Effects of temperature, ultraviolet radiation and pectin methyl esterase on aerobic methane release from plant material

D. Bruhn*, T. N. Mikkelsen, J. Øbro, W. G.T. Willats, P. Ambus

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

90 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

This study examines the effects of different irradiance types on aerobic methane (CH4) efflux rates from terrestrial plant material. Furthermore, the role of the enzyme pectin methyl esterase (PME) on CH4 efflux potential was also examined. Different types of plant tissue and purified pectin were incubated in glass vials with different combinations of irradiation and/or temperature. Purified dry pectin was incubated in solution, and with or without PME. Before and after incubation, the concentration of CH4 was measured with a gas chromatograph. Rates of CH4 emission were found to depend exponentially on temperature and linearly on UV-B irradiance. UV-B had a greater stimulating effect than UV-A, while visible light had no effect on emission rates. PME was found to substantially reduce the potential for aerobic CH4 emissions upon demethylation of pectin.

Original languageEnglish
JournalPlant Biology
Volume11
Issue numberSUPPL.1
Pages (from-to)43-48
Number of pages6
ISSN1435-8603
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Nov 2009

Keywords

  • CH
  • Green house gas
  • Pectin methyl esterase
  • Temperature
  • UV irradiation

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