In Situ Microbial Conversion of Sequestered Greenhouse Gases

72494B03-I This project will use microbiological bioconversion technology in situ to convert sequestered greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide, into methane and other useful organic compounds. Indigenous anaerobic bacteria will be added to coal along with supplemental nutrients to stimulate bioconversion. Phase I will focus on the collection, identification, and culturing of indigenous anaerobes; evaluation of possible nutritional requirements of the anaerobes; and the development of a working model that integrates the hydrogeological and microbial factors influencing the bioconversion process. Phase II will expand upon the Phase I research, and the technology will be field tested during Phase III. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by awardee: The in situ bioconversion of sequestered greenhouse gases along with part of the coal, back into methane should significantly increase natural gas supplies, thereby providing environmentally-friendly energy and reducing foreign energy dependency. Additionally, the indigenous bacteria may contain genomes that would have useful applications in other (e.g., biomedical) fields.