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Science 23 March 1979:
Vol. 203. no. 4386, pp. 1253 - 1255
DOI: 10.1126/science.203.4386.1253
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Articles

Methane Efflux from Lake Sediments Through Water Lilies

J. W. H. DACEY 1 and M. J. KLUG 1

1 W. K. Kellogg Biological Station, Michigan State University, Hickory Corners 49060

During winter, when water lilies have no surface leaves, the gases in the rhizome lacunae approach equilibrium with the gases of the sediment water. The resulting increase of internal pressure is manifested by the sustained streams of bubbles (up to 37 percent methane and 6 percent carbon dioxide) that escape when emerging leaves are torn in the spring. Methane continues to enter the roots and rhizome during summer, rapidly moves up the petioles, and passes out through the emergent leaves into the atmosphere.

Submitted on November 13, 1978


THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN CITED BY OTHER ARTICLES:
Seasonal and Diurnal Methane Emissions From a Landfill and Their Regulation By Methane Oxidation.
G. Borjesson and B. H. Svensson (1997)
Waste Management Research 15, 33-54
   Abstract »    PDF »
Internal Winds in Water Lilies: An Adaptation for Life in Anaerobic Sediments.
J. W. H. DACEY (1980)
Science 210, 1017-1019
   Abstract »    PDF »


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Science. ISSN 0036-8075 (print), 1095-9203 (online)