A methanogenic Methermicoccus strain screened from deep subsurfaces was shown to produce methane from more than 30 types of methoxylated aromatic compounds (MACs) as well as from coals containing MACs. In contrast to known methanogenesis pathways involving one- and two-carbon compounds, this methoxydotrophic” mode of methanogenesis couples O-demethylation, CO2 reduction, and possibly acetyl-coenzyme A metabolism.”
Science 2016 Oct 14;354(6309):222-225
AIST team shows finds methanogenic microorganism which generates of methane from coal