Mars, Microbes and Minerals

The detection of methane on Mars is potentially an indication of microbial life. Methane generation from hydrogen and carbonate minerals under alkaline conditions is one potential route for Martian methane generation. Recent research at the University of Huddersfield has demonstrated the ability of methanogens to directly utilise carbonate minerals to generate methane. This project will use these cultures and relevant minerals to create Martian analogues. The surface of the colonized minerals will then be analysed for biomolecular/mineralogical markers indicative of past/present life under simulate Martian conditions using a range of analytical techniques.