis, microorganism activity stops. Living organisms produce carbon that

is vital to energy-transfer and oil and natural gas production.

Summary