ACTIVE BIOGENESIS OF METHANE IN COALS OF THE POWDER RIVER BASIN

Coal represents the most plentiful hydrogen and carbon bearing resource found in the United States. In the Powder River Basin (PRB) of northeastern Wyoming, microbes have converted hydrogen and carbon from these coals to methane gas resulting in significant economic accumulations over time. In order to better scientifically understand the evolution of this anaerobic process, numerous coal cores were carefully obtained to limit exposure to air during the course of their extraction. These coal samples were examined for their indigenous microbial populations and their ability to support methanogenesis. Significant populations of anaerobic microorganisms and rates of active methanogenesis were detected in nearly all of the tested coals. Conditions were identified that stimulated or inhibited this microbial methane production. Extrapolated results suggest that a huge potential in-situ bioreactor for natural gas production exists in these PRB coalfields. Furthermore, preliminary results suggest that hydrocarbon deposits of lignite, peat, shale and oil may offer similar opportunities.