Bioconversion of coal to methane

This research is aimed at identifying microbial consortia that utilize coal as an organic substrate, producing methane in the process.  Methane burns cleaner than coal, and is readily transported and distributed via pipeline.  MS candidate Khang Vo is using anaerobic culturing techniques to enrich for methanogens from environmental samples. 

Recent publications:

Gilcrease, P.C. and G.W. Shurr (2007).  Making microbial methane work: The potential for new biogenic gas. World Oil, Vol. 228 No. 11 p. 37

Green, M.S., K.C. Flanegan, and P.C. Gilcrease (2008).  Characterization of a methanogenic consortium enriched from a coalbed methane well in the Powder River Basin, U.S.A.  International Journal of Coal Geology, In press.