CHARACTERIZATION OF A SUBSURFACE COAL BED METHANOGENIC CULTURE AND ITS ROLE IN COALBED METHANE RECOVERY AND CO_2 UTILIZATION

摘要

We have cultured a thermophilic, methanogenic consortium from a bituminous coal sample taken from a coalbed methane (CBM) site. This consortium is being investigated for its ability to grow with coal as well as CO_2 as a carbon source under different temperatures and salinities as well as high pressures (to mimic subsurface conditions). The consortium was determined to have methane production mainly by the carbonate reduction pathway. Characterization of this culture will determine optimum growth conditions and lead to a design of a field trial. If successful, the global CBM resource will be substantially increased, addressing the long-term issue of fossil fuel supply and the lowering of greenhouse gas emissions.