Methane production from synthesis gas using a mixed culture ofR. rubrum M. barkeri, and M. formicicum

The components of synthesis gas, CO, H2, and CO2, may be converted into CH4 biologically through either acetate or H2/CO2 as intermediates. Of these two routes, conversion through H2/CO2 is preferred. This paper presents results of mixed-culture studies employing the photosynthetic bacteriumR. rubrum for converting CO to CO2 and H2 by the water gas shift reaction and two methanogens,M. formicicum andM. barkeri, for converting CO2 and H2 into CH4. Results are presented for triculture operation in two types of reactors, the packed bubble column and the trickle-bed reactor.