Publication details
CULTIVATION OF METHANOGENS FROM ENVIRONMENTAL SAMPLES
| Authors | |
|---|---|
| Year of publication | 2019 |
| Type | Appeared in Conference without Proceedings |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
| Citation | |
| Description | Methanation is a prospective process that occurs naturally due to metabolic activity of methanogenic Archaea. These strictly anaerobic microorganisms are hard to cultivate, with only minor of species obtained yet. It is required to use special methods for their cultivation, maintaining anaerobic environment by gas purging and addition of reducing agents. The process of media preparation needs to persevere anoxic conditions so there may be special apparatuses that can be used. Methanogens are not the only species that uses hydrogen as a source of energy. Between archaea and bacteria exists as competition as synergic relationship. This is one of the main causes why the species is not possible to cultivate. Acetobacterium is common species found in relationship with methanogenic archaea but is a negative factor in cultivation, because it consumes hydrogen and may overgrow methanogens. This is the reason antibiotics are needed in the process of achieving culture of methanogens. The measure of methane formation may be supported by devices such as manometer, gas chromatography and isotope detector. The whole process of cultivation and maintaining the cultures will be described step by step. The aim of the presentation is to approach and introduce microbiology aspects of biogas that can’t be overlooked. |