Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, has been on the rise since the industrial revolution, significantly contributing to global warming. The impact is evident with 2024 marking the warmest year in recorded history.
By Alexander Tøsdal Tveit, Associate Professor, UiT The Arctic University of Norway
Among the natural processes that help mitigate methane emissions are atmospheric methane-oxidizing bacteria. These micro-organisms, found in soils and vegetation worldwide, consume methane directly from the air. However, their efforts, along with the chemical oxidation of methane that occurs in the atmosphere, are insufficient to halt the increasing methane levels.
In response, the BIOSINK project was launched in 2024 to harness the methane-capturing abilities of atmospheric methane-oxidizing bacteria. This initiative exemplifies the power of interdisciplinary collaboration, bringing together scientists from various fields to develop solutions.
In Tromsø, my team and I have cultivated a unique collection of methane-oxidizing bacteria from Arctic ecosystems. They are not only efficient at consuming methane but also adapted to the Arctic's low temperatures. Meanwhile, at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) near San Francisco, Fang Qian and her team have created a new bioreactor design to enhance the methane consumption of these bacteria. At the University of Alberta in Canada, Lisa Y. Stein and her colleagues are developing engineering techniques to accelerate the growth of these bacteria and boost their methane consumption further.
Our collaboration began when Lisa contacted us in early 2024. She recognized the potential of the material developed by Fang's team and knew about our Arctic methane-consuming bacteria. The BIOSINK project aims to translate this knowledge into practical applications through several steps. Initially, the focus is on optimizing the conversion of methane into biomass under the conditions that the bacteria experience inside our bioreactors. This involves cultivating the bacteria to ensure high rates of growth and methane consumption. Next, the bacteria will be encapsulated in laboratory versions of the LLNL-developed methane removal reactors. Finally, if initial tests are promising, larger-scale versions of these reactors will be produced and tested in real-world conditions. This might be the most critical phase. Transitioning from controlled laboratory conditions to large-scale applications presents numerous challenges, often for the bacteria which may stop growing and consuming methane due to contamination with different types of micro-organisms or other reasons. Additionally, the solution must be cost-effective, necessitating the use of inexpensive, recycled materials instead of the refined, costly ones typically used in research.
While microbial methane oxidation is promising, it is not the sole solution to reducing methane emissions. A multifaceted approach is essential to address this global problem. Other methods include improving agricultural practices and reducing the use of fossil fuels. Each approach has its potential and challenges, and a combination of strategies will likely be necessary to achieve significant results.
Reducing emissions from cattle farming, a substantial global source of methane, is one of the major challenges. This is also one of the areas in which our technology could be useful. Cow barns typically contain methane concentrations of 10-50 ppm (parts per million), and our bacteria excel at consuming these levels. If we can develop methane removal reactors that are easy to operate and maintain and that can be integrated into barn ventilation systems, we could significantly cut down emissions from the industry.
The BIOSINK project demonstrates how interdisciplinary collaboration can lead to innovative solutions. By leveraging the unique capabilities of Arctic bacteria and combining expertise from microbiology and engineering, BIOSINK aims to create a sustainable and effective method for reducing methane emissions.
The 2024 Frederik Paulsen Arctic Academic Action Award winner was chosen from a shortlist of three nominees. In addition to the BIOSINK team,
Louise Chavarie, Ellie Ward, Darren Gröcke and Guttorm Christensen were nominated for the Ecological Gold Rush project: mechanisms driving boreal marine fishes into a warming Arctic and the impacts for Arctic communities and coastal ecosystems.
Allison A. Fong and Amy Lauren were nominated for the Studio Impact project which designs innovative approaches to science outreach efforts, combining climate research, communication, action and education through cross-pollination between Art & Storytelling, Science & Research and Industry & Technology.
The Frederik Paulsen Arctic Academic Action Award provides high-level recognition for innovative ideas that transform knowledge into action to help address the causes and impacts of climate change in the Arctic. It comes with a 100,000 euro unrestricted price., intended to help develop the idea through outreach, engagement, and communication. The award is a joint activity of UArctic and the Arctic Circle.
Read more: www.uarctic.org/actionaward
Photo: Mette M. Svenning and Anne Grethe Hestnes
