Gas-chromatography system for studies into the ecology and biochemistry of methanotrophic bacteria

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

Methane is the second most important atmospheric gas contributing to the greenhouse effect. It is also a clean alternative fuel. Bacteria that consume methane as a food source are therefore of great interest to environmental and industrial scientists. These bacteria may be manipulated to reduce atmospheric methane emissions from natural or man-made environments, and thereby reduce global warming. They are also able to destroy some environmental pollutants such as trichloroethylene, so they have biotechnological potential as well. We plan to study the ecology and genetics of methanotrophic (methane-eating) bacteria in some important Canadian ecosystems such as northern wetlands, industrial tailings, and forest soils. This work requires the precise measurement by gas chromatography of methane, oxygen, carbon dioxide and other gases in the field and in the laboratory. By measuring these gases in soils and sediments, it is possible to identify zones of strong methanotrophic activity. Laboratory studies into the growth of methanotrophic bacteria also require monitoring of gaseous compounds produced or consumed by them: methane, oxygen, carbon dioxide, pollutants, and nitrous oxide.