Overview
Background
Julie’s research is mainly focussed on gas-water-rock core reactivity at reservoir conditions using experimental, field, and geochemical modelling techniques. Recent projects have been in the application of carbon dioxide geological storage in which CO2 is captured and stored in formations generally contained by low permeability cap-rock. The safe containment of the injected CO2 and the potential changes to rock porosity, permeability, and water quality should be determined. Recent and current projects with a focus on a demonstration site in the Surat Basin (Precipice Sandstone) include the impacts of impurity or acid gases present in industrial CO2 streams (collaboration with D. Kirste, SFU), inducing carbonate precipitation (in collaboration with S. Golding), and understanding dissolved metal sources and fate. Julie has also worked closely with the CO2CRC, CTSCo, Glencore, SEAL, the NSW government, CI-NSW, and ANLEC R&D, and provided expert opinion to the Queensland Government, and input to Environmental Impacts Assessments.
Julie is currently working with landholders, the QLD regional government, RDMW, councils and industry to understand the sources of methane in aquifers of the Great Artesian Basin, especailly those overlying coal seam gas reservoirs (CSG) (with Arrow Energy, SANTOS, APLNG, H. Hoffman, K, Baublys).
Other projects include gas-water-rock or acid-rock reactivity that modify nano-porosity and gas flow in gas or oil bearing shales.
Julie Pearce graduated with an MCHEM (Hons) degree in Chemistry from the University of York, UK. She then moved to the University of Bristol to complete a Ph.D. in 2007 focusing on laser spectroscopic studies to understand the detailed reaction dynamics of atmospheric processes. From 2007 – 2009 she accepted a Japan Society for the Promotion of Science Postdoctoral Fellowship, hosted at Nagoya University, Japan. There she measured delta 13C and delta 18O isotopic signatures of CO2 simultaneously in real time in the atmosphere using a laser spectroscopic technique to understand anthropogenic and biogenic sources of CO2. After taking a career break to travel in 15 countries in Asia, she moved to Brisbane in 2010 where she is enjoying the surrounding natural beauty of Queensland.
Availability
- Dr Julie Pearce is:
- Available for supervision
- Media expert
Fields of research
Qualifications
- Masters (Coursework), The University of York
- Doctor of Philosophy, University of Bristol
Research interests
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CO2 storage and impurity gases
Geochemistry and geomechanical effects
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Reaction dynamics
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CO2 gas phase isotopologues in indentification of anthropogenic CO2
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Wet sueprcritical CO2 phase reactions in CO2 storage
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Shale gas stimulation
Research impacts
Carbon dioxide capture and geological storage has been validated by the IPCC as a measure to mitigate climate change. For the technology to be deployed on a large-scale, its viability in terms of the containment of the injected CO2 and the long-term safety needs to be determined. Julie is researching the effects of storage of co-contaminants which will be present in industrial CO2 streams on mineral and reservoir rock reactions.
Fugative methane causes issues for landholders when it migrates to bores, and for global warming when released to atmosphere. However methane is also generated naturally by microbes. Understanding the sources of methane in the Great Artesian Basin aquifers and alluvium is important for environmental and social licence.
A new reaction rig has been constructed at UQ specifically to withstand reactive co-contaminant gases, and simulate the high pressure / temperature conditions (~200 bar and 80°C) of CO2 geological storage. Reservoir rock reactions with the co-contaminant SO2 have indicated up to ~ 20 x reactivity than with pure CO2 and indicate potential for enhanced CO2 mineral trapping. This is in collaboration with Prof. Sue Golding, and Prof. Victor Rudolph, Julie also uses geochemical modelling in collaboration with A/Prof. Dirk Kirste of SFU, Canada, these projects are funded by the Collaborative Research Council for Greenhouse Gas Technology (CO2CRC).
Julie is also investigating the reactivity of the water saturated supercritical CO2 phase to clays and cap-rock. Initial results indicate enhanced precipitation of new phases which may self-seal cap-rock fractures.
Additionally teaching into CHEM 1090 Introductory Chemistry.
Works
Search Professor Julie Pearce’s works on UQ eSpace
2014
Conference Publication
Impurity Effects in O2-SO2-CO2-Water-Rock Reactions Relevant to CO2 Storage in the Surat Basin
Pearce, J. K., Dawson, G. K. W., Kirste, D. and Golding, S. D. (2014). Impurity Effects in O2-SO2-CO2-Water-Rock Reactions Relevant to CO2 Storage in the Surat Basin. Australian Earth Sciences Convention, Newcastle, NSW, Australia, 7-10 July 2014.
2014
Other Outputs
Final Report: Geochemical reactivity and dissolution trapping capacity using Supercritical CO2
Pearce, J. K., Farquhar, S. M., Dawson, G. K. W. and Golding, S. D. (2014). Final Report: Geochemical reactivity and dissolution trapping capacity using Supercritical CO2. St. Lucia, QLD, Australia: UniQuest.
