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Field‐scale tracking of active methane‐oxidizing communities in a landfill cover soil reveals spatial and seasonal variability
Author(s) -
Henneberger Ruth,
Chiri Eleonora,
Bodelier Paul E. L.,
Frenzel Peter,
Lüke Claudia,
Schroth Martin H.
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
environmental microbiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.954
H-Index - 188
eISSN - 1462-2920
pISSN - 1462-2912
DOI - 10.1111/1462-2920.12617
Subject(s) - biology , scale (ratio) , oxidizing agent , methane , cover (algebra) , tracking (education) , field (mathematics) , land cover , spatial variability , ecology , atmospheric sciences , land use , cartography , statistics , chemistry , mathematics , mechanical engineering , psychology , pedagogy , organic chemistry , geology , pure mathematics , engineering , geography
Summary Aerobic methane‐oxidizing bacteria ( MOB ) in soils mitigate methane ( CH 4 ) emissions. We assessed spatial and seasonal differences in active MOB communities in a landfill cover soil characterized by highly variable environmental conditions. Field‐based measurements of CH 4 oxidation activity and stable‐isotope probing of polar lipid‐derived fatty acids ( PLFA‐SIP ) were complemented by microarray analysis of pmoA genes and transcripts, linking diversity and function at the field scale. In situ CH 4 oxidation rates varied between sites and were generally one order of magnitude lower in winter compared with summer. Results from PLFA‐SIP and pmoA transcripts were largely congruent, revealing distinct spatial and seasonal clustering. Overall, active MOB communities were highly diverse. Type Ia MOB , specifically M ethylomonas and M ethylobacter , were key drivers for CH 4 oxidation, particularly at a high‐activity site. Type II MOB were mainly active at a site showing substantial fluctuations in CH 4 loading and soil moisture content. Notably, U pland S oil C luster‐gamma‐related pmoA transcripts were also detected, indicating concurrent oxidation of atmospheric CH 4 . Spatial separation was less distinct in winter, with M ethylobacter and uncultured MOB mediating CH 4 oxidation. We propose that high diversity of active MOB communities in this soil is promoted by high variability in environmental conditions, facilitating substantial removal of CH 4 generated in the waste body.