International Journal of Marine Science, 2024, Vol.14, No.5, 312-320 http://www.aquapublisher.com/index.php/ijms 318 sources and sinks in unstable sediments. Furthermore, the integration of isotopic data into these models helps in understanding the isotopic fractionation during microbial carbon metabolism, as demonstrated by the research on the isotopic composition of dissolved inorganic carbon and methane in marine porewater (Meister et al., 2019). These advancements in modeling are essential for predicting the impacts of environmental changes on methane fluxes and for developing strategies to mitigate methane emissions. 8 Conclusion The research on microbial metabolism and methane flux in marine sediments and water columns has revealed several critical insights. Methanotrophic microorganisms, particularly from the families Methylococcaceae and Methylophilaceae, play a significant role in mitigating methane emissions by oxidizing methane at the sediment-water interface. In coastal sediments, sulfate-dependent anaerobic oxidation of methane (S-AOM) by consortia of anaerobic methane-oxidizing archaea (ANME) and sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) is a major process, although alternative electron acceptors like metal oxides or nitrate can also drive anaerobic oxidation of methane (AOM). High methane oxidation rates have been observed in both sediment and water columns, with notable contributions from aerobic methanotrophs in the water column. Additionally, dynamic modeling approaches have been developed to predict microbial methane generation and consumption, providing robust tools for carbon budget estimation in marine sediments. The interplay between microbial activity and climate change is crucial, as increased methane emissions from marine systems could induce further climate change, creating a positive feedback loop. Future research should focus on several key areas to enhance our understanding of methane cycling in marine environments. First, there is a need for more detailed studies on the factors controlling methane emissions from coastal sediments, particularly in eutrophic areas where organic matter inputs and oxygen availability can significantly influence methane cycling. Additionally, the role of alternative electron acceptors in AOM and the specific microorganisms involved require further exploration. Long-term studies on the response of microbial communities to changes in methane and sulfate supplies are also essential, as current research suggests that active anaerobic methanotrophic populations may take years to develop. Moreover, the development and application of advanced modeling approaches to simulate methane processes in extreme marine environments, such as mud volcanic eruptions and hydrate leakage, are critical for accurate predictions of methane emissions. Marine methane plays a dual role in the context of climate change. On one hand, methane emissions from marine sediments and water columns contribute to global warming due to methane's potency as a greenhouse gas. On the other hand, microbial communities in marine environments act as significant methane filters, mitigating the release of methane to the atmosphere. The efficiency of these microbial filters, particularly in the face of climate change and anthropogenic impacts, is a crucial area of study. Understanding the balance between methane production and consumption under future climate scenarios is essential for predicting the role of marine methane in global climate feedbacks. Enhanced knowledge of microbial pathways and geochemical processes will lead to more accurate predictions of methane emissions and help develop strategies to mitigate the impact of methane on climate change. Acknowledgments The authors are deeply grateful to Researcher Rudi Mai of the Hainan Institute of Tropical Agricultural Resources for his meticulous review of the manuscript draft and valuable suggestions for improvement. We would also like to extend our thanks to Dr. Haimei Wang of the Hainan Institute of Biotechnology for providing essential information and contributing to insightful discussions that greatly benefited this research. Conflict of Interest Disclosure The authors affirm that this research was conducted without any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest. References Arnold W., Taylor M., Bradford M., Raymond P., and Peccia J., 2023, Microbial activity contributes to spatial heterogeneity of wetland methane fluxes, Microbiology Spectrum, 11: e02714-23. https://doi.org/10.1128/spectrum.02714-23
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ4ODYzNA==