2013
Other Outputs
SOX and O2 co-contaminant impacts in geological carbon storage
Pearce, J. K, Golding, S. D., Frank, A. and Kirste, D. (2013). SOX and O2 co-contaminant impacts in geological carbon storage. CO2CRC Report RPT13-4173 Carlton, VIC, Australia:
2013
Other Outputs
ANLEC Project 3-1110-0101: Review of laboratory-scale geochemical and geomechanical experiments simulating geosequestration of CO2 in sandstone, and associated modelling studies
Dawson, G. K. W., Sidiq, H., Pearce, J., Gao, J-F., Golding, S. D., Rudolph, V., Li, Q. and Xing, H. (2013). ANLEC Project 3-1110-0101: Review of laboratory-scale geochemical and geomechanical experiments simulating geosequestration of CO2 in sandstone, and associated modelling studies. Manuka, ACT, Australia: Australian National Low Emissions Coal Research and Development.
2013
Conference Publication
SO2 and O2 co-injection with potential carbon storage target sandstone from a fresh-water aquifer
Pearce, J. K., Dawson, G. K. W., Farquhar, S. and Golding, S. D. (2013). SO2 and O2 co-injection with potential carbon storage target sandstone from a fresh-water aquifer. Goldschmidt Conference 2013, Florence, Italy, 25-30 August 2013. Twickenham, Middlesex, United Kingdom: Mineralogical Society. doi: 10.1180/minmag.2013.077.5.16
2013
Conference Publication
Reaction path geochemical modelling of CO2-SO2-water-rock experiments
Kirste, D., Pearce, J.K., Golding, S. D. and Frank, A. (2013). Reaction path geochemical modelling of CO2-SO2-water-rock experiments. Goldschmidt Conference 2013, Florence, Italy, 25-30 August 2013. Twickenham, Middlesex, United Kingdom: Mineralogical Society. doi: 10.1180/minmag.2013.077.5.11
2013
Conference Publication
Experimental investigation of CO2-water-rock interactions under simulated fresh-water aquifer conditions
Farquhar, S. M., Dawson, G. K. W., Pearce, J. K. and Golding, S. D. (2013). Experimental investigation of CO2-water-rock interactions under simulated fresh-water aquifer conditions. Goldschmidt Conference 2013, Florence, Italy, 25-30 August 2013. Twickenham, Middlesex, United Kingdom: Mineralogical Society. doi: 10.1180/minmag.2013.077.5.6
2012
Other Outputs
CO2CRC Report RPT12-3804:Implementation of a reaction rig for CO2-SOx-O2-brine-rock interaction experiments
Pearce, J. K, Golding, S. D., Biddle, D. and Rudolph, V. (2012). CO2CRC Report RPT12-3804:Implementation of a reaction rig for CO2-SOx-O2-brine-rock interaction experiments. St Lucia, QLD Australia: The University of Queensland, School of Earth Sciences.
2012
Other Outputs
CO2CRC Report TBN12-3470: Database of CO2-SOx-NOx-O2–brine–rock interactions: Executive summary
Pearce, J. K, Kirste, D. and Golding, S. D. (2012). CO2CRC Report TBN12-3470: Database of CO2-SOx-NOx-O2–brine–rock interactions: Executive summary. St Lucia, QLD Australia: The University of Queensland, School of Earth Sciences.
2012
Other Outputs
CO2CRC Database: Database of CO2-SOx-NOx-O2–brine–rock interactions
Pearce, J. K, Kirste, D. and Golding, S. D. (2012). CO2CRC Database: Database of CO2-SOx-NOx-O2–brine–rock interactions. St Lucia, QLD Australia: The University of Queensland, School of Earth Sciences.
2012
Journal Article
Mineral, fluid and gas interactions under CO2 storage conditions – the role of SO2, NOX, and O2
Pearce, J. K., Biddle, D., Golding, S. D., Rudolph, V. and Kirste, D. (2012). Mineral, fluid and gas interactions under CO2 storage conditions – the role of SO2, NOX, and O2. Mineralogical Magazine, 76 (6), 2214-2214.
2011
Book
Design certificate: supercritical carbon dioxide fluid rock reactor test apparatus
Nix, Keith, Pearce, J. K., Biddle, D. and Golding, S. D. (2011). Design certificate: supercritical carbon dioxide fluid rock reactor test apparatus. School of Earth Sciences, University of Queensland.
