Upscaling of biological processes and multiphase flow in highly heterogeneous media

In order to remediate contamination of our aquifers or optimize the recovery of hydrocarbon from subsurface reservoirs, one must be able to accurately simulate the multiphase flow of fluids through highly heterogeneous media. The fine-scale interfacial interactions greatly influence flow properties particularly in the presence of bioprocesses; these effects must be upscaled through many scales of heterogeneities in the subsurface lithologies. Large-scale correlations of flow properties in the subsurface can cause chanelling, which greatly influences the production or remediation strategies. We will discuss various difficulties in this upscaling process in the context of bioremediation and will present some directions for future research.