THE METHANE FERMENTATIONS OF ACETATE AND METHANOL

Abstract

Production of CH4 and CO2 by methane fermenters from crude acetate enrichment cultures was followed with D and C14 labels. Acetate fermenters rapidly adapt to methanol utilization. The methyl group of methanol, like that of acetate, is incorporated intact into methane. Concomitant oxidation of methanol to CO2 takes place via formate as an intermediate, but is partly suppressed by acetate. Simultaneously the methyl group of acetate, normally restricted to the production of methane, is partly diverted to CO2 production. Methanol is proposed as an intermediate in the methane fermentation of acetate.