Methane is a potent greenhouse gas released in large quantities from freshwater systems such as lakes, ditches and marshes. Fortunately, a significant proportion of this is broken down by microorganisms before it reaches the atmosphere. This natural process, also known as the methane biofilter, plays an important role in mitigating climate change. This thesis investigates how specific microorganisms degrade methane under oxygen-deprived conditions. Through a combination of microbiological and biochemical methods, insights have been gained into the enzymes and processes involved. Furthermore, it has been demonstrated how these microorganisms can transfer electrons to solid materials, such as electrodes, which offers new possibilities for biotechnological applications. The results contribute to a better understanding of the role of microorganisms in the methane cycle and offer starting points for applications in, for example, water treatment and the reduction of methane emissions.
Martijn Wissink (1997) studied Life Science and Technology at Delft University of Technology and Leiden University, where he specialised in biochemical technology. He obtained his PhD at Radboud University with a thesis on anaerobic methane-oxidising microorganisms.