METHANE MANAGEMENT USING METHANOTROPHIC BACTERIA

The proposed project consists in commercialisation of a biotechnology based on methanotrophic bacteria allowing for turning waste methane into high grade, ecological products. The general objectives of the proposed work are: support for the commercialisation of long-term research by prof.

Zofia Stępniewska over methanotrophic bacteria, validation of technology and business model, company organisation and preparation of its financing path.

Certain cultures of methanotrophic bacteria were examined as part of research conducted at the Department of Biochemistry and Environmental Chemistry of the Catholic University of Lublin.

They can absorb methane produced, among others, in coal, lignite, copper and other minerals mines, in the transport of natural gas, as well as in animal husbandry, in landfills, in industrial processes and elsewhere.

This will reduce the risks associated with the explosion of methane and reduce its emissions to the atmosphere, and therefore lower the climatic load, because methane is a greenhouse gas with a greenhouse coefficient approximately 25 times higher than CO2 in 25-years.

The project is thus consistent with the EU Methane Strategy, which envisages a series of measures to reduce methane emissions.

The use of biofilters based on methanotrophic bacteria would reduce the negative impact of methane emissions to the environment, and would also allow to obtain valuable raw materials obtained from the produced bacterial biomass, e.g.

Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) - a biodegradable plastic, ectoine or carbohydrates for the production of animal feed.The essence of the product is the proper selection of BM bacteria cultures and determination of the optimal environment and parameters of their life. It was the subject of many scientific works conducted by the founder, Microbic Sp. z o.o. - prof.

Zofia Stępniewska - during the last 20-years. These bacteria are ready for multiplication and colonisation of biofilters.