This study aims to confirm that methanotrophic bacteria can simultaneously consume two greenhouse gases, methane and nitrous oxide in CoMetNit process, and that CoMetNit occurs widely in different ecosystems. CoMetNit will be detected and measured in experiments with environmental samples and methanotrophs isolated from the environment. The study will use modern 13C- and 15N-stable isotope techniques and molecular biological study methods. The global distribution of CoMetNit activity will be studied via analysis of nucleotide and protein databases. The results will change the prevailing scientific understanding on the consumers of methane and nitrous oxide and they can be used in predicting the effect of global change on greenhouse gas consumption capacity of ecosystems. CoMetNit has also significant biotechnological potential in decreasing the anthropogenic emissions of methane and nitrous oxide and in converting them into valuable bioproducts.

2025

2029