Question

Explain how and why freshwater wetlands produce methane but can be either sources of or sinks for carbon. (word limit 150)

Please type the answer, thank you.

Answer 1

Ans. Wetlands are the sinks for carbon and sources for carbon dioxide and methane. The wetland is inhabited by a number of plants and animals. Due to the water logging conditions, there is anaerobic condition leads to the formation of methane. Here the decomposition of the carbon laden matter is also very slow. The presence of anaerobic microbes leads to the consumption of oxygen thus enhancing the reduction of oxygen levels even more. This leads to increased fermentation, a by product of which is methane.

The variety of plants present in the wetlands take up carbon dioxide and thus are sinks of carbon. They utilize the carbon dioxide and take part in photosynthesis. Moreover the microorganisms present in the wetlands take up the oxygen liberated due to photosynthesis and breakdown the organic matter, very slowly.