CONDUCTIVE MINERALS AS ELECTRICAL CONDUITS IN METHANE CYCLING

Introduction

This proposal aims to gain a fundamental understanding of the impact of anthropogenic conductive particles on methane emissions. We recently showed that conductive particles are vital for the interspecies cross-feeding of a methane-producing consortium from the Baltic Sea.

Previous Findings

Previous to that, we showed that conductive particles accelerate methane production in synthetic dual-species consortia that typically function via direct electron transfer. Others have shown that conductive particles may also stimulate anaerobic methane oxidation.

Knowledge Gaps

For the latter, the reports are scarce and contradictory. It is mysterious how microorganisms interact with the conductive particles and how conductive particles affect the methane cycle in the environment. These knowledge gaps we will study here.

Methodology

We will use:

1. Synthetic consortia
2. Enriched environmental consortia
3. Whole sediment cores

We will identify marker genes for microbe-particle contacts by combining expression studies with targeted gene-deletion and physicochemical cell surface studies. The marker genes we can then use to track similar microbe-conductive particle associations in the environment.

Research Focus

We will examine the link between increased anthropogenic particle input and methane emissions in environments from the Mediterranean to the Arctic where higher particle input is likely.

Expected Outcomes

I expect to deliver fundamental knowledge about the microorganisms involved in methane transformations by anthropogenically derived conductive particles.