Aerobic methane production

Methane

Aerobic methane production is a potential biological pathway for atmospheric methane (CH4) production under oxygenated conditions. The existence of this pathway was first theorized in 2006.[1] While significant evidence suggests the existence of this pathway,[1][2][3][4][5] it remains poorly understood and its existence is controversial.[2][6][7] Naturally occurring methane is mainly produced by the process of methanogenesis, a form of anaerobic respiration used by microorganisms as an energy source.[8] Methanogenesis usually only occurs under anoxic conditions. By contrast, aerobic methane production is thought to occur in oxygenated environments under near-ambient conditions. The process involves non-microbial methane generation from terrestrial plant-matter. Temperature and ultraviolet light are thought to be key factors in this process.[1] Methane may also be produced under aerobic conditions in near-surface ocean water, a process which likely involves the degradation of methylphosphonate.[9]

  1. ^ a b c Keppler, Frank; Hamilton, John T. G.; Braß, Marc; Röckmann, Thomas (12 January 2006). "Methane emissions from terrestrial plants under aerobic conditions". Nature. 439 (7073): 187–191. Bibcode:2006Natur.439..187K. doi:10.1038/nature04420. PMID 16407949. S2CID 2870347.
  2. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference Vigano was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ Cite error: The named reference Keppler2008 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  4. ^ Cite error: The named reference Wang was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  5. ^ Cite error: The named reference Bloom was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  6. ^ Cite error: The named reference Nisbet was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  7. ^ Cite error: The named reference Dueck was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  8. ^ Thauer, R. K. (1998). "Biochemistry of Methanogenesis: a Tribute to Marjory Stephenson". Microbiology. 144 (9): 2377–2406. doi:10.1099/00221287-144-9-2377. PMID 9782487.
  9. ^ Karl, David M.; Beversdorf, Lucas; Björkman, Karin M.; Church, Matthew J.; Martinez, Asuncion; Delong, Edward F. (29 June 2008). "Aerobic production of methane in the sea". Nature Geoscience. 1 (7): 473–478. Bibcode:2008NatGe...1..473K. doi:10.1038/ngeo234.