Methane Cycle in Subsurface Environment: A Review of Microbial Processes

Jiahui Wang; Xiangwu Yao; Hailiang Xu; Honghai Lou; Baolan Hu

doi:10.1016/j.envres.2024.120404

Methane Cycle in Subsurface Environment: A Review of Microbial Processes

Environ Res. 2024 Nov 21:120404. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.120404. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Jiahui Wang¹, Xiangwu Yao², Hailiang Xu³, Honghai Lou³, Baolan Hu⁴

Affiliations

¹ Key Laboratory of Environment Remediation and Ecological Health, Ministry of Education, College of Environmental Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China; Department of Environmental Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
² Key Laboratory of Environment Remediation and Ecological Health, Ministry of Education, College of Environmental Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China; Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory for Water Pollution Control and Environmental Safety, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Department of Environmental Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
³ Zhejiang HI-TECH Environmental Technology Co., Ltd.
⁴ Key Laboratory of Environment Remediation and Ecological Health, Ministry of Education, College of Environmental Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China; Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory for Water Pollution Control and Environmental Safety, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Department of Environmental Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China. Electronic address: blhu@zju.edu.cn.

PMID: 39579853
DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.120404

Abstract

Methane is a pivotal component of the global carbon cycle. It acts both as a potent greenhouse gas and a vital energy source. While the microbial cycling of methane in subsurface environments is crucial, its impact on geological settings and related engineering projects is often underestimated. This review uniquely integrates the latest findings on methane production, oxidation, and migration processes in strata, revealing novel microbial mechanisms and their implications for environmental sustainability. We address critical issues of methane leakage and engineering safety during resource extraction, underscoring the urgent need for effective methane management strategies. This work clarifies geological factors affecting methane budgets and emissions, deepening our understanding of methane dynamics. It offers practical insights for geological engineering and sustainable natural gas hydrate exploration, paving the way for future research and applications.

Keywords: Methanogens; Methanotrophs; Shallow Gas; Strata; Subsurface Environment.

Publication types

Review