How Termites Produce Methane
WouterAre termites a significant contributor to the atmospheric greenhouse gases? Scientists have recently studied how termites produce methane, a potent greenhouse gas. The amount of methane produced by termites varies among species.
Termites are a major component of the global supply of methane. Some estimates have found that they contribute about one-third to three-quarters of the total methane emissions. However, the long-term importance of termite methane sources may be determined by land-use practices.
Termites live in warm and humid climates. They survive by recycling plant matter. Their life cycles are extremely long. They reproduce at a very high rate. They produce half a microgram of methane a day.
Termites are recognized as ecologists and ecosystem engineers. They recycle wood to make fuel and food. They have a large habitat distribution worldwide. They produce about 20 million tonnes of methane per year. They emit about one-tenth of human carbon emissions.
Scientists have calculated termite methane production rates and methane flux rates. These terms are derived from in situ data of termite mounds. Several factors influence the production of termite methane, including the size and activity of mounds, the species, and the location of the mounds.
Researchers have also conducted in-situ experiments to quantify biogeochemical rates. They found that termites were highly correlated with CH4 oxidation and CO2 flux rates. In particular, methane oxidation rates were dependent on the type of termite species, the size of the mounds, the number of mounds, and the amount of CO2 in the environment.
