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Trace elements affect methanogenic activity and diversity in enrichments from subsurface coal bed produced water
Burcu Unal1, Verlin Ryan Perry, Mili Sheth
1Department of Microbiology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, MA, USA.
Frontiers in Microbiology
|May 17, 2012
Summary
Trace elements limit microbial methane production in coal beds. Optimizing these micronutrients boosts methane output by 37% and enhances microbial activity, impacting natural gas recovery.
Area of Science:
- Microbial Ecology
- Geochemistry
- Biogeochemistry
Background:
- Microbial methane from coal beds is a growing source of natural gas.
- Factors regulating methanogenesis in these environments are not fully understood.
- Trace elements are crucial micronutrients for microbial enzymes and metabolic pathways.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of eight trace elements on methanogenesis in coal bed environments.
- To determine if trace elements limit microbial growth and methane production in coal bed methane (CBM) systems.
- To analyze the effects of trace elements on methanogen gene expression and community structure.
Main Methods:
- Enrichment cultures were established from CBM produced water samples.
- Effects of eight trace elements (Fe, Ni, Co, Mo, Zn, Mn, B, Cu) on methane production were measured.
- Methanogenesis activity was assessed by quantifying mcrA transcript levels and analyzing methanogenic community structure.
Main Results:
- Methane production was limited by both deficiency and excess of trace elements.
- Optimized trace element addition enhanced methane production by 37% and significantly increased mcrA transcript levels.
- Methanogenic communities were dominated by Methanobacterium subterraneum and Methanobacterium formicicum, with amendments altering richness and diversity.
Conclusions:
- Trace elements are a critical limiting factor for methanogenesis in coal bed environments.
- Optimizing trace element concentrations can enhance CBM production.
- Trace element availability influences the structure and activity of the active methanogenic community in CBM wells.
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