Reference
A recent intensive modeling study found that The largest source of methane in the atmosphere is microorganisms, not the burning of fossil fuels.
related facts
- Methane emissions from fossil fuels in 1990 And declined in the mid-2000s And since then it is stable, while Microorganisms are producing more methane.
- At the UN climate talks in 2021, Member countries have committed to reducing gas emissions and slowing the planet's warming. 'Global Methane Pledge' Started.
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methane
- a greenhouse gas: methane carbon dioxide (CO2) is the second most abundant anthropogenic greenhouse gas, but it warms the planet more.
- Over the course of more than a century, methane global warming potential CO2 is 28 times more than And even more in a short period like two decades.
- Its sources: Scientists are increasingly recognizing different sources of methane, most of which fall into two categories: Biogenic and thermogenic.
- Thermogenic: When fossil fuels such as natural gas or oil are extracted from within the Earth's crust, thermogenic methane is released.
- Biogenic: it Methane is produced by microbial action.
- biogenic and thermogenic Both activities produce different isotopes of methane. Tracking isotopes by carbon-13 is one way to track which sources are most active?
- If from a certain level in a group of 1,000 methane molecules There are fewer carbon-13 atoms, so methane one Is from organic source.
- If methane thermogenic sources is derived from, such as from trapped fossil fuels or geological activities, then in 1,000 molecules There will be more carbon-13 atoms.
- of this carbon isotope carbon-13 atoms In 13 nucleons (6 protons + 7 neutrons) Are there.
- biogenic and thermogenic Both activities produce different isotopes of methane. Tracking isotopes by carbon-13 is one way to track which sources are most active?
- action needed: To reduce methane, first of all anthropogenic activities should be controlled.
- in anthropogenic activities Waste and landfills, rice fields, enteric fermentation, oil and gas and coal.
About methane producing bacteria
- Methanogens: Microorganisms that produce methane are archaea (single-celled microorganisms) different from bacteria and eukaryotes and are called methanogens.
- Survival Situation: They Thrive in an environment lacking oxygen, Such as the digestive systems of animals, wetlands, rice fields, landfills and sediments of lakes and oceans.
- Significance: Methanogens convert organic matter into methane. Play an important role in the global carbon cycle.
- Although methane is a potent greenhouse gas, its production by methanogens An essential part of the natural ecosystem.
- But human activities like agriculture, dairy farming and fossil fuel production have further increased methane emissions.
- Although methane is a potent greenhouse gas, its production by methanogens An essential part of the natural ecosystem.