Termites: A Potentially Large Source of Atmospheric Methane, Carbon Dioxide, and Molecular Hydrogen

作者：Patrick R. ZIMMERMAN, James P. Greenberg, Shem Oyoo Wandiga, Paul J. Crutzen · 发表于：Science · 年份：1982 · DOI：10.1126/science.218.4572.563 · 被引用次数：276 · 研究领域：Insect and Arachnid Ecology and Behavior、Atmospheric chemistry and aerosols、Isotope Analysis in Ecology

Termites may emit large quantities of methane, carbon dioxide, and molecular hydrogen into the atmosphere. Global annual emissions calculated from laboratory measurements could reach 1.5 x 10(14) grams of methane and 5 x 10(16) grams of carbon dioxide. As much as 2 x 10(14) grams of molecular hydrogen may also be produced. Field measurements of methane emissions from two termite nests in Guatemala corroborated the laboratory results. The largest emissions should occur in tropical areas disturbed by human activities.