When analyzing the methane cycle, microbiologists focus largely on
methane-producing microorganisms, specifically methanogens. Methanogens can be found at various levels of
soil, thriving at depths near the top layer of the soil and several kilometers
beneath the surface. The methanogens
that exist at greater depths in the soil function in the production of methane
that can be used by methanotrophic bacteria in the higher oxic soil
layers. The high efficiency of
methanogens proves to be problematic for methanotrophs, as the amounts
of methane are too large and are produced too fast to be completely “used up”. Consequently, the excess methane unused by
methanotrophs is released directly into the atmosphere, further enhancing the
effects of global warming.
In opposition to methanogens, methanotrophic
bacteria, a separate type of soil microorganism, function in the reduction of
methane emissions. Methanotrophic
bacteria are able to use the methane produced by methanogens to carry out
oxidation reactions in the presence of oxygen.
The consequence of methane regulation by methanotrophic bacteria
includes a higher amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere, worsening
the amounts of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and assisting in global
warming.
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