Methanotrophs

Methanotrophs 

• Sometimes called methanophiles 

• Prokaryotes: either bacteria or archaea

• They metabolize methane as their source of carbon and chemical energy

• They can grow aerobically or anaerobically and require single-carbon compounds to survive.

Environment

• Common in or near environments where methane is produced, although some methanotrophs can oxidize atmospheric methane

• Habitats include wetlands, soils, marshes, rice paddies, landfills, aquatic systems (lakes, oceans, streams)

• They are of special interest to researchers studying global warming, as they play a significant role in the global methane budget by reducing the amount of methane emitted to the atmosphere