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Electrochemically coupled CH4 and CO2 consumption driven by microbial processes

Author

Listed:
  • Yue Zheng

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    Xiamen University)

  • Huan Wang

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    Xiamen University)

  • Yan Liu

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    Qingdao Marine Science and Technology Center)

  • Peiyu Liu

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    Qingdao Marine Science and Technology Center)

  • Baoli Zhu

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Yanning Zheng

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Jinhua Li

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    Qingdao Marine Science and Technology Center)

  • Ludmila Chistoserdova

    (University of Washington)

  • Zhiyong Jason Ren

    (Princeton University)

  • Feng Zhao

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences)

Abstract

The chemical transformations of methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2) greenhouse gases typically have high energy barriers. Here we present an approach of strategic coupling of CH4 oxidation and CO2 reduction in a switched microbial process governed by redox cycling of iron minerals under temperate conditions. The presence of iron minerals leads to an obvious enhancement of carbon fixation, with the minerals acting as the electron acceptor for CH4 oxidation and the electron donor for CO2 reduction, facilitated by changes in the mineral structure. The electron flow between the two functionally active microbial consortia is tracked through electrochemistry, and the energy metabolism in these consortia is predicted at the genetic level. This study offers a promising strategy for the removal of CH4 and CO2 in the natural environment and proposes an engineering technique for the utilization of major greenhouse gases.

Suggested Citation

  • Yue Zheng & Huan Wang & Yan Liu & Peiyu Liu & Baoli Zhu & Yanning Zheng & Jinhua Li & Ludmila Chistoserdova & Zhiyong Jason Ren & Feng Zhao, 2024. "Electrochemically coupled CH4 and CO2 consumption driven by microbial processes," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-11, December.
  • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:15:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-024-47445-8
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47445-8
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    References listed on IDEAS

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