Sequestration and Bioconversion of CO2 to Methane

70725T02-II The sequestration of carbon dioxide (CO2) is desired to prevent the emission of this greenhouse gas into the atmosphere. This project addresses this need by injecting industrially-produced CO2, along with inorganic nutrients, into coal beds, in which the metabolic capability of the indigenous microflora will be utilized to enhance methane production and consume the CO2. Phase I demonstrated the presence of microorganisms, capable of producing methane from coal with only the addition of inorganic nutrients and CO2, in samples of coal from both Kansas and North Dakota. Phase II will conduct field experiments to demonstrate the ability of the indigenous microflora in coal bed methane wells to enhance methane production through the addition of inorganic nutrients only. Concurrently, laboratory experiments will be conducted to examine the conversion of radioactive CO2 to radioactive CH4 in live cores from wells employed in the field demonstration. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by awardee: Increasing methane production in existing wells would extend the life of the wells, benefit the economy, and contribute to the national security of our country by increasing the supply of a clean fuel.