[Methanotrophs bacteria in special environment: A review.]

Abstract

Methanotrophs are important and unique prokaryotes widely distributed in the nature. They can oxidize methane and live at a moderate temperature in the conditions withpH=7. In addition, many methanotrophs have been isolated from various special conditions within a wide range of pH value and temperature, including acid sphagnum moss wetlands, acid forest soils, hot springs and high-temperature geothermal areas near volcanic craters, soda-saline lakes, and marine sediments. Here, we introduced the classification, properties and influencing factors of methanotrophs in these special conditions, and reviewed relevant technological researches and engineering applications, with the aim to facilitate further studies of natural biodiversity as well as global carbon and hydrogen cycles.