Inhibition of methane consumption in forest soils by monoterpenes

Journal Article · Wed Apr 01 04:00:00 EST 1998 · Journal of Chemical Ecology

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1022398404448· OSTI ID:638298

Amaral, J A; Knowles, R ^[1]

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1. McGill Univ., Ste. Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec (Canada). Dept. of Natural Resource Sciences

Selected monoterpenes were tested for their ability to inhibit atmospheric methane consumption by three forest soils from different vegetation types and by the cultured methanotrophic strain, Methylosinus trichosporium OB3b. Subsurface soil from coniferous (Pinus banksiana), deciduous (Populus tremuloides), and mixed hardwood (Tsuga canadensis and Prunus pensylvanica) stands was used under field-moist and slurry conditions. Most of the hydrocarbon monoterpenes tested significantly inhibited methane consumption by soils at environmentally relevant levels, with ({minus})-{alpha}-pinene being the most effective. With the exception of {beta}-myrcene, monoterpenes also strongly inhibited methane oxidation by Methylosinus trichosporium OB3b. Carbon dioxide production was stimulated in all of the soils by the monoterpenes tested. In one case, methane production was stimulated by ({minus})-{alpha}-pinene in an intact, aerobic core. Oxide and alcohol monoterpenoids stimulated methane production. Thus, monoterpenes appear to be potentially important regulators of methane consumption and carbon metabolism in forest soils.

• OSTI ID: 638298
• Journal Information: Journal of Chemical Ecology, Journal Name: Journal of Chemical Ecology Journal Issue: 4 Vol. 24; ISSN JCECD8; ISSN 0098-0331
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
BIOGEOCHEMISTRY
FORESTS
METHANE
METHANOTROPHIC BACTERIA
SOIL CHEMISTRY
SOILS
TERPENES