Characterizing Methane Oxidation Processes in Acidic Conditions
Name of applicant
Jeanette Lykkemark
Title
Researcher
Institution
University of the Basque Country
Amount
DKK 2,627,662
Year
2025
Type of grant
Internationalisation Fellowships
What?
Methane (CH4) plays a central role in global warming and is the second most prevalent greenhouse gas. This project explores the oxidation of CH4 in acidic environments. Traditional science assumes CH4 oxidation occurs at neutral to alkaline pH, but recent findings suggest specialized microbes can oxidize CH4 even under acidic conditions, significantly altering our understanding of CH4 emissions.
Why?
Methane has over 80 times greater global warming potential than carbon dioxide on a 20-year timescale. Acidic environments, such as previously overlooked sewer systems, may harbor microbial activity that significantly reduces methane emissions. Understanding this could improve greenhouse gas inventories and climate change mitigation strategies by identifying neglected methane sinks.
How?
The acidic environment on the surface of corroding concrete will be investigated. Concrete samples will be exposed to acidic sewer environments and monitored for microbial methane oxidation activity. Gas transformation and microbial activity will be qualified using analytical instruments, providing insight into microbial methane oxidation processes under real-world conditions.