2011
Journal Article
Comparison of laser-induced fluorescence and chemiluminescence measurements of NO2 at an urban site
Suzuki, Hiroyuki, Miyao, Yuka, Nakayama, Tomoki, Pearce, Julie K., Matsumi, Yutaka, Takahashi, Kenshi, Kita, Kazuyuki and Tonokura, Kenichi (2011). Comparison of laser-induced fluorescence and chemiluminescence measurements of NO2 at an urban site. Atmospheric Environment, 45 (34), 6233-6240. doi: 10.1016/j.atmosenv.2011.07.065
2011
Journal Article
Observation of carbon and oxygen isotopic compositions of CO2 at an urban site in Nagoya using Mid-IR laser absorption spectroscopy
Wada, R., Pearce, J. K., Nakayama, T., Matsumi, Y., Hiyama, T., Inoue, G. and Shibata, T. (2011). Observation of carbon and oxygen isotopic compositions of CO2 at an urban site in Nagoya using Mid-IR laser absorption spectroscopy. Atmospheric Environment, 45 (5), 1168-1174. doi: 10.1016/j.atmosenv.2010.10.015
2008
Journal Article
Adiabatic and nonadiabatic dynamics in the CH3(CD3)+HCl reaction
Retail, Bertrand, Pearce, Julie K., Greaves, Stuart J., Rose, Rebecca A. and Orr-Ewing, Andrew J. (2008). Adiabatic and nonadiabatic dynamics in the CH3(CD3)+HCl reaction. Journal of Chemical Physics, 128 (18) 184303, 184303.1-184303.8. doi: 10.1063/1.2913516
2008
Journal Article
The dynamics of reaction of Cl atoms with tetramethylsilane
Retail, Bertrand, Rose, Rebecca A., Pearce, Julie K., Greaves, Stuart J. and Orr-Ewing, Andrew J. (2008). The dynamics of reaction of Cl atoms with tetramethylsilane. Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics, 10 (12), 1675-1680. doi: 10.1039/b716512a
2007
Journal Article
Imaging the dynamics of reactions between Cl atoms and the cyclic ethers oxirane and oxetane
Pearce, Julie K., Retail, Bertrand, Greaves, Stuart J., Rose, Rebecca A. and Orr-Ewing, Andrew J. (2007). Imaging the dynamics of reactions between Cl atoms and the cyclic ethers oxirane and oxetane. Journal of Physical Chemistry A, 111 (51), 13296-13304. doi: 10.1021/jp0773684
2007
Other Outputs
Reaction Dynamics of Chlorine Atoms with Cyclic Organic Molecules
Dr Julie Pearce (2007). Reaction Dynamics of Chlorine Atoms with Cyclic Organic Molecules. PhD Thesis, School of Chemistry, The University of Bristol.
2007
Journal Article
Imaging the nonadiabatic dynamics of the CH3+HClreaction
Retail, Bertrand, Greaves, Stuart J., Pearce, Julie K., Rose, Rebecca A. and Orr-Ewing, Andrew J. (2007). Imaging the nonadiabatic dynamics of the CH3+HClreaction. Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics, 9 (25), 3261-3267. doi: 10.1039/b704463a
2006
Conference Publication
Imaging the dynamics of Cl-atom reactions
Retail, Bertrand, Pearce, Julie K., Greaves, Stuart G. and Orr-Ewing, Andrew J. (2006). Imaging the dynamics of Cl-atom reactions. Conference of the American Chemical Society, x, September 2006. Washington, DC United States: American Chemical Society.
Funding
Current funding
Supervision
Availability
- Dr Julie Pearce is:
- Available for supervision
Before you email them, read our advice on how to contact a supervisor.
Available projects
-
Safe geological storage of carbon dioxide to reach net zero
Underground carbon storage is one way to remove carbon emissions from the atmosphere and mitigate climate change. Understanding any impacts or risks to protect groundwater in overlying aquifers relied on by regional communities is a vital challenge.
The candidate has the opportunity to focus on one of two areas (or a combination):
- Understanding the hydrochemistry of shallow Great Artesian Basin aquifers in Surat Basin. This will involve field sampling for groundwater and gases, with state-of-the-art isotope and geochemical tracer characterisation. or
- Understanding potential geochemical markers of carbon dioxide leakage to aquifers. This will involve laboratory-based CO2-water-rock experiments, including geochemical water and rock characterisation and modelling
This is an Earmarked scholarship project that aligns with a recently awarded Australian Government grant.
Supervision history
Current supervision
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Doctor Philosophy
Geological characterisation of the southern Denison Trough for CO2 sequestration
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Emeritus Professor Joan Esterle
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Doctor Philosophy
Reservoir characterisation in the southern Denison Trough for carbon dioxide storage
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Emeritus Professor Joan Esterle
Completed supervision
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2015
Doctor Philosophy
CO2-water-rock interactions in low-salinity reservoir systems
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Emeritus Professor Sue Golding, Emeritus Professor Joan Esterle
Media
Enquiries
Contact Dr Julie Pearce directly for media enquiries about:
- CO2 storage
- gas-water-rock reactions
- geochemistry
- geosequestration
- methane in aquifers
- mineralogy
- sequestration
- shale
- water quality
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