University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU) - Research portal
Gewählte Master / Diploma Thesis:
Gabriela Fernanda Villalba Ayala
(2021):
Spatial and temporal variability of Methanotrophic Bacteria in two Austrian Forest Soils.
Master / Diploma Thesis - Institut für Bodenforschung (IBF),
BOKU-Universität für Bodenkultur,
pp 83.
UB BOKU
obvsg
- Abstract:
- Methane (CH4) is a relevant Greenhouse Gas contributing about 23% to global warming. CH4 uptake by methanotrophic bacteria represents an important biological sink in terrestrial ecosystems where forests are net sinks; however, temporal and spatial conditions can influence methanotrophic bacteria abundance. The main aim of this study was to determine the temporal and spatial variability of methanotrophic bacteria in soils of Rosalia and Klausenleopoldsdorf forests considering two seasons and two soil depths. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and Droplet Digital PCR (ddPCR) methods were applied. CH4 fluxes were measured by automated chambers. PCR conditions results showed that methanotrophic bacteria I and II were below the limit of detection. Additional assays targeting the Upland Soil Cluster alpha (USCα) were performed, confirming their dominance in both forests. USCα was compared between soil depth and seasons and correlated with the measured parameters. Results indicate temporal and spatial variations of USCα abundance in Klausenleopoldsdorf, with a higher abundance in the upper soil layer and in the spring season. Positive correlations of USCα abundance with soil moisture and temperature were found, whereas negative correlations with microbial biomass were detected. A positive strong correlation between USCα abundance and CH4 uptake was observed in Klausenleopoldsdorf, which highlights the relevance of this cluster in CH4 oxidation. Similar results were found in Rosalia, but no statistical significances were visible; besides, USCα abundance showed a correlation only with temperature. Results denote the importance of USCα in CH4 oxidation of forests and reflect that the variability of USCα abundance differs among ecosystems.
- Beurteilende*r: Zechmeister-Boltenstern Sophie
- 1.Mitwirkender: Diaz-Pines Eugenio