Organic intermediates in the anaerobic biodegradation of coal to methane under laboratory conditions

Organic Geochemistry
By: , and 

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Abstract

Organic intermediates in coal fluids produced by anaerobic biodegradation of geopolymers in coal play a key role in the production of methane in natural gas reservoirs. Laboratory biodegradation experiments on sub-bituminous coal from Texas, USA, were conducted using bioreactors to examine the organic intermediates relevant to methane production. Production of methane in the bioreactors was linked to acetate accumulation in bioreactor fluid. Long chain fatty acids, alkanes (C19–C36) and various low molecular weight aromatics, including phenols, also accumulated in the bioreactor fluid and appear to be the primary intermediates in the biodegradation pathway from coal-derived geopolymers to acetate and methane.

Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Organic intermediates in the anaerobic biodegradation of coal to methane under laboratory conditions
Series title Organic Geochemistry
DOI 10.1016/j.orggeochem.2010.03.005
Volume 41
Issue 9
Year Published 2010
Language English
Publisher Elsevier
Contributing office(s) Eastern Energy Resources Science Center, Toxic Substances Hydrology Program
Description 4 p.
First page 997
Last page 1000
Country United States
State Texas
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