Microbial driven methane emission mechanisms in wetland ecosystems

Abstract:

Wetland is one of the largest carbon sink among all terrestrial ecosystems, and regarded as the main emission source of methane (CH₄) in the atmosphere. As CH₄ has 34 times warming potential of carbon dioxide (CO₂)per mole, it is of great importance to study the contribution of wetland as carbon sink or carbon source to global climate change. Totally, 80% to 90% of CH₄ emissions come from microbial activity, and CH₄ flux in wetland is closely related to microbial composition, abundance and function of methanogens and methanotrophs. However, the studies on the effects and mechanisms of the functional microorganisms that control CH₄ cycling in wetland ecosystem is relatively decentralized. To better understand the microbial regulation mechanism of CH₄ emission process, we provide an overview of microbial community associated to CH₄ cycling, the factors influencing the microbial methane emission activity, and the microbial methane emission mechanisms in wetland ecosystem. Besides, we indicate further research needs on microbial-driven CH₄ emission and their potential response to climate change.