Methane cycle in subsurface environment: A review of microbial processes.

Area of Science:

• Geosciences
• Environmental Science
• Microbiology

Background:

• Methane is a critical greenhouse gas and energy source in the global carbon cycle.
• Microbial methane cycling in subsurface environments significantly influences geological processes and engineering projects.
• The impact of subsurface methane dynamics on geological settings and engineering is frequently underestimated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and integrate recent findings on microbial methane production, oxidation, and migration in strata.
• To highlight novel microbial mechanisms and their implications for environmental sustainability.
• To address methane leakage and engineering safety concerns in resource extraction.

Main Methods:

• Literature review integrating the latest research on microbial methane cycling.
• Analysis of geological factors influencing methane budgets and emissions.
• Synthesis of findings on methane migration and microbial roles in subsurface environments.

Main Results:

• Identification of novel microbial mechanisms driving methane production, oxidation, and migration.
• Clarification of geological factors affecting methane budgets and emissions.
• Demonstration of the critical role of microbial methane cycling in environmental sustainability.

Conclusions:

• Effective methane management strategies are urgently needed for environmental sustainability and engineering safety.
• A deeper understanding of methane dynamics in geological settings is essential.
• This review provides practical insights for geological engineering and sustainable natural gas hydrate exploration.