Hydrogeochemistry and coal-associated bacterial populations from a methanogenic coal bed
Biogenic coalbed methane (CBM), a microbially-generated source of natural gas trapped within coal beds, is an important energy resource in many countries. Specific bacterial populations and enzymes involved in coal degradation, the potential rate-limiting step of CBM formation, are relatively unknown. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has established a field site, (Birney test site), in an undeveloped area of the Powder River Basin (PRB), with four wells completed in the Flowers-Goodale coal bed, one in the overlying sandstone formation, and four in overlying and underlying coal beds (Knoblach,Nance, and Terret). The ninewellswere positioned to characterize the hydraulic conductivity of the Flowers-Goodale coal bed and were selectively cored to investigate the hydrogeochemistry and microbiology associatedwith CBMproduction at the Birney test site. Aquifer-test results indicated the Flowers-Goodale coal bed, in a zone fromabout 112 to 120mbelowland surface at the test site, had very lowhydraulic conductivity (0.005 m/d) compared to other PRB coal beds examined. Consistentwithmicrobial methanogenesis, groundwater in the coal bed and overlying sandstone contain dissolvedmethane (46mg/L average) with low δ13C values (-67‰ average), high alkalinity values (22 meq/kg average), relatively positive δ13C-DIC values (4‰ average), and no detectable higher chain hydrocarbons, NO3 - , or SO4 2-. Bioassay methane production was greatest at the upper interface of the Flowers-Goodale coal bed near the overlying sandstone. Pyrotag analysis identified Aeribacillus as a dominant in situ bacterial community member in the coal near the sandstone and statistical analysis indicated Actinobacteria predominated coal core samples compared to claystone or sandstone cores. These bacteria, which previously have been correlated with hydrocarboncontaining environments such as oil reservoirs, have demonstrated the ability to produce biosurfactants to break down hydrocarbons. Identifying microorganisms involved in coal degradation and the hydrogeochemical conditions that promote their activity is crucial to understanding and improving in situ CBM production.
- Research Organization:
- Montana State Univ., Bozeman, MT (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Office of Science (SC), Biological and Environmental Research (BER)
- Contributing Organization:
- U.S. Geological Survey
- Grant/Contract Number:
- FE0026155; FC26-04NT42262; AC02-05CH11231; EAR-1322805
- OSTI ID:
- 1327452
- Alternate ID(s):
- OSTI ID: 1345979; OSTI ID: 1394624
- Journal Information:
- International Journal of Coal Geology, Journal Name: International Journal of Coal Geology Vol. 162 Journal Issue: C; ISSN 0166-5162
- Publisher:
- ElsevierCopyright Statement
- Country of Publication:
- Netherlands
- Language:
- English
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