Methanogenesis at low pH.

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Kenneth N. Timmis
• Subject Area: Microbial Ecology and Applied Microbiology
• Term: from 2005 to 2008
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 5441097

Acidic wetlands (pH 5.0, average annual temperatures below 4°C) represent most extensive types of northern areas in Eurasia and North America and have been shown to contribute enormously to methane emission. The aim of the project is to investigate microbial methane formation in the anoxic ecosystems with low pH and temperature. The project will be focused on studying the peculiarities of acidophilic methanogenic microbial communities. Of special interest will be the study of trophic microbial structure and determining the factors limiting the development of acidophilic anaerobic communities in naturall low pH ecosystem (acidic bog). The obtained knowledge could be used for predictions of methane release from those environments and to assess the biodegradation capacities of man-made low pH ecosystems and the potential for application of methanogenic anaerobic processes to treat acidic organic waste waters.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants