Biofiltration: A cost-effective technique for controlling methane emissions from sub-surface sources

摘要

Focus of this paper is a new technique to control the escape of methane from sub-surface sources into the atmosphere. This innovative, but simple, technique involves manipulation of surface soil layers to oxidize methane to carbon dioxide. It is based on optimizing the growth of naturally occurring metha-notrophic bacteria in soils. Conditions required for optimum growth of methanotrophic bacteria include soil moisture content, soil type, temperature and source strength of methane. The application of microbial oxidation for controlling CH_4 emissions from soil migration at well sites, as well as landfills is possible, and is suited for sites with CH_4 flux rates as high as 166 g~*m~(-2)day~(-1).