The National Institute of Biological Resources (NIBR) under the Ministry of Environment on May 29 announced a breakthrough in the cultivation of the bacteria methanotroph, a self-generating microorganism that dissolves the greenhouse gas methane via alcohol. Shown above is the institute's headquarters as seen by a flying drone. (NIBR)

By Lee Jihae

The National Institute of Biological Resources (NIBR) under the Ministry of Environment on May 29 announced a breakthrough in the cultivation of the bacteria methantroph, a self-generating microorganism that dissolves the greenhouse gas methane via alcohol.

This finding is expected to not only help cut greenhouse gas emissions, a major cause of climate change, but also produce energy.

Methane is usually produced by livestock farms, landfills and sewage treatment plants.

Methantroph is a type of bacteria that dissolves methane for use as a source of carbon and energy. It can reduce greenhouse gas emissions but its application to greenhouse gas reduction technology has proven tough due to difficulty in direct dissolution.

To overcome this barrier, NIBR and a research team from Korea University jointly developed a technology using a methane gas injection membrane to distribute up to 70% of the bacteria. They completed their patent application last month.

The team used a biomembrane reactor to raise methanotroph distribution by allowing only microorganisms feeding on methane to attach to the surface and grow.

 
The researchers added that selective increases of methanotroph types are possible depending other operating circumstances such as the speed of methane injection.

"We plan to secure a variety of methantroph types and continue follow-up studies to convert methane into useful substances such as organic acids to reduce greenhouse gases," said Chung Bok-chul, head of NIBR's Biological Resources Utilization Department. "We will analyze the characteristics of domestic biological resources to continue our efforts to reduce greenhouse gases."

jihlee08@korea.kr