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Anaerobic oxidation of methane (AOM) is an important biological process limiting the release of this potent greenhouse gas into the atmosphere. The AOM is mediated by anaerobic methane oxidizing archaea (ANME) with various electron acceptors such as sulfate (aquatic ecosystems) or nitrate (agriculture-affected surface waters). Studies in recent years also suggested alternative electron acceptors such as Fe(III), Mn(IV), As(V), Cr(VI), Se(VI), Sb(V), V(V), and Br(V). Therefore, in my research, using available in our laboratory enrichment cultures, I explore the metabolic potential of ANME archaea to use various metal(loid)s as electron acceptors. Metal(loid) dependent anaerobic methane oxidation (M-DAMO) could provide an attractive bioremediation strategy as some of these toxic electron acceptors become non-toxic or water-insoluble thus easily removable, upon reduction.
In my research, I also explore different environmental aspects of nitrate-dependent anaerobic methane oxidation (N-DAMO).