Methanotrophs and Their Significance
1. Introduction
- Novel Research: Agharkar Research Institute has identified and cultured India’s first indigenous methanotrophs, named Methylocucumis oryzae.
- Common Name: The novel genus has been referred to as ‘methane eating cucumbers’.
2. About Methanotrophs
- Definition: Methanotrophs are methane-utilizing bacteria that oxidize methane to build up their biomass.
- Habitats:
- Wetlands
- Rice fields
- Ponds
- Other water bodies
- Biofiltering Mechanism:
- Anaerobic Environments: Methanotrophs oxidize methane produced in environments without oxygen.
- Aerobic Conditions: They also oxidize atmospheric methane when oxygen is present in soils.
3. Significance
- Global Warming Mitigation:
- Methane Reduction: These bacteria play a crucial role in reducing methane concentrations in both soil and the atmosphere.
- Climate Change: By mitigating methane, which is a potent greenhouse gas, methanotrophs contribute to climate change mitigation efforts.
