Aerobic Methanotrophs are ubiquitous in nature and can use CH4 as a sole carbon and energy source7. Methanotrophs have been studied extensively for their role in global methane cycle, biotransformation of halogenated hydrocarbons and valorisation of methane to single cell proteins, biofuels and other platform chemicals. Whilst manufacturing is a key driver for economic growth, it has resulted in a huge environmental cost (e.g. discharge of industrial effluents and sludge) affecting not only ecosystem services (e.g. water and soil quality) but also livelihood of local communities. In this recently funded pilot project, we leverage the metabolic versatility of methanotrophs to speciate heavy metals (e.g. chromium) and production of value-added metabolites to remediate and revalorise industrial effluents. 

More information to follow....

Collaborators

Prof Thomas J Smith
Sheffield Hallam University, UK

Prof Sara Parwin Kamaludeen and Prof Karthikeyan Subburamu
Tamilnadu Agricultural University, India