Lignin and the monophenols that constitute this polymer promote methane production in anoxic ecosystems, contributing an estimated 1.2–14.2% of methane emissions in peatland. The methoxy group can be directly converted to methane by methanogens. Consequently, increased lignin input to peatland from shrub encroachment would release more methane than previously thought.
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This is a summary of: Liu, T. et al. Methane production from lignin in anoxic peatland. Nat. Geosci. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41561-025-01758-5 (2025).
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Lignin is an overlooked methane source in anoxic ecosystems. Nat. Geosci. 18, 821–822 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41561-025-01767-4
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41561-025-01767-4
