Vertical methanogenic activity from rice soils : a substrate-based study | |
| Author | Salai Ye Yint Aung |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no.EV-24-10 |
| Subject(s) | Methane Rice--Soils Microbial ecology |
| Note | A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Environmental Engineering and Management |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Abstract | Climate change, characterized by long-term variations in temperature and weather patterns, is primarily driven by greenhouse gas (GHGs) emissions, including carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O). These gases, released through natural processes and anthropogenic activities such as fossil fuel combustion, agriculture, and land use changes, trap solar heat in the atmosphere, leading to global warming and extreme weather events. Modern agricultural practices, while boosting crop yields, contribute significantly to GHGs emissions, particularly N2O from fertilizer use and CH4 from rice paddies. This study focuses on the microbial processes influencing CH4 emissions in rice paddies, a notable source of GHGs. Specifically, it aims to determine the activities of methanogenic archaea in rice soil under controlled laboratory conditions across different soil depths. Rice paddies create anoxic conditions conducive to CH4 production by methanogenic archaea, which use substrates like CO2, H2 and acetate compounds for growth and carbon fixation. The study was conducted in Don Raet, a sub-district in the Ratana Buri district of Surin province, Thailand. Methane production rates from rice paddy soil cores at varying depths were measured through sequential point-experiments using laboratory glass bottles. Two sets of methanogenic substrates were used to identify the dominant methanogenic pathways. Methane fluxes from the samples were analyzed using gas chromatography. Results from this research are expected to enhance understanding of CH4 production mechanisms in rice paddies and inform the development of innovative agricultural practices aimed at reducing methane emissions, thereby contributing to global efforts in mitigating climate change while maintaining food security. |
| Year | 2024 |
| Type | Thesis |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development |
| Department | Department of Energy and Climate Change (Former title: Department of Energy, Environment, and Climate Change (DEECC)) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Environmental Engineering and Management (EV) |
| Chairperson(s) | Cruz, Simon Guerrero |
| Examination Committee(s) | Tatchai Pussayanavin |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | AIT Scholarships |
| Degree | Thesis (M. Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2024 |