Reduction of Non-CO2 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Through In Situ Bioconversion of Methane

72593B03-I Methane has a global warming potential 21 times greater than carbon dioxide and a much shorter half-life in the atmosphere. Therefore, on a ton-by-ton basis, technology that targets methane emissions would mitigate global warming at a faster rate than the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions. Because methane recovery from coal mines and landfills is economically driven, and recovery projects are either ceased or not initiated if natural gas prices are low, this greenhouse gas is commonly released to the atmosphere even when it is not present in commercial quantities. This project will identify and cultivate unique microbes that will be used to reduce methane emissions in coal mines, in gob gas systems in front of mining operations, and in biofilters located in mine ventilation systems. Phase I will collect, identify, and culture previously unidentified methanotrophic microbes collected from surface and subsurface coal mines and areas of active methane seeps. Samples will be taken at various depths to determine if anaerobic, suboxic, and aerobic methanotrophs are present. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by awardee: These unique methanotrophs would be applied directly to coal in the mine, injected into coal seams in front of mining operations, and utilized in biofilters for mine ventilation systems to reduce methane emissions and prevent explosions. These applications will be most beneficial where traditional methane recovery projects are not cost-effective. Additionally, their combination with other microbial cultures may produce cheaper, valuable oxychemicals, or energy fuels.