Methane Gas Production from Low-quality Coals and Anaerobic Digestion Sludge

Join us for an enlightening exploration of methane gas production from low-quality coals and mineral tailings. In this engaging 20-minute video, Elham Rahimi, a dedicated PhD candidate at Penn State University, sheds light on the reasons behind conducting this research, driven by the increasing population's energy demands and the contemporary society's inclination towards renewable and green energy sources. With fossil fuel reserves depleting rapidly and conventional combustion methods posing environmental risks, the need for innovative energy solutions has become more pressing. Despite the abundance of low-quality coal reserves, their extraction lacks economic viability, especially when compared to higher-grade coal. Elham's research focuses on leveraging anaerobic bacteria found in sewage sludge to facilitate the breakdown of complex hydrocarbons in these low-quality coals and minerals. This microbial activity converts them into simpler structures, eventually generating methane gas. Anaerobic digestion, which occurs naturally in various environments, plays a key role in this process. Elham's innovative approach involves using sewage sludge as a source of the necessary microorganisms. Through careful experimentation and simulation, she aims to optimize the conditions under which methane production occurs, thereby contributing to sustainable energy generation without the need for extensive coal extraction.