Ma. Epp et Jp. Chanton, RHIZOSPHERIC METHANE OXIDATION DETERMINED VIA THE METHYL-FLUORIDE INHIBITION TECHNIQUE, JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-ATMOSPHERES, 98(D10), 1993, pp. 18413-18422
Methane oxidation rates in the rhizosphere of aquatic macrophytes were
quantified by development of a technique employing a recently describ
ed inhibitor of methane oxidation, methyl fluoride. Unlike other inhib
itors, methyl fluoride appears to be nontoxic to the plants, allowing
them to act as natural conduits, transporting the inhibitor from the h
eadspace to the rhizosphere. Increases in methane emissions were recor
ded after closed chamber methyl fluoride incubations, primarily in gre
enhouse (Pontederia cordata and Sagittaria lancifolia) experiments wit
h some preliminary outdoor and field (Oryza sativa and Typha latifolia
) data. Comparison of emissions before and after incubation indicated
oxidation of 23 to 90% of the methane produced (defined as CH4 emissio
n in the absence of oxidation) in greenhouse studies and 10 to 47% in
field and outdoor studies. A comparison of 1.5 and 3.0% methyl fluorid
e chamber headspace incubations as well as initial dose-response data
indicated that the lower concentration was sufficient to obtain inhibi
tion of methane oxidation in the greenhouse studies without significan
tly affecting methanogenesis. Inhibition was possible with one 16- to
18-hour incubation period. Methyl fluoride within the rhizosphere disa
ppeared after approximately 1 week due to plant ventilation and possib
le bacterial uptake.