Abstract
Termite-derived methane contributes 3-4% to the total methane budget globally.
Termites are not known to harbor methane-oxidizing microorganisms (methanotrophs). However, a considerable fraction of methane produced can be consumed by methanotrophs that inhabit the mound material. Yet, methanotroph ecology in these environments is virtually unknown. Potential for methane oxidation was determined using slurry incubations under high (12 %) and in-situ (~ 0.004%) methane concentrations through a vertical profile of a termite (Macrotermes falciger) mound and a reference soil, respectively. Interestingly, the mound material showed higher methanotrophic activity. Methanotroph community structure was determined by means of a pmoA-based diagnostic microarray. Although methanotrophs in the mound were derived from populations in the reference soil, it appears that termite activity selected for a distinct community. Applying an indicator species analysis revealed that putative atmospheric methane-oxidizers (high indicator value probes specific for JR3 cluster) were indicative for the active nest area, whereas methanotrophs belonging to both type I and II were indicative for the reference soil. We conclude that termites modify their environment resulting in higher methane oxidation, and selecting and/or enriching for a distinct methanotroph population.
| Original language | Dutch |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 7234-7240 |
| Journal | Applied and Environmental Microbiology |
| Volume | 79 |
| Issue number | 23 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2013 |