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River bacteria consume methane but fall short as global warming boosts emissions

River bacteria consume methane but fall short as global warming boosts emissions
Phys.org Friday 17 July 2026, 18:00 UTC 1 min read
Key Points

Alberto Borges, oceanographer at the University of Liège, has conducted a comparative study in Belgium and Africa on the microbial oxidation of methane in rivers, a natural process in which certain bacteria consume this powerful greenhouse gas before it is released into the atmosphere. His research reveals that this biological filter, which is more active in African rivers than in Belgian rivers, remains insufficient to offset the rise in methane emissions expected because of global warming...

Alberto Borges, oceanographer at the University of Liège, has conducted a comparative study in Belgium and Africa on the microbial oxidation of methane in rivers, a natural process in which certain bacteria consume this powerful greenhouse gas before it is released into the atmosphere. His research reveals that this biological filter, which is more active in African rivers than in Belgian rivers, remains insufficient to offset the rise in methane emissions expected because of global warming and nitrate pollution.
Alberto Borges (PERSON) the University of Liège (ORG) Belgium (LOCATION) Africa (LOCATION) African (ORG) Belgian (ORG)
Originally published by Phys.org Read original →

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