Methane-producing microbial community in a coal bed of the Illinois Basin

Journal Article · Tue Apr 15 04:00:00 EDT 2008 · Applied and Environmental Microbiology

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1128/AEM.02341-07· OSTI ID:21049842

Strapoc, D; Picardal, F W; Turich, C; Schaperdoth, I; Macalady, J L; Lipp, J S; Lin, Y S; Ertefai, T F; Schubotz, F; Hinrichs, K U; Mastalerz, M; Schimmelmann, A ^[1]

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1. Indiana University, Bloomington, IN (United States). Dept. of Geological Science

A series of molecular and geochemical studies were performed to study microbial, coal bed methane formation in the eastern Illinois Basin. Results suggest that organic matter is biodegraded to simple molecules, such as H{sub 2} and CO{sub 2}, which fuel methanogenesis and the generation of large coal bed methane reserves. Small-subunit rRNA analysis of both the in situ microbial community and highly purified, methanogenic enrichments indicated that Methanocorpusculum is the dominant genus. Additionally, we characterized this methanogenic microorganism using scanning electron microscopy and distribution of intact polar cell membrane lipids. Phylogenetic studies of coal water samples helped us develop a model of methanogenic biodegradation of macromolecular coal and coal-derived oil by a complex microbial community. Based on enrichments, phylogenetic analyses, and calculated free energies at in situ subsurface conditions for relevant metabolisms (H{sub 2}-utilizing methanogenesis, acetoclastic methanogenesis, and homoacetogenesis), H{sub 2}-utilizing methanogenesis appears to be the dominant terminal process of biodegradation of coal organic matter at this location.

• OSTI ID: 21049842
• Journal Information: Applied and Environmental Microbiology, Journal Name: Applied and Environmental Microbiology Journal Issue: 8 Vol. 74; ISSN AEMIDF; ISSN 0099-2240
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT
03 NATURAL GAS
BIODEGRADATION
CARBON DIOXIDE
COAL DEPOSITS
GEOCHEMISTRY
HYDROGEN
ILLINOIS BASIN
METHANE
METHANOGENIC BACTERIA
MICROORGANISMS
ORGANIC MATTER
ORIGIN
USA