Diversity of methanotrophs in a simulated modified biocover reactor

A simulated landfill biocover microcosm consisting of a modifying ceramsite material and compost were investigated. Results show that the mixture can improve the material porosity and achieve a stable and highly efficient (100%) methane oxidation over an extended operating period. The diversity of the methanotrophic community in the microcosm was assessed. Type I methanotrophs were enhanced in the microcosm due to the increased air diffusion and distribution, whereas the microbial diversity and population density of type II methanotrophs were not significantly affected. Moreover, the type I methanotrophic community structure significantly varied with the reactor height, whereas that of type II methanotrophic communities did not exhibit a spatial variation. Phylogenetic analysis showed that type I methanotroph-based nested polymerase chain reaction-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE) resulted in the detection of eight different populations, most of which are related to Methylobacter sp., whereas that of type II resulted in the detection of nine different populations, most of which are related to Methylocystaceae. Methanotrophic community analysis also indicated that a number of new methanotrophic genera not closely related to any known methanotrophic populations were present.