Research Progress and Prospects on Microbial Response and Gas Potential in the Coal Gasification Process

Area of Science:

• Geosciences
• Microbiology
• Environmental Science

Background:

• China's coalbed methane (CBM) resources are vast but underexploited, with limited commercial production.
• Coalbed methane bioengineering offers a novel approach for CO2 utilization and carbon cycling via microbial action.
• Understanding underground microbial communities is key to enhancing CBM production.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically discuss microbial responses for enhancing CBM production and CO2 utilization.
• To identify challenges and research needs for commercializing CBM bioengineering.
• To provide a theoretical basis for sustainable unconventional natural gas development.

Main Methods:

• Review of microbial stimulation techniques using nutrients.
• Discussion of microbial enhancement via exogenous or in-situ microorganisms.
• Analysis of coal pretreatment for improved bioavailability and environmental condition optimization.

Main Results:

• Coal reservoirs can be viewed as large anaerobic fermentation systems.
• Microbial metabolism can be stimulated by nutrient addition, microbial introduction, and coal pretreatment.
• Successful CBM bioengineering requires addressing challenges in microbial mechanisms and ecosystem understanding.

Conclusions:

• CBM bioengineering holds potential for sustainable unconventional gas production.
• Further research is crucial for optimizing microbial communities and biogeochemical cycles in coal seams.
• This approach can facilitate CO2 reuse and carbon element cycling in CBM reservoirs.