Long-Term Euxinia Restricts Microbial Methane Removal in Eutrophic Coastal Basins.

ABSTRACT: In eutrophic coastal waters, aerobic methane-oxidizing bacteria (MOB) mitigate methane emissions by oxidizing benthic methane even in the stratified, anoxic water column. However, ongoing warming and eutrophication lead to extended stratification periods, enhancing anoxic and sulfidic conditions (euxinia), potentially affecting methane removal capacity. Here we compared overall water column methane removal between sites with irregular, seasonal and longer-term euxinia in the Stockholm Archipelago during summer 2022. The highest water-air methane emissions, bottom water-methane and sulfide accumulation, and the lowest methane oxidation potential were observed under longer-term euxinic bottom water conditions. While MOB relative abundance and potential activity indicated high functioning of

SUBMITTER: Venetz J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12550815 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature