Anaerobic short-chain gaseous alkane oxidation coupled to nitrate reduction (2025-2027)
Abstract
This project aims to perform a systematic investigation of the novel microbial processes of nitrate-dependent anaerobic oxidation of short-chain gaseous alkanes (SCGAs, including ethane, propane and butane). These processes are suggested to be major sinks for SCGAs, which are potent gases impacting global air quality and tropospheric chemistry. By characterising ecophysiology of discovered microbes, identifying new microbes and deciphering their metabolic pathways, this project expects to provide new knowledge on undiscovered microorganisms and undescribed links between global SCGA and nitrogen cycles. It will also contribute significantly to our capability to more reliably predict the global SCGA emissions in a changing climate.
