Enhancement of bacterial methane oxidation by clay minerals

Abstract

METHANE is abundantly liberated by bacteria from the sediments of rivers and lakes1. If methane formation exceeds its solubility in water it is released into the atmosphere2. Several species of bacteria oxidize methane as an energy source, converting it into cellular materials or carbon dioxide gas3. Accumulation of carbon derived from methane is involved in the ageing of lakes because it causes some carbon to be recycled in the aquatic ecosystem rather than lost as gas. How much methane carbon is retained in the ecosystem and how much escapes into the atmosphere depends on conditions in the water. This report describes enhancement of bacterial methane utilization by clay mineral particles in a simulated aquatic ecosystem. © 1972 Nature Publishing Group.