Abstract

The rise in global energy demand has prompted research on developing strategies for transforming conventional nonrenewable sources to cleaner fuels. Biogenic methane production is a promising source that caters to increasing energy demands. Therefore, research to enhance their production is of great importance. Implementation of successful enhancement strategies requires knowledge of the factors impacting coalbed methane production. The microbial diversity of the formation water in coal seams is the crucial parameter influencing biomethane production. This study explores microbial diversity in the Producing and Marginal wells of Bokaro, India, intending to understand the potential application of microbial-enhanced coalbed methane technology in the marginal wells of this reservoir. The high throughput sequencing analysis revealed the presence of both archaeal and bacterial groups in both well types. The result showed significant differences in the diversity of the samples from the two well groups, suggesting the immense role played by the microbes in producing methane gas. Random forest analysis shows genera Gelria, Methanothermobacter, Thaurea, Youngiibacter, and Proteiniclasticum in the Producing wells while Roseomonas, Rhodobacter, Mycobacterium, Methylobacter, and Bosea in the Marginal wells as the significant contributor in differentiating the overall diversity between the wells of Bokaro. The current study is the first to show microbial uniqueness in coalbed methane wells based on gas production efficiency. It also explores the role of physicochemical factors in framing microbial community structure in the wells. The results provide salient information that will help better understand the impact of microbial diversity on the production of coalbed methane wells of studied coal seams. This knowledge will further aid in exploring the prospects of microbial-enhanced methane in the Marginal wells.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.