The bacterial oxidation of hydrocarbons ("HOB") is aerobic at near-surface soil.  Microbial Enhanced Oil Recovery (MEOR) is anaerobic at oil reservoir level at higher temperatures. Both are different processes, in which different types of bacteria are involved with different bacterial diversity and functions.

No, this technique is reliable, fully tested and an ISO9001 standard operating practice (SOP) to stabilize the microbial activity in the soil/sediment samples during transport until analysis in the lab. It is a SOP used successfully for any years and does not add any uncertainty to the process. Samples can be kept, if need be, for 3 months before analyzing, but routinely they are processed soonest after arrival at the lab.

Yes, compositional Sorbed Soil Gas (SSG) analysis (example below) will give ratios and percentages of biogenic vs. dry gas vs. condensate/oil. Quantitative analyis can give a prediction of initial production rates (or pay) but only if multiple correlation points are available from field production or tested appraisal wells. The quantitative prediction reliability is under further investigation by our company.

Indirectly yes, when SSG compositional analysis - and surface sampling from seeps - can be correlated with available basin maturity modeling and source rock  samples (TOC, Vitrinite)  analysis. Mature source rock will only give background MV's in conventional plays, unless overpressured and naturally fractured, for example in unconventional shale gas.

Although mature and widely distributed source rock has microseepage, its intensity is weak and would not support the continuous living and large scale propulation of the Hydrocarbon Oxidizing Bacteria (HOB microbes). The microbial values would be too low or at background values. They would be distinctive from the high microbial values above HC-bearing reservoirs. In conclusion, it will not compromise the survey results.