Shifts in methanogenic community composition and methane fluxes along the degradation of discontinuous permafrost.

ABSTRACT: The response of methanogens to thawing permafrost is an important factor for the global greenhouse gas budget. We tracked methanogenic community structure, activity, and abundance along the degradation of sub-Arctic palsa peatland permafrost. We observed the development of pronounced methane production, release, and abundance of functional (mcrA) methanogenic gene numbers following the transitions from permafrost (palsa) to thaw pond structures. This was associated with the establishment of a methanogenic community consisting both of hydrogenotrophic (Methanobacterium, Methanocellales), and potential acetoclastic (Methanosarcina) members and their activity. While peat bog development was not reflected in significant changes of mcrA copy numbers, potential methane production, and rates of m

SUBMITTER: Liebner S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4428212 | biostudies-literature | 2015

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature